Ladies! Good news: there’s never been a better time for quality work boots for women that are designed well AND work well! Because of this trend, manufacturers are beginning to make more work gear designed specifically for women, including work boots. For females who are just getting into these careers, or for those ladies needing to update, here are some things you should look for when purchasing women’s work boots.
Safety
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 2.8 million work-related injuries in 2016. Many of these injuries could have been prevented and mitigated had better equipment been used. As such, boots should be well-constructed to protect the feet and toes from being pinched or crushed. The steel-toed boot is an industry standard, and one excellent example is Skechers for Work Women’s Workshire Peril Steel Toe Boot. In recent years, there has been a movement to make inserts that are more form fitting to the toes and thus more comfortable.
Another important safety feature is the non-skid sole such as the one built into the Forever Women’s Ankle High Combat Hiking Boots. These boots are designed to prevent slips and falls, a major cause of injury in the workplace.
The “one boot fits all” philosophy is now a thing of the past. Boots that are designed for specific work requirements are now becoming popular. Boots with Kevlar laces for firefighters or welders, for example, take safety considerations to an even higher level.
Comfort
Another primary concern when comparing work boots is the comfort. Let’s face it: if you are standing on your feet all day, you shouldn’t need to “tough it out” in uncomfortable boots. You should look for shoes with features that will leave your feet feeling well rested and soothed, even after working long hours in harsh climates.
So what should you look for? One thing is to check if the boot is made from a mold called a “boot last.” If the boot is made specially for a woman’s foot, then it will have a narrower heel and a higher arch; this will provide a better fit overall, which means more comfort.
Materials
Another feature to look for is lightweight material construction, such as Cambridge Select Women’s Work Combat Military Mid-Calf Lug Sole Boot. The boot material is light and comfy and won’t wear out your legs and back after clomping around in twenty pounds of stiff boots.
Another comfortable choice is the Maelstrom Women’s TAC Force 8 Inch Military Tactical Duty Work Boot With Zipper. This boot features breathable material with a moisture-wicking lining that will help keep your feet from getting sweaty during hot work days.
One final consideration is to look for a boot with a cement construction; this means that the sole of the boot is cemented onto the upper part of the boot. This type of structure is lighter than it sounds and actually has some give, but it can provide you with a lot more support when you are standing for long stretches of time. One such boot is the Wolverine Women’s Floodhand Waterproof 6″ Soft Toe Work Boot. Unfortunately, boots with cement construction cannot be re-soled.
If you are in the market for a new pair of work boots, safety and comfort are the two most important features. Taking the time for research before investing in a pair of good boots will lead to excellent long-term results. A great pair of work boots could last you for years!