How to choose work boots?

Work boots are a vital part of personal protective equipment against impact, water and hazardous chemicals. How to choose the right safety footwear and which models are the best - read the article.

The saying "All safety rules are written in blood" means that according to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation Art. 229 after any industrial accident, a special commission is obliged to conduct an inspection with the participation of a labor protection specialist. Legislative norms oblige employers to create safe conditions for the life and health of workers, and workers are obliged to comply with them. Personal protective equipment (PPE) at work from harmful, dangerous and other negative factors includes overalls and footwear.

Manufacturers are obliged to check and indicate the properties and classification of work shoes according to the list of those listed in the Interstate Quality Standard Occupational Safety Standards GOST 12.4.127-83, where there are various physical and mechanical, ergonomic, hygienic indicators: the required thickness and strength of various parts, linear dimensions, permissible operating temperature, permeability of aggressive media and toxic substances, and much more.

Depending on the characteristics of industrial labor, models of various designs are made. The classification of work boots is divided by purpose, season, materials, style and size. According to the season, footwear is divided into summer, demi-season and winter (insulated).

By the method of protection, they are distinguished:

• from blows, cuts and punctures;
• from vibrations;
• from slipping;
• from chemical burns;
• from splashes of molten metal, contact with a hot surface, extremely high or low temperatures;
• from electric shock.

Safety shoes are equipped with various protective pads - with composite or iron toe cap and reinforced shields. Armor with a metal toe and insole has a significant weight (the heaviest of steel) and is not so comfortable to wear, but more reliable with the risk of punctures and impacts with a force of 5 to 200 J.

Interesting! Kirzovye boots are a cheap substitute for natural ones; for a long time the Russian army was equipped with them. After the decree of the Minister of Defense Shoigu, they were replaced with, as expected, more durable leather ankle boots (analogous to the American Corcoran Marauder boots).

However, the servicemen still criticized the domestic products of the manufacturers "Paritet", "Donobuv", "Voentorg" and "Faraday". The sole can be made of rubber, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PU and TPU (polyurethane and heat-resistant PU), strong and resistant to aggressive environments nitrile (synthetic rubber).

According to the size of the bootlegs, they are divided into shoe covers, ankle boots, low shoes, boots, ankle boots and high boots with full ankle protection, which can go straight to the thigh. Fasteners are available with laces or zippers and can be additionally equipped with a protective leather flap and an emergency release system in case of an accident.

In any craft, the correct organization of labor significantly increases its efficiency. In this sense, work shoes of many foreign manufacturers are the best investment, as a guarantee of high efficiency (efficiency) and increasing the potential of specialists, respectively, good business profitability in the future.

American company Red Wing Shoes has been producing excellent leather boots and shoes for everyday and professional use since the early 1900s. With more than a century of experience, she cherishes and develops her skills in the manufacture of handmade shoes.

All the anatomical features of the female foot were taken into account when designing the lasts for women's boots and shoes. For the quality of raw materials "Red Wings" answer themselves, constantly experimenting with the processing of materials and leather dressing, when the sole is worn out, it can be replaced at the factory.

Vintage boots Lone wolf made in Japan on the basis of the US work footwear of the 1930s. Every detail is produced with the utmost care. Japanese models such as Mechanic Boots Black from Lone Wolf are also highly valued.

Timberland is the manufacturer of the famous brand of bright mustard color Yellow Boots. At one time, he made a splash with his then innovative technology of seamless connection of a rubber sole with a leather upper. The triple seam made of nylon thread gave special strength to the structure, so Timberlands became famous for their unique reliability and moisture resistance.

And Italian companies Cofra, Pezzol and Panda Safety - leading European manufacturers of high-tech footwear, insulated and for demi-season, with improved anatomical characteristics, protective composite pads and soles for all types of surfaces and hazardous conditions.

Choosing the right work boots is partly a matter of external preference, but it is equally important to make sure that they are able to perform their immediate functions - to protect their legs from injury. If there is a risk of heavy objects falling onto your leg, choose last with a variety of shields, such as the metatarsal metatarsal guard on the top of the foot. According to the type of material, there are two types of toecap - iron (steel or aluminum) and composite (carbon fiber, plastic or Kevlar).

The size should correspond not only to the insole, but also to the fullness of the leg. Modern manufacturers have learned to make more anatomical, asymmetrical pads that fit the shape of the toes and feet.

Choosing the right shoe for the job is only half the battle! It is equally important to understand when it is time to replace your old safety shoes and take proper care of them in order to extend their lifespan as long as possible. Wear criteria are subjective, but the basic rule is to replace with noticeable damage to the toe, heel and metatarsal protection. For moisture and chemical resistant rubber and PVC footwear, any delamination of materials will be critical.

The same applies to the situation if the tread pattern has worn off, which can become slippery or pass harmful substances inside. You can check the tightness with regular newspaper or a towel.To do this, just shove a dry cloth inside and leave the boots overnight in a container of water, if they remain dry, then everything is in order. Or, conversely, pour water inside the shoe, wash and wrap the outside of a dry boot with newspaper, looking for a leak.

Take care and take care of your shoes... Ideally, you should have two pairs of shoes, because a man's leg can produce up to 200 milliliters of sweat per day, and this is fraught with rapid acidification of the inner lining and insole. Change the insoles occasionally, safety shoes must also be kept clean, which will increase not only their service life, but also your own labor productivity.

How to choose work boots for winter, see below.