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What is MaxTrax Slip Resistant Outsole?

For some warehouse and plant employees, it isn’t enough to just protect your feet with safety toes and metatarsal guards. Sometimes, these environments also require that your safety shoes have a  slip resistant outsole, and what better outsole than a MaxTrax® slip resistant outsole from our sister company, SR Max®!

Like most things in life, not all slip resistant safety toe shoes are created equal. That’s why SR Max® took it upon themselves to create the premier slip resistant tread pattern that helps keep you confident on the job.

While you’re constantly protected on the job wearing the sole that Works Where You Work, have you ever wondered what goes into producing it? Read on to find out.

When SR Max® first came about in 2007, MaxTrax® was not yet invented. Instead, we carried shoes with slip resistant outsoles from other companies. Within one year, SR Max® advanced the game. We created and produced the most slip resistant outsole available by:

Creating the overall design of the tread.

The MaxTrax® pattern is intended to give the outsole the highest amount of surface area possible. The pattern still provides deep grooves that are arranged to help channel liquids.

The specialized groove design allows for an essential self-cleaning feature. This feature keeps the bottom of your shoes cleaner than many other slip resistant work shoes.

Using a flexible, soft rubber compound outsole.

The MaxTrax® outsole provides more give upon impact. This “give” allows for a reinforced grip and a better hold on the ground. In our independent Brungrabber Mark II slip resistance test results in greasy, high soil oily/wet, and wet environments, MaxTrax® passed each test with flying colors making our outsole the icon of slip resistance.

MaxTrax® far surpasses the Coefficient of Friction (i.e. the measure of slip resistance) necessary to make a safe step in each test. Where other outsoles failed on one type of surface or had COF’s near the mark for slipping on others, SR Max® alone exceeded the threshold on all surfaces tested.

Partnerships.

All SR Max® brand shoes are made with our MaxTrax® outsole. However, we ’ve partnered up with several other brands to make MaxTrax® available on select shoes offered by SR Max® and Saf-GardTM. Our MaxTrax® outsole can be found on select styles from brands such as Skechers, Rockport Works, and Reebok.

Interested in getting your own pair of slip-resistant shoes with a MaxTrax® outsole? Check us out online at safgard.com or srmax.com.

*Please Note: While our MaxTrax® outsole is truly a class of its own, it is important to remember that no shoe is completely slip-proof. This is particularly true if the sole of the shoe is prevented from making contact with the floor (for example: slipping on a banana peel). Always utilize caution and take preventative measures when working in slippery environments.

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What to Look for in Construction Boots

So, you want to know what boots are going to save you on your next construction job site.

You’ve come to the right place.

Let’s start with the basics, the first thing you need to make sure of is that your new boots meet the following criteria. Ask yourself, are your boots:

  1. Are they relatively easy to put on?
  2. Are they comfortable to wear for extended periods of time?
  3. Will they keep you safe from whatever hazards await you at your workplace?

At Saf-GardTM, we also feel that it is important to note that it’s important to remember 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.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s jump in and hash out what you should be looking for in your next pair of construction work boots.

Safety Toes

We know, this one sounds like a no-brainer. But it can make the difference between getting home safe and having an impromptu trip to the ER… we’re pretty sure no one wants that. The main duty of a safety toe is to protect your foot from heavy objects that can fall on it while on a job such as metal poles, beams, and heavy tools.

Within the category of safety toe shoes, they are typically made out of steel, aluminum, or composite materials. You will more than likely be told what type of safety toe you need to have by your company or supervisor. If you haven’t been told, make sure to ask before you go shoppin

Durability

Let’s face it, this profession isn’t exactly forgiving when it comes to clothes and gear. In order to get the most bang for your buck, it’s important to do your research and find a pair of safety shoes that not only meets your employer’s standards but is durable and affordable as well. When you buy a cheap pair of work shoes, not only are you potentially hurting your feet due to cheap quality and lack of proper support but your wallet as well.

In the long run, it is more cost effective to invest in a decent pair of boots, as opposed to replacing cheap ones every few months.

When it comes to personal protection on the job site, you can never be too careful. Make sure you choose a pair of work boots that meet the necessary criteria for your career in the construction industry, in addition to staying alert and aware of your surroundings.

To learn more about the products we offer, check us out at 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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Tips for Keeping Your Feet Warm On The Job

Throughout most of the country, the weather is getting colder by the week, and soon (if it hasn’t happened already) the snow, ice and sludge will begin to descend upon thousands of cities and towns. For some, this time of year is magical. Chances are those people aren’t working all day in these frigid conditions. You may even work in an environment that requires you to stand in a large freezer for hours on end. Whatever the case may be, these tips are sure to help. 

Keeping your toes warm while wearing safety work boots may seem impossible, however, with these simple, easy to follow tips you can march through the cold knowing that your toes will stay toasty.

You will notice a pattern with this blog post, so we’ll go ahead and point it out for you now, warm feet and dry feet work with each other.

