Do your feet feel sore after a long day at work? Are you wondering how should work boots fit? If so, this could be the reason behind the problem. Read on to learn how to choose the proper boot fit.
When I am shopping for new work boots, it is really important to me that I am aware of how they fit. I will wear them for long hours almost every day, so it is essential to get the right size. Doing so can ensure comfortable wear and prevent fatigue.
This article will thoroughly discuss how work boots should fit. I will walk you through the necessary details you should know, so you can easily pick the proper pair of boots.
I will also answer some of your frequently asked questions about work boots. These include how tight boots fit, how to find the right size, and how to make them more comfortable. Hopefully, all these pieces of information can help you choose the boots that snugly fit you.
Continue reading on to learn more!
What Makes Work Boots Different?
Work boots are different from other types of boots because they are built to be worn for several hours a day. They usually feature leather material to ensure durability that can last you for years to come.
Some models of work boots also have steel toe caps or other reinforcement to keep your feet safe. These steel toe boots must also pass certifications and standards for puncture resistance, metatarsal protection, static dissipation, and electrical hazard resistance, among others.
Finally, work boots and steel toe boots usually come with a tall shaft. Hence, they can effectively cover more of your legs compared to other boots. They can also hold them securely in place.
How Should Work Boots Fit?
Work boots usually have a thick midsole, a thick shank in the arch of the boot, and a raised heel. They should fit snug with little to no wiggle room in the heel. They should not fit too tight that you already lose circulation throughout the day. Instead, they should have enough space for your feet to breathe.
Another way to check if the fit of the work boots is good is to try them on.
Consider the ankle support. Make sure your ankles are not twisting by rolling your feet onto their sides.
It is also best to look into the interior stitching. You should not feel any rubbing or irritation. You might also want to check that there is nothing sticking into your foot. This way, you can avoid chafing when wearing the boots for a longer period.
Besides trying the boots on, you can walk around with them. Feel free to take a few minutes to walk around in the store. You should make sure your heels are not slipping too much in and out at the back of the boot.
After, you can check for pressure points. Take off your socks and see if there are any red spots or indentations on your feet. If there are, you might want to get another pair of work boots. The lines and marks simply mean that blisters can appear down the line.
Finally, determine if the work boots are the lace-up or pull-on type. These types of boots have slight differences when it comes to the fit. With that said, the points that I have discussed above apply in either case.
Lace-Up Boots
As their name suggests, lace-up boots come with adjustable laces. How you tie these shoelaces can affect the overall fit of the boots. Hence, they are popular among workers due to their flexibility.
Despite their adjustable fit, it is still essential to invest in boots that are comfortable on the get-go. It is perfectly fine to feel a small amount of slip at the heel.
However, if the boots slide on with very little effort, it is likely that they are too large for your feet. So even if you can adjust the laces to better mold your ankles and toes, you can expect a looser and less secure fit.
To sum up, make sure that your feet do not move too much inside the boots. THey should have a snug fit that would not hurt your toe box.
Pull-On Boots
Pull-on boots are unlike lace-up boots because they cannot be loosened or tightened. Hence, they need to have the proper fit from the outset.
Pull-on work boots should fit snug with little to no slip at the heel part. The instep should feel comfortable with less than an inch of room around the toe box area. If you can still pinch the leather in the toe cap, it is likely that the boots are too loose.
Finally, pull-on boots should take a bit of effort to take on and off your foot. Avoid those shoes that slide off easily whenever your foot strike the pavement. At the same time, you do not want to invest in tight-fitting boots that prevent you from wiggling your toes.
How Tight Should Boots Be?
Just like any other type of shoes, work boots should be snug and feel supportive but not tight. They should hold your heel firmly in place. At the same time, they fit perfectly around your ankle or calf with little to no space.
You do not want them to restrict movement and breathing room for your feet. If they are too tight, you can also experience more sweating, which ultimately makes you uncomfortable.
Likewise, avoid investing in large boots. You do not want your feet to slide whenever you are walking. It is essential that your heel stays in place all the time to ensure protection.
How To Find the Right Fit for Pull-On Work Boots?
As I previously discussed, pull-on boots that slide too easily are likely to be too big for your feet. However, boots which are hard to get on might be too small for you. They should have enough room to keep your entire feet comfortable throughout the day.
Finding these boots is harder than it seems. Fortunately, the task is not impossible.
If you want to find the right fit for work boots, you can measure the width of your foot in millimeters. The best way to do this is to measure the widest point of your toes. This area is usually just in front of your toes.
To start measuring, make sure to grab a ruler. Place it on a hard surface, preferably on a wood or tile floor.
Then, put your foot flat against the end of the ruler. Make sure that your toes are resting at the 0 mm mark.
After, you should look straight ahead and lift your heel. While doing so, you must ensure contact between your foot and the ruler. Do not press too hard as this will bend it.
As you maintain contact with the 0 mm mark, get a pencil and slide its edge under your toes. If it is hard to do alone, you can ask a second person to mark the top of the pencil.
Once marked, you should draw a line from the widest part of your toes back towards the heel of the foot. Continue along the inside curvature.
Finally, repeat these steps for the other foot. This way, you can get an average measurement if you are unsure which foot is larger.
Now, you are ready to choose the right size for your feet based on the measurement you received.
How Can I Make My Work Boots More Comfortable?
If, by any chance or accident, you bought boots that are too large or small for your feet, do not worry. There are several ways you can try to make work boots comfortable to wear.
First things first, you can try wearing the right socks. If your heel is slipping at least half an inch, you can use thick socks to fill in the extra room. But if the boots are small, you can still consider socks to present blisters and hot spots.
Another way to make your work boots more comfortable is to add a cushioned insole. Doing so can help support your foot, especially when walking for long periods.
Those who have lace-up boots can also adjust the laces to keep their foot comfortably in place.
Finally, you can try breaking in your boots. Sometimes, new work boots, especially those that use leather, will feel stiff and uncomfortable. By breaking them in gently, you can enjoy a more relaxed fit that will not hurt your ankles and toes.
Conclusion
The chances are that you will spend a lot of time with your feet when wearing work boots. Hence, it is essential to take your time choosing the right pair of boots that can fit you well.
I hope you find this guide answered your question about how should work boots fit and other related queries. Make sure to follow these tips, so you can find work boots that ensure comfort throughout the day.
