subject: Important Aspects Of A Work Boot For Comfort And Protection [print this page] Professionals might need to spend hours in a work boot. In some cases, it could even be days. In such scenarios, it is important that these boots not only provide protection to the feet but also comfort, so that the feet can actually last long hours inside the boots. Whether it is chemical industries, oil rigs, military wear or hiking pairs, high quality work boots need to offer maximum comfort and protection to the feet through a combination of several different features. For example, a good pair of boots should be lightweight in spite of all the protection to the feet. This is important considering that every extra ounce on the boot could translate to hundreds of pounds of extra weight carried by you all through the day and during subsequent days.
A lightweight work boot keeps the feet fresh and free of stress and strain after long missions. It is therefore important for boots to have functional integrity and endurance while keeping the weight as low as possible. So, while looking for features it is also important to compare the weight of different work boots across various brands. Along with the weight, the midsole and outsole of the boot are also integral aspects. While the outsole needs to be tailored for the kind of surface on which you would be operating, the midsole should be customized for protection to the heels and to reduce the magnitude of stress and shock that the heels are pounded with, throughout the day. A very good solution is offered by compression molded EVA midsole which comes with a 1 inch thick closed cell that is injected with foam under pressure for durability and shock absorption.
Outsoles of the work boot too need to be designed based on whether the surfaces are muddy or slippery, icy or rocky, abrasive or moist. Generally rubber outsoles are used for traction on all kinds of surfaces. Some boots also have a phenomenal lasting board, intelligently sandwiched in the form of a steel shank for support to the arch of the feet. Contour molded orthotic fit provides excellent protection to the feet on uneven and hard surfaces, where the feet go through a lot of grind. The uppers of the boots are also important considering that they determine the breathability of the boots to a great extent.
A work boot usually has uppers made of suede or full grain leather. In some cases, nylon or Cordura is used as well, based on the properties required. The uppers, like the outsoles, should be abrasion and rip resistant especially when operating in tough environmental conditions. At the same time, it is critical that these boots allow the free movement of breeze that removes sweat and keeps the feet fresh. The endurance of the boots, the material used for zippers and laces and the resilience to wear and tear are some of the other features that need to be taken care of. Good boots for example usually come with speed lacing system and YKK zippers.
