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How to Keep Your Feet Cool This Summer

Ah…summer. The days when the sun seems to stay up forever. It’s time for cookouts with friends and family, summer vacation for the kids out of school, some time spent on the beach or lake, long days by the pool, and (unfortunately) hot weather and sweaty feet while at work.

The secret to keeping cool during the summer months has been sought out ever since the beginning of time, so we want to help you out by giving a few tips for keeping your feet cool this summer.

Your feet need to breathe, too

If you know that you’ll be working in the heat regularly, you’ll want to have shoes that can breathe. Some shoes have a breathable mesh lining that allows air to flow in and out of the shoes, keeping your feet cooler. You’ll want to avoid insulated shoes in this case, since those types of shoes are designed to trap the warmth within them. Trapping warmth inside your shoes on a hot day is going to make you hate the world, so don’t do that.

Also, when you get breaks, go sit down and untie your shoes for a second to give your feet some extra air. Just make sure you’re separated from your coworkers so they don’t have to smell your sweaty feet!

Switch up your shoes regularly

If you’ve been sweating in your work shoes all day, they’re not likely to be completely dry by the next morning. In fact, it can take up to 24 hours for your shoes to completely dry out from the day before. Therefore, you’ll be putting on damp shoes the next morning, which will only add to the heat and moisture that your feet produce throughout the day.

So even if you have that favorite pair of work shoes or boots, it might be best to set them aside for a day and alternate the shoes that you wear each day. This gives your shoes a chance to fully dry and will keep your feet cool and dry the next day.

Don’t forget about the socks

Your socks are the ones actually touching your feet, so they get to deal with the full blast of sweat and odor (socks really don’t get enough appreciation, do they?) If you find your socks getting soaked by the end of each day, bring another pair! Changing your socks during your lunch break in the middle of the day is a great way to keep your feet cool and dry during the afternoon. Again, remember to do this away from your coworkers. We want them to actually still like you.

Deodorant on your feet…?

That’s right. Underarm antiperspirant and deodorant can be used in more places than just under your arms! If you use it on your feet, it can prevent them from sweating as much throughout the day and keep them smelling fresh and clean. All you’ll need to do is lightly apply it to the soles of your feet and a little bit on the top of your feet if needed. Be careful not to apply too much, though! You’ll end up with white streaks on your socks and feet, and that look is not in style.

Lastly (and obviously), keep your shoes and feet clean

It may be common sense, but proper hygiene is a must to keep your feet from getting too sweaty and hot. If you’re washing your feet regularly and using deodorant like we mentioned above, your feet will stay much cooler and drier than someone who doesn’t. You’ll also smell much better!

For your actual shoes, plain rubbing alcohol is a safe cleaner for the insides of your shoes. This kills bacteria and can decrease your risk of foot odor or fungal infections from all of that moisture that gets trapped in your shoes during hot months.

Summer is a fun time, but the hot temperatures and sweaty feet get in the way of that while at work. Use these tips this summer to keep your feet cool, dry, smelling great (well, as great as summer work feet can possibly smell). If you’re interested in getting a new pair of shoes with some breathability for the summer, feel free to browse through some of ours.

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Best Boots for Welders

Whether you are looking for a new pair or your first pair of welding boots, here are some things to consider before you make your next purchase:

It is important to keep in mind that as a tradesman, your feet are just as valuable as your hands. Therefore, your work boots need to be viewed as a personal safety investment, not an expense.

As with all safety boots, the first thing you want to make sure of is that your new boots are relatively easy to put on, comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and above all else, will keep you safe from whatever hazards await you at your workplace.

With those basics in mind, let’s jump in and discuss what specifics you should be looking for in your next pair of work boots.

Comfort and Safety are King

As we previously stated, you need to make sure that your boots are easy to get off and on, and that they are comfortable and safe. You’ll be getting intimate with these boots for at least eight hours a day, if not more. Many tradesmen can attest to the fact that there are few things worse than a pair of uncomfortable work boots that you are stuck wearing. So do yourself a favor, make sure they are comfortable!

Laces or Slip-On’s?

Well, for starters, it is obvious that laced boots and safety shoes will provide more support than a pull-on boot or shoe, due to the fact that you can adjust laces to create a more custom fit.

With that being said, laces also risk catching on fire from sparks landing on them. This particular threat can be lessened with a simple external metatarsal guard, which leads us to our next topic…

Metatarsal Guards for All!

The use of an external metatarsal guard on your safety boots will not only protect your laces from turning into tinder, but they also protect you from falling objects falling in the workplace.

Let’s face it, when it comes to personal protection on the job, you can never be too careful. So make sure you choose a pair of work boots that meet the necessary criteria for your welding career.

To learn more about the products we offer, check us out at www.safgard.com

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Safety Shoes Don’t Just Mean Safety Boots

Article by Emily Bennett

One of the most important things we have to consider when we’re at work is safety. It’s not just our boss’ job to make sure that the workplace is safe and free of any sort of hazard, but it’s also our job as employees to make sure that we’re protecting ourselves and putting our best foot forward (literally).

