safety boots Archives - Saf-Gard Safety Shoe Co

July 22, 2019September 23, 2019

Sole Education Week 2 : Shattering Stigmas

At this point, it is safe to say that we are all becoming increasingly aware of the skilled trades shortage that is coming our way. Decades of misrepresentation in pop culture and in high schools, coupled with shop classes being cut from public schools have led us to the skilled labor shortage.

There’s a lot of opportunity for growth and job security within the trades; however, they can carry a variety of stigmas. It’s dirty work. There’s no money to be made. It doesn’t require an education. It’s a male-dominated field. You name it, we’ve all heard it.

This week, we asked Mikayla to talk about stigmas that she and other students face within her field, and what she is doing to combat them. Every field has them, so let’s learn about what Mikayla has noticed over the course of her education thus far.

As a female in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Mikayla chose to speak to her experiences as a woman entering the trades. Read on to learn about her experience and what she is doing to shatter the stigma:

Stigma:

“As a woman entering the male-dominated field of engineering, I knew I would have to face many stigmas throughout my degree and my career. When I walked into my first engineering class, I noticed I was the only female.

Despite this, I made sure that the men around me treated me no different.
Somehow, I felt a sense of confidence against the stigma of being a woman in engineering; I felt that I had to prove myself more than my male peers. This pushed me to study hard, excel as a leader in group projects, and be more outgoing.

Solution:

Due to my determination and perseverance, I graduated with my Associates in Engineering Technology at the top of my class. My achievements in school lead to me being offered a mechanical engineering internship at Volvo Trucks North America.

When people see me, they do not believe me when I say I want to be an engineer. This makes me think about the phrase, “shattering the glass ceiling” and wonder if there is any validity to it today.

Personally, I believe that the glass ceiling has not been even cracked. With my degree and career, I hope to help drive the wrecking ball into that glass ceiling for good.

Follow along with our students’ progress here.
Learn more about the Generation T movement here.

APPLY FOR THE SOLE EDUCATION GRANT TODAY

July 9, 2019September 23, 2019

Sole Education Week 1: Introduction

We are thrilled to launch our first-ever Sole Education program! Over the next few months, we will be learning more about our student’s skilled trades program through their experiences and blog entries.

The Sole Education Grant is an industry-based education grant sponsored by Saf-Gard Safety Shoe Company. It is for students who are just starting out in the trades.

Over the next several weeks, we will be working with Mikayla, a rising Mechanical Engineering Technology student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

She will be covering topics related to her industry and hopefully inspire others to learn more about opportunities in the skilled trades as well.

Let’s learn more about her:

“Hey everyone, my name is Mikayla. I grew up in a small town outside of New Haven, CT but moved to Greensboro, NC, with my family in the summer of 2014.

I recently received my Associates in Engineering Technology from GTCC, and I will be continuing my education this fall at UNC Charlotte where I plan to earn a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. With my degree, I plan on making a career for myself in Plastics Technology as a Project Engineer.

While at GTCC, I’ve fallen in love with the world of technology and engineering design. I’ve excelled in courses involving math and science and was praised for my leadership skills during group STEM (short for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities.

Outside of school, I am a Mechanical Engineering Intern for Volvo Trucks North America. I consider myself hardworking, disciplined, and creative when it comes to my education and future career.”

We can’t wait to learn more about Mechanical Engineering this summer with Mikayla, and see what the summer holds!

Follow along with our students’ progress here.
Learn more about the Generation T movement here.

APPLY FOR THE SOLE EDUCATION GRANT TODAY

August 30, 2018September 23, 2019

How to Prevent Buying Painful Safety Shoes

You know that feeling you get when you commit to something, and you know from the start that you shouldn’t? Like lease agreements in not-so-great apartments, expensive gym memberships, and last but certainly not least, improper fitting safety toe shoes that cause painful rubbing sensations on your toes?

Each one of those scenarios is painful for different reasons, and we’ve all been there. While we can’t help you with all of the issues above, we can certainly give you some guidance on how to find the perfect fit when it comes to safety toe footwear… one out of three bad scenarios isn’t the best, but darn it, it’s something!

