When people hear of work boots, the first thought that comes into their minds is usually something rugged, heavy and ugly. While the first two specifications are true, nowhere is it written that a work boot has to be ugly.
Yes, we know that style and work boot are two expressions that are not usually found together in the same sentence, but this does not necessarily have to be so. In this article, we will be looking at a few examples of boots that offer both style and safety.
What is a Work Boot?
Here’s something we must get in the clear from the on-set; work boots are not fashion boots. They are footwear designed to provide protection for workers in certain conditions as stipulated by the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Interestingly, as we can see here, these footwear are also referred to as safety boots, safety shoes and steel-capped boots. They all have specifications which include reinforced toes (using steel, aluminum and composite material), protective metatarsals and protective soles and midsoles.
Is Style Important?
As it directly relates to work and the welfare of the worker, the stylishness of a work boot is not critical. However, as it relates with the “feel good factor” and confidence of the worker, style can be very important.
Who says a worker cannot and should not look nice in their work outfit? In fact, since having a stylish outfit does not take away from the efficiency of a worker, (if anything it adds to it) manufacturers of these footwear should indeed be encouraged to make their products more fashionable.
Let us look at some examples of stylish waterproof construction work boots for sale. Though they are called construction boots, they will fit perfectly in many other demanding work environments.
Examples of High Quality, Stylish and Rugged Men’s Boot
Here are a few top quality construction footwear that offer both style and safety.
Tank by Ever Boot
The name says it all. The footwear is built like a tank to withstand the most rigorous work environment. Despite this, it still offers a lot of style. It is made with premium leather felt and features a Goodyear welt construction.
This product offers a mix of quality, style and affordability.
Red Wing Heritage 875
This simply speaks class. You could almost wear this with your tuxedo. You will never guess how sturdy and rugged this boot is simply by looking at how stylish it is.
It is made with top quality, water repellent leather, inner lining that helps keep the feet dry, a leather foot bed mold that improves easy fit and comfort and an outsole that further enhances comfort while providing protection.
Did you want style? This is it but you should be willing to pay the price as it is quite expensive.
Chippewa Service Boot
This is one lovely piece of work. The upper is made of genuine leather while the outsole is made of top quality rubber. These ensure proper external protection.
Inside, the wearer enjoys enhanced comfort and a solid fit thanks to a combination of the inner leather lining and the foot bed that is contoured to provide a perfect receptacle for the soles of the feet.
If your job site is not too hazardous and you can afford the price tag, then go for this.
Ultra Dry by Ever Boot
There are some work environments that are just the worst. Aside from the safety hazards, you also have to deal with water everywhere, leaving your feet moist. Well, this boot makes all that a thing of the past and it does that stylishly too.
It is made from full grain waterproof leather and constructed using the direct attachment method. This is what ensures that there are no leaks between the sole and the upper since there are no seams.
For all its sturdiness, it is flexible, lightweight and stylish. Best of all, it is really affordable.
These are just very few examples from so many options. You can explore further to find the boots that offer you the best combo of value and style.
Conclusion
With all the talk about style, we must never forget the primary function of the safety footwear. Both employers and employees are tasked with ensuring strict adherence to the guidelines set forth by relevant regulatory bodies. Employers especially must understand that they can be fined very heavily for non-compliance. You can see details here: https://ohsonline.com/articles/2018/04/01/a-guide-to-safety-footwear-regulations.aspx.
To avoid the fines that non-compliance attracts, some of which run into tens of thousands of dollars and more, take necessary steps to ensure your employees have the right footwear. This may mean getting it for them.
As you go about getting these footwear for your employees to ensure their safety, remember that you can do so without compromising on style.