When it comes to certain types of jobs, footwear is key. And no, we aren’t talking about business jobs in which you need to look fashionable. Footwear can be about a lot more than looks. In fact, it can save you from serious injury and in some cases even illness. There is a reason why certain jobs require protective footwear, and that reason cannot be ignored. In fact, some companies will not keep employees on if they don’t use the right footwear — and with that being said, you need to make sure that you’re wearing the right shoes for the job, lest you want to risk losing it. Policies like these may seem harsh at first, but they make more sense once you realize how high-risk some jobs are in regard to injury. Still, you don’t have to break the bank when buying good footwear — rather, you just have to look for the right kinds of shoes and be selective about what you buy. Below, we’ll list some of the factors you should keep in mind when buying protective footwear, whether you’re looking for police boots, army authorized boots, or simple work boots. The more you know, the smarter you’ll be as a consumer.
1. Foot Injuries Are Serious Business
Most of the jobs that require specialized tactical boots require employees to, at the very least, spend a good amount of time on their feet. They also may work in environments in which injuries can occur. Police boots, for example, may be required in order to avoid injury to the officers’ feet as they investigate areas with shaky foundations. Waterproof boots may be ideal for people who work in wet environments — whether they’re work outdoors, or inside a damp manufacturing plant. You may be wondering about how much of a difference boots can make in preventing injury. However, it’s estimated that only 23% of workers with foot injuries were wearing their safety boots. Of those who were injured while wearing safety boots, 85% were hit in the less protected areas of the boot. A good pair of boots can prevent a number of injuries. Steel toe boots can prevent your toes from being crushed under heavy object, while high traction work boots can prevent you from slipping. Good police boots often combine some of these elements to offer officers the best protection possible on several levels.
2. Look For Waterproof Boots
There’s a reason why many different types of heavy duty boots are waterproof. It’s not just about the durability of the boots, though this is definitely a factor. Waterproof boots will likely last longer, because they’re meant to be impermeable. This protection means that the boots are less likely to suffer water damage and fall apart. If you’re working a job in which you’re in motion for most of the day, you can perspire in your shoes, creating up to 200 ml of moisture per day. These moisture, combined with environmental dampness and the warmth created in your shoes, can cause infections. These infections are often just irritating, but they can get out of hand, especially if your feet have open wounds of some kind. Even if these wounds are tiny, the infection can seep into your bloodstream and make you seriously ill. The point is — the drier your boots, the better. It can make a big difference in the long term — and the long term is what you should have in mind when buying your boots.
3. Heavy Duty Boots Are Investments
Heavy duty boots — including police boots — can be seemingly expensive. But when you consider what they prevent, as well as how long they’ll last, you’re getting a deal. It’s estimated that by reducing accidents by 10%, we can save $60,000 annually. In other words, accidents cost a lot of money — and they’ll cost you if you’re the one in an accident. You’re not just keeping yourself safe; you’re keeping yourself from paying thousands in future medical bills.
