Heavy and pointy objects, electrical hazards, greasy surfaces, a frosty change in room temperature, etc. If you work in an environment where hazards like these abound, then you know that hard hats and goggles aren’t all the protective gears you need. Your feet need protection too! You need to purchase safety footwear to protect them. So, it’s not out of place if you are wondering which safety shoes are the most comfortable.
When safety shoes come to mind, we immediately think of heavy and ugly industrial and construction boots. Don’t your toes ache at the mere thoughts of such boots? You don’t need to trade comfort for protection; you can have the best of both worlds!
Are you confused about close-to-perfect safety shoes that offer both protection and comfort for use in your workplace? And are you wondering about “which safety shoes are the most comfortable?” Well wonder no more, we’ve got you covered!
What Makes a Pair of Safety Shoes Comfortable?
There are varying opinions about what comfort entails and we have ours too. Generally, a pair of comfortable safety shoes should have the following features:
Lightweight and Flexibility
The weight of a safety shoe is of utmost importance in a workplace environment, especially if a lot of walking and heavy lifting is involved. No one wants to get dragged by some shoes when there’s so much work to be done. Your safety shoes need to be light and flexible. Many safety shoes are made with aluminum, steel, or Kevlar mid-soles for flexibility and even protection from puncture.
Comfort
Cliché, right? Well, comfort cannot be stressed enough. Everyone has at one time or the other gotten an amazing shoe that they only got to wear once because of “discomfort”. You really don’t want that with your safety shoes. Your feet bear a major burden of a stressful work day; you can’t add squashed toes to that. Toe lives matter! Poorly fitting safety shoes cause harm to your feet, avoid them!
Thermal Insulation
Imagine a day with extremely hot or cold temperatures. The gods that control the weather make no exceptions, you know? If your feet aren’t suitably insulated, they could end up sore, sweaty and smelly, or even frozen. These could cause discomfort, pain, and a number of other complications. Your safety shoes should provide good insulation and let your feet breathe too. Safety shoes made with fibre and rubber offer this sort of protection.
Strength and Durability
Safety shoes should be sturdy, resilient, and durable. You wouldn’t want to get a perfect shoe that lasts only a week. Ensure that the safety shoes you buy are made of the best materials. Your safety shoes need proper care and storage to ensure a longer lifespan. Shoe Zone has this guide on how to clean your safety shoes.
Most importantly, safety shoes should be tailored to fit your workplace. Wearing the wrong safety shoe can be as bad as wearing none.
NOTE: All safety shoes are regulated by the EN ISO 20345 standard.
Some of the Most Comfortable Safety Shoes
Keen Utility Atlanta Steel Toe Work Shoe
This steel-toed work shoe occupies the #1 spot on a number of lists. It is lightweight, comfortably padded, and will protect your feet while working. These shoes have an asymmetrical steel toe that protects your feet from heavy falling objects.
They are quite similar to a pair of sneakers with a hiking boot design. The footbed design and support mechanism provide arch support to balance the feet. These shoes can endure a lot of hazards including oil spills, and pointed objects.
However, these shoes can be awkward to drive in and the laces get loosened quite easily.
Timberland Pro Mudsill Low Steel Toe Lace Up
Timberland is a popular brand. Their top-notch excellent quality in footwear can’t be ignored. This pair of safety shoes do not seem to be an exception.
This shoe has high traction, an oil-resistant rubber sole, and shock-dissipating insole technology. It is built to withstand rough and tough tasks. It has a solid steel toe and the abrasion-resistant material is a good protector against electric shocks and other potential electrical hazards.
More so, these shoes hold up quite well and are comfortable even when worn for long periods during long work shifts. The fit is model and extremely lightweight even with the steel toe offering good arch support and resilient construction.
However, it is only resistant to water and not great in cold weather.
Reebok Work Men’s Soyay Skate Style Safety Shoe
Reebok is also another household name when it comes to top-notch footwear. Athletic stars can attest to this.
This pair of safety shoes has a sturdy steel toe built into them and sufficient protection against electrical hazards from charged wires and circuits. Also, the nylon mesh lining allows your feet to breathe when close to furnaces and the like by maximizing the airflow to keep the feet cool and dry.
The high-traction rubber and EVA-cushioned outsole maintain balance and comfort. They are resistant to heat, oil spills, chemicals, and so on.
However, they are not waterproof and are quite heavy.
Sketchers Men’s Work Relaxed Fit Como Toe
This gives the combination of sporty and comfortable. The relaxed fit design makes one’s feet comfortable in a generous space. Its midsole is shock absorbing and it is resistant to slippery and oily floors. This is due to its rubber high traction outsole.
The tread enhances grip and causes you not to fall when pulling something heavy. It is lightweight, has super strength, and is resilient.
However, it is not waterproof and does not have sturdy heel support.
Timberland Pro Alloy Toe Industrial and Construction Shoe
This is for industrial and construction workers. It is also good for various outdoor work such as lawn mowing, landscape work, and the like.
It is flexible and has lightweight protection. The fiberglass rod offers structural support and it is abrasion resistant. The feet have support to cushion them against foot fatigue. There is a refuge from conductive substances and other electrical hazards.
However, the insoles could be improved and the shoes are not waterproof.
Conclusion
Do not settle for less when purchasing comfortable safety shoes or your feet will pay the price (pun intended). These numerous protection features are now common in most safety shoes which provide vital benefits for your workplace. An investment in safety shoes is a good investment.