Time for new safety footwear? 4 wear & tear issues that compromise safety and comfort.

Imagine getting ready for work each day, putting on your safety shoes or work boots, and not realizing that your feet aren’t properly protected. This is what happens when you are unaware of the impact of wear and tear on your safety footwear. 

Safety footwear is designed to protect workers’ feet from injury, and provide comfort throughout the workday, but this can only happen when the safety shoes or work boots are in good condition. 

Here are 4 wear & tear issues that can impact safety and comfort:

1. Compromised safety features: CSA certifies footwear protection for the toes (Safety Toe), the bottom of the foot (Protective Plate) and the top of the foot (Metatarsal Guards).  As soon as you notice a protective component is damaged or exposed in any way, you should replace your footwear immediately as they are no longer protecting your foot properly.

2. Separation of parts or seams:  In addition to the protection provided by the actual safety components, the upper part of your safety footwear also provides protection from workplace hazards and workplace conditions.  Any visible separation in the construction of the shoes or boots themselves means the structure is compromised and you will find them less supportive and comfortable. Loose seams can also get caught on machinery and equipment and can be a safety risk.   For those who work in wet work conditions or who are exposed to moisture, your footwear will no longer protect your feet from these elements, which will not only be uncomfortable but potentially be a safety risk. 

3. Worn down soles: The same attention should be paid to the shoe's sole/tread.  If the sole is worn smooth, in whole or in sections, that may compromise its traction and lead to a slip or fall.   If the sole is worn unevenly, that may change you gait/walk, which may lead to knee and back pain.

4. Generally feeling less comfortable/increased fatigue: It may be that there isn't any one obvious issue with your safety footwear, but you feel they are looser, your legs and feet feel more fatigue and the structure isn't as supportive. This may be the result of the longer-term impact of your work on the internal support of safety footwear itself.  If you are feeling it, it's probably time to replace them. 

Remember USAGE impacts safety footwear

Workers have different job demands and work conditions and spend different amounts of time on their feet, which leads to varying levels of safety shoe wear and tear. If you work long hours in extreme work conditions, you may need to replace your safety footwear more frequently than someone who works indoors in dry conditions or someone who only wears their safety shoes or work boots part-time. Either way, all workers should perform an inspection of their safety footwear.

At Mister Safety Shoes, we are committed to providing the best safety footwear for workers, so they are more comfortable, confident and have a better workday.