5 Things to Know Before Buying rubber rigger boots

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What risks will you encounter?

Although there are multi-purpose safety shoes and boots you may select, in order to reduce exposure to foot injury it's important to know what risks you will encounter. Safety footwear is so important, the Government of Canada has a publication on the topic called Protect Your Feet!

 There are specific protection options for particular risks such as:

1. Electric Shock
2. Sharp objects that could penetrate any part of the foot
3. Objects that might fall from above the foot
4. Explosive or electrostatic discharge
5. Exposure to water, heat or cold
6. Exposure to welding spray, molten metal or corrosive liquids
7. Uneven ground where ankle support is required

What symbols ought to be there?

Most people have heard of or seen the green triangle on safety boots and they feel assured that this indicates they boots have met a standard. But what do all the symbols actually mean? Our website has a Safety Symbol Index to help clarify the symbols and what they indicate.

Should I choose style or comfort?

Comfort should trump style but you shouldn't have to choose one or the other. With so many safety footwear manufacturers, safety shoes come in athletic, full boot and dress options. It is important to select an option that does not feel uncomfortable especially with the number of hours they may be worn.  Here are some considerations:

1. Shoes should not pinch your feet.
2. You should not feel the toe caps against your toes.
3. Shoes that are either too narrow or too wide will cause discomfort over time.
4. If your feet tend to perspire, look for moisture-wicking or leather.
5. Walk around with your shoes on before buying them to test the fit.
6. Allow for potential swelling of feet.
7. Put safety first, comfort second and then look at style.
8. Don't forget to wear quality socks to aid in your comfort.

How much should I expect to pay?

Perhaps you've heard the adage, you get what you pay for. When it comes to safety shoes, depending on the risks you are exposed to, this can certainly apply. Leather can be more breathable than synthetics, the outer sole durability can make a difference to the lifespan of the footwear and insoles that rip and tear can cause pain an discomfort. An educated retail professional will help you select the right boot for your needs and budget! As a general idea, you can expect to pay in the range of $100 to $150 for a safety shoe or athletic style, $100 to $180 for safety boots and in the range of $190-$300 for waterproof safety boots.

When should I replace my boots?

We all want to get the most wear we can from our footwear. When does worn footwear increase our risk to injury? Here's a former Work Authority blog post that covers this issue.

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In addition, Shoes.com provides some insight that can help you decide ' should they stay or should they go?

• Wear and Tear: As soon as you notice a protective component beginning to show through, be it a reinforced toe, steel midsole, steel shank or metatarsal guard, you should replace your boots right away. Safety first!
• Dented Toe: Your steel toe will dent and fail to spring back, while composite is less likely to show physical damage, so try to make mental notes as your boots are tested by major impact or punctures. Again, think safety!
• Separation of Parts or Seams: If your boots are made with rubber or PVC materials, any visible separation should tell you it's time to buy new shoes. Falling apart pairs don't look professional, right?
• Worn Outside: The same attention should be paid to the shoe's tread as well, since once it has been worn smooth, they'll no longer be slip-resistant. You wouldn't drive a truck with bald tires, right?
• Leakage: If your work involves damp environments or exposure to hazardous chemicals or other corrosive materials, any sign of leakage should prompt you to look for a new pair. It's not just about comfort ' it's your health!

Finally, if you aren't sure what footwear to purchase for your job, ask your employer!

Here are some more resources on this topic:

Rubber boots provide a safe and comfortable option for those working on construction sites in wet, cold and muddy conditions. Rubber boots offer significant durability in that they are constructed from high-quality rubber or rubber compounds that are resistant to wear and tear and as such are designed to offer a long lifespan.

Also because of the material of which they are made, rubber boots are flexible and lightweight and as a result, those wearing them tend to feel less foot fatigue as compared to wearing other boot types. The addition of good arch support in rubber boots can reduce fatigue.

Working around chemicals and solvents is another occupational hazard for which rubber boots may be indicated for construction workers, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Toe Protection and Grip

As with the choice of any footwear on a construction jobsite, safety is priority.

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Construction site job requirements will determine the type of footwear needed and if the footwear should include such features as composite toe caps, steel toes, puncture-resistant soles, electrical hazard protection, puncture-resistant safety features or slip-resistant outsoles.

Rubber boots designed with toe protection help mitigate impact and compression hazards.

In choosing rubber boots, construction workers should look for those with a good sole for a firm grip on surfaces. Since good traction is needed in work areas with slippery surfaces, anti-skid technology in rubber boots is another key safety component. Boots designed with deep treads or lugs may help prevent slips and falls during a variety of work tasks, such as climbing ladders, for instance.

For use in cold weather, choose rubber boots with high insulation and thermal heat retention features.

Proper Fit

Just as with any other work boot, proper fit ensures comfort and sufficient room for the toes without being too loose and thus compromising safety. Boots may also be designed with cushioned insoles and a comfortable lining that wicks sweat and fights odors for better breathability.

Rubber boots are available in lace-up and pull-up styles and are offered at different heights. Roll-down calves and a kick-off plate on the outsole of some designs made boot removal easier. Because of the materials of which they are constructed, rubber boots also provide warmth.

In choosing the correct rubber boot size and width, keep in mind the type of socks that will be worn when wearing the boots; try the boots on with the socks that will be worn with them before purchasing the boot to determine if they provide a proper fit.

In considering rubber boot ankle support, consider that boots with higher shafts provide greater stability and support while shorter ones can offer more flexibility.

Boot Safety Standards

To determine whether a specific pair of rubber work boots have met safety footwear regulations, look for a safety label that is usually found on the tongue of the footwear or is otherwise indicated, such as from written information by the source from which the boots are purchased. Safety standards are created and enforced by ASTM International and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The two ASTM International documents governing safety footwear is ASTM F and ASTM F. They outline the protection level that safety features must provide for workers – including the labeling used on work boots – and provide a guideline for researchers and scientists detailing laboratory methods used in safety footwear testing.

For safety footwear, ASTM regulates for impact protection, metatarsal protection, compression protection, electrical hazard protection, static dissipation, puncture resistance, dielectric insulation and chainsaws.

Section 29 of OSHA’s Code of Federal Regulations .136 indicates that ‘The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, or when the use of protective footwear will protect the affected employee from an electrical hazard, such as a static-discharge or electric-shock hazard."

A construction site crew’s safety manager or consultant can assess jobsite hazards and determine the appropriate safety footwear required, including features rubber boots should encompass.

Those construction workers who have unique foot considerations should check with a podiatrist to determine if the rubber boots, they choose to wear should include inserts or any modifications as to avoid any potential foot injuries.