To stay happy in a job that requires a lot of time outdoors, it's important to find foot wear that is comfortable, durable and protective. Boots often serve as the best protectors of feet; here's what you need to know to invest in the right pair for your profession.
Chances are you'll be spending more time in your work boots than any other shoes you own. They are also the most important part of your work wear as you really need to stay comfortable if you find yourself on your feet for hours at a time. A good base to start from is to decide what single feature is most important to you and then look at those categories and see what extra features are offered within them.
There are several categories of work boots to choose from. Steel toe boots have reinforced tips for those who have to work with heavy objects on a daily basis. Waterproof boots are for people who spend a lot of time working outdoors, in the rain. Slip and Oil resistant boots have extra grip for people who work on oily surfaces that can be hazardous. Lastly, Insulated boots are focused on warmth and insulation for really cold climates.
Once you've decided on the type of work boot that is best suited to your line of work, you need to carefully consider the material used. A leather and nylon mesh combination is lighter and more breathable than a solid leather boot. However, the material is less water-resistant than pure leather and is best worn in warmer weather. Waterproof lining can be incorporated into the boots, which will keep them drier in downpours. The advantage of waterproof liners is that they keep water out, but still allow your feet to breathe. While leather is a heavier material, it is also a lot more durable than a leather-combination. If you work in particularly harsh conditions, leather is by far your best choice.
There are three main styles of boot construction, and these all have an effect on the boot's durability. A cement construction is the least reliable, but the cheapest, and modern methods have made them more durable than they were before. Cement construction involves gluing the outsole to the upper part of the boot. The second option, direct attach construction, involves molding the two parts of the boots together, and this is longer lasting than cement construction. Stitch-down construction involves stitching on the sole and so these are the only type that can be re-soled, which means if the soles wear away, you don't necessarily have to buy a new pair.
It may seem obvious, but getting the right size boots is probably more important than anything else. Remember, when you wear your boot you'll probably be wearing thick socks, so you may have to upsize from your usual shoe size. If the boot pinches at all in the first ten minutes, it will feel like a torture implement after ten hours, so keep on looking for the perfect fit.
Lastly, don't neglect the boots once you've bought them. Once you are home, get them clean and dry as soon as possible. Brush mud and dust off them as soon as you come home to keep them going for longer. If you choose the correct boots for your working environment and take care of them properly, they'll protect your feet in difficult conditions.
