What should new work boots feel like. With any job where work boots are part of the uniform, getting the right fit is critical. The consequences of wearing an ill-fitting work shoe day in and day out can be almost catastrophic for your health:
We're talking back pain, foot pain, ankle pain, knee pain, and more! Rather than risk your health and well-being with a cheap, ill-fitting work shoe, make sure your boots fit you from the start. Here's how to find your perfect fit:
1. Start with the right socks. We recommend wearing socks as they are designed to reduce bulk, improve circulation, and allow your foot to breathe, unlike cotton socks which wick away moisture.
2. Always try both boots at the same time. If there is anything that prevents your feet from moving freely (such as when your boots are tied to the laces), loosen them so that your legs can move independently and you can walk at a natural pace.
3. Try walking, jumping, knee-lifting, standing in place and running with your boots on (just try not to knock over shop assistants while doing it). If you try the boots on in the comfort of your own home, you will find it easier to try them on without feeling stupid.
4. When you walk:
- The heel should not come out of the boot or touch the back.
- The toes should have about an inch of space in front of them at all times.
- The sides of your feet should not feel painful pressure.
- The toes should not slide forward or touch the end of the shoe.
5. Slowly rotate your ankle and stand on the sides of your feet to test the ankle support of the boot.
6. Check that the tongue, inner seams, and other parts of the boot do not rub or dig into your foot.
7. Remove your feet from the boots to see if there are any red spots. Red dots indicate areas where the boot has chafed or rubbed against your feet and can indicate potential problems in the future where rubbing may worsen and blisters may appear.
8. Once you've found a pair of work boots that fit well, fasten them in a Heel Lock pattern to keep your feet more secure and prevent blisters. This special boot lacing pattern relieves pressure on the forefoot while keeping the heel in place and providing firm support for the ankle. It can also be used in running shoes and hiking boots to avoid similar problems.
Special Notes
1. If you have wide feet, don't try to fit your foot into a boot that is too narrow for your foot. You should also not try to size up regular boots because even if the largest boots fit the width of your foot, the boot will be too long and cause blisters, chafing and heel slippage. Instead, try boots that naturally come in wide sizes, such as Chippewa, Rocky, and Wolverine.
2. If your feet are two different sizes, you can choose to buy two pairs of boots in the sizes you need, or buy a pair of boots that fit your larger foot and use a heel insert in the shoe for your smaller foot.