Depending on the line of work that you’re in, nowadays it’s required that safety footwear is worn in the form of a steel toe, composite toe, or alloy toe boots and shoes to make sure that you’re protected against any type of probable hazard. Lots of times we find ourselves complaining about our safety boots feeling too bulky, too hot on our feet, or just plain uncomfortable. You may not even like the look of your work safety boots just because you don’t like the style.

There happens to be a solution to your problem, and trust us, it’s simpler than you might think…

Why not give a pair of safety shoes a try instead? They give you all the protection that safety boots do and they don’t resemble your typical safety shoe. Here are our top five safety shoe styles that aren’t boots.

  • Keens Atlanta Steel Toe Hiker: This classic looking low-cut hiking shoe is one of our most favored non-boot styles. With its Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD) component to cut down on excess static electricity coupled with its oil and slip resistant outsole and steel toe protection, you’ll be just as protected as you would be in your heavy-duty work boots.

 

  • Skechers Alloy Toe Athletic: In this pair of Skechers you can get the same protection that you get from a safety boot, all while looking sharp on the job. They give you a maximum amount of comfort with their memory-foam insoles, slip-resistant outsoles for messy situations, and are fully decked out in the toe with Aluminum, ready to protect at a moment’s notice.

 

  • Timberland PRO Newbury: This popular women’s style is a great choice when it comes to a nice looking dress safety shoe. It’s built with an alloy toe, made to protect and cut down on excess static electricity with its ESD component, has a slip resistant outsole, and will provide you with maximum comfort throughout the day with its anti-fatigue footbed.

 

  • Rockport Works Steel Toe Sailing Shoe: This pair of shoes is the farthest thing from your regular looking steel-toed shoe. Not only is it strong looking, but it has a slip-resistant sole to it, protects against any type of electrical hazard, and they’re even decked out with steel in the toe to save your foot if something were to happen.

 

  • Dr. Martens Steel Toe Oxford: This popular style of Dr. Martens is a mighty fine choice when you’re looking for a low-cut oxford style safety shoe. On top of it containing the Dr. Martens Air Cushioned sole, it’s also slip resistant and is capable of cutting down on excess static electricity with its ESD component.

So what’s holding you back from a pair of safety toe shoes now? Go ahead and broaden your horizons the next time you go shopping for a new pair of work shoes. You may just find your new favorite pair.

For more information on safety footwear, be sure to check out our website www.safgard.com.

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A Go-To Guide for Finding the Right Fit

We’ve all had a pair of shoes that pinch you to death, rub you the wrong way, leave uninvited blisters and are just too darn tight. It happens. Uncomfortable, ill-fitting shoes can really do a number on your feet. How can you avoid them though? Take to mind these useful tips as a guide to find the guaranteed fit for your feet.

  • Measure your feet or try on safety toe shoes toward the end of the day when your feet are their largest. Yes, your feet will actually swell as the days goes on – as you walk and stand through the day, your feet expand under your weight. Pro Tip:  Measure your foot from the back of your heel to the tip of your big toe.
  • The majority of folks have one foot that is slightly larger than the other. Always find your safety shoes by choosing a size that fits the bigger of your two feet.
  • When trying on work shoes, make sure that there’s up to ½” of space left between the end of your big toe (or longest toe) and the end of the shoe.
  • Make sure that the toe box of the shoe is both wide and large enough for your toes. Your toes should not be rubbing up against any sides of the shoe.
  • Always hunt for shoes based on how well they fit your feet, not based on the size number.
  • Confirm that there is enough room for the ball of your foot – it should fit comfortably at the widest part of your safety toe shoe.
  • Your heel should not slide up and down inside the shoe as you walk; it should be stable with little to no movement as you move.
  • Don’t settle for shoes that are too small, hoping that they’ll stretch out over time. This will just leave you in a world of hurt.
  • Buy work shoes that fit the shape of your foot.
  • The shoes upper should be made of materials that will mold to your foot.
  • Spend some time walking around the store in your work shoes to make sure the fit is truly comfortable.
  • Pick a pair of work safety shoes that fits your arch type. Folks with very high and very low arches have a greater risk of aches, pain and injury if they don’t pick the right shoe for their foot type. If you don’t pay attention to your arch type now, bigger problems could arise down the road.
  • Make sure the shoes you get will keep your hooves satisfied if you have to stand or walk for long periods of time.
  • Wear snug, moisture wicking socks with your shoes as the type of sock that you wear can greatly affect your overall performance in the workplace. This ranges from the lack of warmth that you are getting from standing on your feet for hours on end, or simply from the amount of cushion that you are receiving. Your feet will thank you in the end.

Easy as pie right? Follow these tips and tricks, and you’ll be sure to find the right shoe with the kind of fit you’ve always wanted. For more information on tips and shoes we offer, check us out at safgard.com.

