If you spend most of your day in work boots, you’ll know just how much of a difference the right pair can make.
At Galleria Podiatry, we regularly see patients who spend 8-12 hours a day on their feet and come in with sore heels, arch pain, blisters, bunions, ingrown/traumatised toenails or general foot fatigue. Wearing the wrong work boots is a common culprit!
Unfortunately, there isn’t one work boot that will suit everyone. Factors such as your job, foot type, amount of loading, and whether you need to wear orthotics should all be considered when choosing the right shoe for you.
Composite or steel cap toe?
This is one of the questions we often get asked.
The short answer is: it depends.
Steel cap
Steel has been used in safety footwear for years and is still an excellent option for many workers.
Steel cap boots can be a good choice for people working in:
● Construction
● Workshops
● Manufacturing
● Heavy industry
● Jobs where impact and compression protection are important
The downside? Steel can make a boot heavier and it conducts heat and cold more readily.
Composite toe
Composite toe caps are made from non-metallic materials such as fibreglass or reinforced plastics.
They can be a good option if:
● You’re doing a lot of walking during your shift
● You find steel boots too heavy
● You work in particularly hot or cold environments
● Your workplace requires non-metallic footwear
Some people assume composite boots offer less protection, however, if they meet the required safety standard for your workplace, this is not true.
Our Picks
All-rounder: Blue Steel
Blue Steel work boots are a great all-round option if you’re after a sturdy, traditional work boot that can handle a tough working environment. They offer both steel cap and composite toe options as well as half sizes.
One of our favourites is the Southern Cross. We particularly like the low-cut, scalloped collar around the back of the ankle. It gives the boot a little more flexibility around the ankle, which can be helpful when you’re walking, squatting or moving around throughout the day.
The Southern Cross also combines laces with a side zip, which is something we really like. You can adjust the laces to get the fit right and then use the zip to get your boots on and off without having to completely undo them every time. Having the ability to adjust the laces also helps accommodate any swelling in your feet that may occur toward the end of the day.
Blue Steel is worth considering if you work in:
● Construction
● Workshops
● Trades
● Manufacturing
● Other environments where you need a robust safety boot
Ascent
The brand ‘Ascent’ are known for making ‘sports shoes in disguise.’ Their Alpha 2 work boot has a composite toe, goes up to a 4E in width and comes in half sizes.
We recommend Ascent work boots for people who have:
● Wide feet
● Bunions
● Foot pain associated with long periods of standing
● Orthotics that need to be accommodated
Sometimes a small change in width or internal space can make a surprisingly big difference to how your feet feel at the end of a shift.
Wide Load
The name says it all!
Wide Load is a brand we particularly like for people who need more room through the forefoot.
If you’ve ever put on a standard work boot and thought, “There is no way my feet are going to survive eight hours in these”, a wider-fitting boot may be worth trying.
We’d consider Wide Load for people with:
● Naturally wide feet
● Bunions
● High-volume feet
● Swelling
● Neuroma/Intermetatarsal bursitis
● Digital/Interdigital corns
● Pressure around the toes or forefoot
Remember, wider doesn’t necessarily mean better for everyone. You still need the heel and midfoot to fit securely so your foot doesn’t slide around inside the boot.
So, which one should you choose?
Honestly, there’s no single answer.
The best work boot is the one that:
✓ Meets your workplace safety requirements
✓ Fits the shape of your foot ✓ Gives your toes enough room
✓ Keeps your heel secure ✓ Doesn’t rub or create pressure points
✓ Is comfortable enough to wear for your entire shift
✓ Can accommodate your orthotics if you need them
And here’s one of our biggest tips:
Don’t just go up a size because you need more width.
Going up a size might give you more length, but it doesn’t necessarily give you the width or depth you actually need. If there is too much room your foot can end up sliding around inside the boot, potentially creating more friction and pressure.
A final tip from podiatry
● Try your work boots on later in the day when your feet have had a chance to swell.
● Wear the socks you normally wear to work and, if you use orthotics, take them with you when trying on new boots.
● Don’t be afraid to walk around in them for a while before deciding. A work boot might feel great for five minutes but VERY different after eight hours!
If your work boots are causing you foot pain, bring them to your next podiatry appointment. We can look at the fit, your foot shape and how your footwear may be contributing to your symptoms.
Your feet have to get you through the whole working day! Our team of friendly podiatrists are ready to help you find the right work boot.
Book an appointment with our team and let’s keep your feet healthy!
📞 Call us on (08) 9275 9006 or
🔗 Book online here.
Book an appointment with one of our podiatrists in Perth.