Check out our top tips for keeping your feet warm on the job this winter:

Keep your feet dry – This is a fairly basic and preventative tip. If your feet are dry, they are more likely to be warm and stay that way throughout the day. Two main factors can influence this: the water solubility of your work boots, and the moisture absorption and thickness of your socks.

Buy Waterproof Boots – When purchasing a pair of safety toe work boots, it is always important to keep your daily work environment in mind. If the area you work in is damp, or you spend a lot of time outside or around water, it is wise to invest in waterproof work boots that can handle the task.

Get the right socks – You might have checked out our other blog post on how to choose the right socks for your job. The same message applies here. If you are working in a cold, wet environment, you will want to invest in socks that can withstand the elements such as wool or other synthetic moisture-wicking sock blends. We recommend investing in these types of socks as they wick away moisture from your feet as the day goes on, keeping your feet warm and dry.

Pro Tip: Keep your work boots inside. That way when you go to put them on before your shift, they will be nice and warm right off the bat.

Pick the right boots – When it comes time to buy your cold weather work boots, there are several things to consider. Different boots offer varying levels of insulation and moisture-wicking capabilities, and therefore it is important to get a pair of boots that can stand up to the task of keeping you on your feet in cold, wet environments.

With all of these factors to consider, it is wise to do your research before purchasing your next pair of work boots. If you still have questions regarding the appropriate size and fit of your safety work boots, please don’t hesitate to comment or email us with your questions. We also suggest visiting a shoe store that specializes in work wear if possible.  

Ready to learn more about our products and tips we offer? Check us out at www.safgard.com

 

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What is a Metatarsal Guard?

Met-Guarding Your Feet: Every Step of the Way

Ever wondered what a metatarsal guard was? Or maybe why you were required to wear metatarsal guard safety shoes at work? Believe it or not, metatarsal guards play a huge role in protecting your feet in the workplace.

Everyday you get up, go to work, perform to your best ability, come home, and get up the next day to repeat the cycle over again. Not once does it cross your mind about what would happen if something were to fall on your foot at work, and throw a wrench in your daily lifestyle due to a foot injury.

The metatarsal guard is there for one reason: to insure that nothing will crush your foot.

Protecting Your Feet

Safety is so important in the workplace. That’s why employers have to make sure that workers are always protected on the job, and feet are no exception. Metatarsal guards are a form of personal protective equipment (PPE). In other words, they protect the top of the foot from heavy weights that may cause injuries by heavy items falling, dropping, or rolling onto the top of the foot. Metatarsal guards are manufactured from aluminum, steel, lightweight composites or synthetic materials to help prevent injuries for workplace safety shoes.

Maximum Foot Protection

The metatarsal bones in your foot are prone to injury because the front of the foot sticks out beyond the body line. This is an easy way for a rolling or falling object to collide with your foot. If you rub the top of your foot with your hand, you can feel the unprotected metatarsal bones right next to the surface of the skin. Notice how close the bones are to the skin and note that there is virtually no flesh, muscle, or fat, protecting the bones in this part of your body.

With a metatarsal guard, your hooves are receiving maximum protection from a simple plate being put in your safety footwear to help prevent any type of foot injury.

Next time you go to put on a pair of work shoes, pay attention to the metatarsal guard portion of the safety shoe. It might not look like much, but it is saving you a foot in the long run and protection to keep you safe on the job. Healthy feet are the key to a healthy life!

To learn about safety shoes and more check us out at www.safgard.com.

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Shoe Shank Redemption

Article by Emily Bennett

Lots of times, people will walk into our stores telling us that they need to buy a pair of safety shoes with a “shank” in them for work. They won’t have any idea as to what this safety piece is until we pull a pair of work boots for them and point it out.

You see, a shank piece isn’t something that people notice right off the bat. It’s actually in the shoe itself. It’s an unseen blessing to your toes, providing support and protection all day, every day.

So you’re probably wondering what a shank really is now that we’ve gotten you to think about it.

A shoe shank is a flat piece of material about the size of a stick of chewing gum. It’s situated between the heel and ball area of your foot right below the arch. It can be made from a number of materials including fiberglass, plastic, steel or even Kevlar.

Why’s it there? Simple. You need extra support and protection to the arch area of your shoe whether that be from standing on a ladder for hours on end to walking the construction site, to even working on a railroad ballast.

The perks of these tiny foot-savers can be life-changing. They provide you with:

  • protection
  • reduce injury from the puncturing of sharp objects
  • give a bunch of love to your paws with comfort, support and balance to your overworked arches.

They’re even more flexible than you might’ve been thinking since they move with your feet and are lighter in weight, meaning that they won’t weigh your work safety shoes down.

To sum it all up, shanks in your work shoes aren’t only a great investment, they also grant your hooves hours of protection and support. And as always remember, the best form of protection is prevention, and shanks in your work shoes anticipate and prevent.

For more information on shanks and to check out our wide selection of safety shoes, visit us at www.safgard.com.