 

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When Should You Replace Your Safety Shoes?

Have you ever wondered what happens when you’ve had your work safety shoes for years and they’ve lasted you countless shifts, and now they’re slowly starting to tell you that they’re ready for retirement?

Some people may go to the extremes of turning their work shoes into a D.I.Y. project to try and repair the shoes themselves. Is this a way to save money? Well sure, but will this guarantee your safety while on the job so you can confidently do your best?

Absolutely not. It’s a better idea to determine what you may need in your next work safety shoe and invest in a quality pair of shoes that will be able to do the job, while you’re on the job!

Here are a few things that will let you know, without a doubt, that it’s time for a brand new pair of work shoes.

Check Your Tires

The tires of your car are one of the most important things to check on a regular basis. Why? Because they make sure our cars can carry us from point A to point B safely. The outsole of your safety shoe functions the same way.

The outsole of your shoe ensures that you can do your work quickly and effectively, without any accidents. If you see that the outsole is worn down, then it may be time for a new pair of shoes.

Don’t Let Your Shoe “Talk”

The outsole of your shoe starts to separate from the upper, we refer to this as “talking”. Any sign of your shoes starting to separate is an clear sign that it is time to invest in a new pair of work shoes. Not only can this look bad in your place of work, but it can also be very dangerous in a fast paced environment.

Do Your Soles Have Holes?  

Under no condition should your safety shoe be “hole-y”! This is not only a fashion issue, but it’s also a safety issue.

Depending on your work situation, small holes can quickly turn into big ones and leave you in an unsafe predicament. When you first notice your shoe is worn in this way, it’s time to act quickly and replace them.

Fact: You’ll Have to Replace Them Eventually

There’s no straightforward rule about the age of safety shoes or how often you should buy new ones. Depending on your work environment, your shoes could last shorter or longer. Generally, work safety toe shoes will last between six and twelve months in the average work environment. Some may last longer, some not so much. The bottom line is that every pair of shoes will have to be replaced eventually.

Want to learn more about work safety tips, or are you ready to purchase your next pair of safety shoes? Check us out at www.safgard.com

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Safety Shoes Don’t Just Mean Safety Boots

Article by Emily Bennett

One of the most important things we have to consider when we’re at work is safety. It’s not just our boss’ job to make sure that the workplace is safe and free of any sort of hazard, but it’s also our job as employees to make sure that we’re protecting ourselves and putting our best foot forward (literally).

Depending on the line of work that you’re in,  it’s required that safety footwear is worn in the form of a steel toe, composite toe, or alloy toe boots and shoes to make sure that you’re protected against any type of probable hazard. Lots of times we find ourselves complaining about our safety boots feeling too bulky, too hot on our feet, or just plain uncomfortable. You may not even like the look of your work safety boots just because you don’t like the style.

There happens to be a solution to your problem, and trust us, it’s simpler than you might think…

Why not give a pair of safety shoes a try instead? They give you all the protection that safety boots do and they don’t resemble your typical safety shoe. Here are our top five safety shoe styles that aren’t boots.

  • Keens Atlanta Steel Toe Hiker: This classic looking low-cut hiking shoe is one of our most favored non-boot styles. With its Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD) component to cut down on excess static electricity coupled with its oil and slip resistant outsole and steel toe protection, you’ll be just as protected as you would be in your heavy-duty work boots.

 

  • Skechers Alloy Toe Athletic: In this pair of Skechers you can get the same protection that you get from a safety boot, all while looking sharp on the job. They give you a maximum amount of comfort with their memory-foam insoles, slip-resistant outsoles for messy situations, and are fully decked out in the toe with Aluminum, ready to protect at a moment’s notice.

 

  • Timberland PRO Newbury: This popular women’s style is a great choice when it comes to a nice looking dress safety shoe. It’s built with an alloy toe, made to protect and cut down on excess static electricity with its ESD component, has a slip resistant outsole, and will provide you with maximum comfort throughout the day with its anti-fatigue footbed.

 

  • Rockport Works Steel Toe Sailing Shoe: This pair of shoes is the farthest thing from your regular looking steel-toed shoe. Not only is it strong looking, but it has a slip-resistant sole to it, protects against any type of electrical hazard, and they’re even decked out with steel in the toe to save your foot if something were to happen.

 

  • Dr. Martens Steel Toe Oxford: This popular style of Dr. Martens is a mighty fine choice when you’re looking for a low-cut oxford style safety shoe. On top of it containing the Dr. Martens Air Cushioned sole, it’s also slip resistant and is capable of cutting down on excess static electricity with its ESD component.

So what’s holding you back from a pair of safety toe shoes now? Go ahead and broaden your horizons the next time you go shopping for a new pair of work shoes. You may just find your new favorite pair.

For more information on safety footwear, be sure to check out our website www.safgard.com.