Safety boots are part of personal protective equipment (PPE) used for foot protection while working in hazardous workplaces. They help prevent injuries on the foot caused by heavy falling and rolling objects, sharp-edged objects, dripping corrosive chemicals etc. In this article, we’ll be discussing the aspects of a good safety boot.
The human foot is the unsung hero to every one of us. It keeps up with the human weight all day plus any other weight carried around. Once the feet are hurt, even in the slightest possible way, like a heel blister or a stubbed toe, it can ruin the day activities with pain and discomfort. To ensure the day runs smooth and reduce the chances of injury, it is advisable to have safety boots on that have the following aspects.
The Upper Part
The upper part, made of a lining and collar and leather material, is stitched in a welt stitching. It also has a soft fabric that feels like wool to give maximum comfort and keep the foot warm in cold weather. The lining is mainly made of leather to offer protection and breathability. The comfort collar comes right above the upper, providing cushioning and extra wool insulation around the ankle.
The Closure
This part consists of the Lacing part that allows you to fasten or loosen with the shoelace made up of either nylon or cotton with different lengths to ensure comfort. The lacing can be done either by Ascending lacing or Descending lacing. The second type is Velcro, a widespread variety of closure systems that can be removed and replaced easily. To fasten, the Velcro strips run through hooks.
Toe Cap/Toe Box
The toe is a very delicate part of the foot, and an injury to the toe can affect productivity. The toe cap is a protective pad that is fitted with a thin piece of a rigid material, mainly steel or alloy, which is fixed between the outer leather part and the wool insulated inner part located just above the toes to offer maximum protection to the toes from rolling heavy materials or sharp-edged falling objects.
Shank
This supportive structure is situated between the outsole and the innersole, just below the foot arch meant to make the boot rigid. It is material can either be steel, fibreglass, hard plastic, or the like. The shank does help to improve the stiffness of the outsole, increasing the stability of the boot. This material is expensive, making safety boots price in Kenya slightly higher.
Outsole
The outsole is the layer found beneath the shoe that makes direct contact with the ground. It acts as the barrier between the environment and your feet made of rubber. Rubber outsoles are ideal for electric hazard areas since they offer resistance to these factors. Those made of TPU are suitable for slippery or greasy grounds since they provide an excellent grip preventing slipping and falling.
Heel caps
These are rubber made placed at the heel area to offer better grip and comfort to the heel and the ankle. It also provides stability, especially while carrying heavy objects, preventing one from hurting the ankle. Also, they help protect the heel from damage by reducing the pressure exerted by the body or object carried around.
Conclusion
Whenever you are looking to buy a safety boot, ensure that you consider the hazards exposed at work. Get a safety booth that does offer maximum safety. Also, ensure it is flexible, comfortable and gives your feet maximum aeration to keep your feet dry and odour-free. Also, ensure it is durable to serve you well and longer.