Let’s jump in…

Remember, safety toe comfort comes in length, not width

You have to get a shoe long enough to accommodate the back and forth toe movement in the shoes. The proper fit happens when the widest point of your foot (the ball) is located exactly in the widest part of the shoe. When that happens, the arch of your foot fits precisely with the arch of the shoe, giving you maximum support.

So what’s happening?

Your arch has probably dropped over the years, extending the toes of the shoes forward. This back and forth motion of your toes is why you need to fit your shoes (not just safety shoes) using your arch measurement.

Are you measuring up?

The arch measurement can be obtained with a Brannock Foot Measuring Device, you can find this in most reputable shoe stores. For more information on how to measure your feet, check out our blog here.

Suggestion: Try to get your foot measured in a shoe store before you buy your next pair of safety shoes to see if your arch has dropped a little, extending the toes further into your shoes to the point where they are rubbing the safety toe.

Reason: As we age and potentially get weaker and heavier your arch drops. When the arch drops, it causes our feet to get longer. It happens to everyone! We know, in your younger days your shoe size might have been 9.5; and now you wear an 11 at 50 years of age. Over that time, you’ve probably also gone from a 32-inch waist to a 36, and packed on a few extra pounds. Time is, after all, a cruel master.

Now, your foot really hasn’t grown in this timespan, it’s just changed shape (the same thing happened to our waistlines… right?). The arch drops and the toes and arch extend further in the shoe. All this means is that you need a longer shoe.

If you are finding that you still don’t seem to have enough distance widthwise, you can look into getting a wider safety toe shoe.

One final tip: Bigger brands typically have their shoes made by different manufacturers. Different styles within the same brand may fit differently because of this fact. Again, the most reliable solution is to try the shoes on and test the location of the “ball” of your foot in the shoe to make sure you are getting the right fit.

Try out some of these tips, and you should be able to find the perfect fit!

Still a little confused? Our retail store associates and Mobile Shoe Managers are all trained and ready to help you find the best safety toe shoes for your needs! Click here to find a location near you!

July 12, 2018January 27, 2020

Factory Safety

Working in a factory, warehouse, or any other type of industrial manufacturing setting is obviously much different than an office job. And while these challenging but exciting positions are extremely rewarding, there are potential hazards almost everywhere while on the job.

That means it’s your job to take all of the extra precautions and time to ensure that you and your coworkers remain safe every day. So strap in, tighten your laces, double-check that the forklift is parked, and let’s take a trip through Factory Safety 101!

Use all equipment properly, and wear the required safety attire

When working in factories or any manufacturing setting, you’re almost guaranteed to have to use some type of machinery, tools, or other equipment. These machines are usually a lot stronger and more powerful than we are, so make sure that you actually take the time to learn how to use it properly.

Hint hint: As lame as it is, take the time to read the instruction manual thoroughly. Don’t just assume that the way your coworker does it is correct.

And don’t forget about the required equipment to keep you safe either. Whether this is a pair of safety goggles, a mandatory hard hat, or your own pair of steel-toed boots, make sure that you have all of your PPE (personal protective equipment) on and take care of it as well. Damaged safety equipment is as effective as a leaky roof during a thunderstorm. Neither gets the job done, so take care of your equipment!

Keep work areas and emergency exits clear

Emergencies can arise at any time and are typically never expected. No one checks their daily calendar after arriving at work and sees: “Large factory fire, 2 p.m. today.” Therefore, it’s your job to ensure that all work areas and emergency exits are clear at all times during the day.

A cluttered work area can mean that you don’t have the space to do your job or use large machinery and tools. So make sure that everything is put on its proper shelf as soon as possible, and make sure that it’s secure up there. You’d hate to be walking next to a shelf and get crushed by a stocked dishwasher plummeting toward the earth. Besides, heavier objects should be kept on lower shelves anyway.

And never leave large objects or machines in front of emergency exits. Remember, you have that large fire scheduled for today at 2.

Now, let’s prevent that fire!

After you see a fire on your calendar, you decide that you’re just not feeling like running from the building today, so let’s prevent it from happening. To eliminate fire hazards, you need to use caution with all combustible materials in your workplace. If you are using these materials, only keep the amount that you need for the task at hand. When you aren’t using these materials, store them in assigned storage spaces away from all possible points of ignition

If you’ve worked in a factory long enough, you know that dust is everywhere. All it takes is a single spark to turn this dust into a fire-breathing monster, so use industrial vacuums to frequently clean areas that accumulate dust. Your lungs will thank you, too!

Lift correctly, take breaks, and if you see something…say something

No one wants a back injury, so keep your back straight when picking up a heavy item. No twisting, turning or stooping while lifting. And you can always make life easier on yourself by using a machine or forklift to do the work for you.

When you feel tired, take a short break. If you were alert earlier, you would have noticed that dishwasher hurtling down toward you at light speed. Most workplace injuries occur because the employee is too tired to adequately get the job done in a safe manner.

And lastly, if you see an unsafe condition anywhere that you are unable to clear safely, inform your supervisor. They’re legally obligated to keep you and your coworkers safe, so they’ll take care of it!

Looking for more info on how to protect yourself on the job? Check us out at www.safgard.com to learn more!

June 28, 2018October 1, 2019

Why Wear Steel-Toed Boots?

So you’re looking into getting some steel-toed boots, or perhaps your employer is requiring you to invest in a pair. But what’s really the point of these boots? Let’s walk through a few reasons why wearing steel-toed boots is the right choice for you.

1. Prevent foot injuries

Obviously, you buy safety shoes for the whole safety features. Foot injuries are among the leading causes of workplace injuries, and safety shoes are designed to prevent those types of accidents from doing some serious damage.

The right pair of safety toe boots can protect you from falling objects, punctures, lacerations, sprains, and even falls. That’s a list that you that don’t want your feet to be a part of. With a pair of steel-toed boots, these injuries can be prevented. You’ll also be saving yourself a trip to the doctor’s office and a few weeks with your foot wrapped and elevated.

2. They alleviate pain and provide more comfort

While the common perception is that work boots are less comfortable than regular shoes, that’s not the case. If your boots are properly fitted, then the extra support and padding that these boots have will actually provide your feet with more comfort than a regular shoe with no added support. If you have the correct sized shoes with the right socks to go with them, then you’ll actually be making your feet happier than they are in regular shoes.

3. They look good

Steel-toed safety work boots must look as ugly as they sound, right? Wrong! With so many different brands making several different lines of boots, you’ll find boots in multiple colors and styles. Steel-toed boots are designed today to look fashionable as well as functional, so you won’t be sacrificing anything when you buy a pair. Feel free to get rid of the image of large, hulking black boots that make you look like the villain in a crime movie.

4. If it’s required…then it’s required

Like we hinted at above, sometimes your employer requires you to have a pair of steel-toed work boots. Sometimes, OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) standards require that all employees within your workplace wear safety shoes or boots while on the job. This is usually the case within industries where employees are exposed to potential hazards that could injure their feet.

If your employer is requiring you to have a pair of steel-toed boots to comply with OSHA standards, then you have to wear them while at work. Otherwise, your employer can send you home under OSHA compliance standards for failing to act in a safe manner. So don’t be the one who gets sent home for not having the right shoes on. That’s not a fun walk out the door.

5. Above everything else, you’ll feel safe

If you work in any kind of hazardous environment with the potential to injure your feet, having a sturdy and reliable pair of safety boots on can give you the peace of mind that you need to do your job well. You’re the most important part of the job, so your own safety should be the priority above anything else.

You may think that the possibility of hurting yourself is low, but fluke injuries are always just a misstep away, so it’s important to be prepared by protecting yourself and your feet. The easiest way to do that is to put them in a work boot that’s comfortable, fashionable and, above everything else, safe.

Ready to take a look at some of the steel-toed boots that we have to offer? Feel free to browse through them here: https://www.safgard.com/mens-shoes/heights/8+Inch+Work

June 14, 2018June 14, 2018

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.

May 10, 2018May 16, 2018

Safety Tips for Any Industry

Warehouses, foundries, construction sites and factories can be some of the most dangerous places to work when it comes to accidents and injury. Think about it… large and moving machinery such as forklifts, carrying heavy loads such as pallets and heavy equipment can be hazardous for you and your workers, and we all know accidents can happen regardless of how careful we try to be.

Check out these safety tips and learn how to make your own work environments safer and more productive:

Want to download this infographic for your team? Click here for your free PDF download!

May 2, 2018November 12, 2018

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:

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

At Saf-Gard^TM, 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

April 16, 2018April 16, 2018

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

April 2, 2018July 31, 2018

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.