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Why You Should Take the Time to Get a Shoe Fitting

What do we want? More time!! When do we want it? Yesterday!!

Yes, with the long work week and the hassle of every other activity and event going on in our lives, it seems like we have no free time for anything. So how we choose to spend this free time is extremely valuable, and something as small as a shoe fitting will likely get swept under the rug.

I mean, come on! What’s the point right? We’re all over the age of five, so we all know our own shoe sizes. Obviously, we don’t need our safety shoes to be fitted by a professional because we can clearly do it ourselves, right?

One would think.

But, there’s actually more to sizing than meets the eye. When you’re on your feet for eight hours a day, your shoes need to fit perfectly. Or else…the improperly fitted shoe demons will haunt you until you find yourself cursing the creator of the first ever pair of shoes.

Remember back in elementary school when we had to do compare/contrast exercises? Let’s go ahead and do one of those here.

Your first day at work without getting your new safety shoes properly fitted:

You arrive at the warehouse for your first day on the job. Your new steel-toe boots look great on you, you’re feeling confident, and you’re ready for this exciting new challenge in your life.

Flash forward five hours: That same steel toe protecting your foot has now caused you to lose all feeling in your big toe. For all that you know, your big toe could have fallen off by now and ended up in one of those boxes that you just loaded onto a truck. As you hobble around on just the heel of your foot, the judgmental side-eye glare from your coworkers is all too real.

But that’s not all.  Another two hours (if only all work days could move this fast), and the boot on your other foot is creating blisters the size of Mars. At this point, you’re debating whether or not just chopping your foot off entirely is the best option (hint: it’s not. Don’t do that).

Every step feels like you’re walking on knives, and you end the day by throwing your new pair of boots in the giant warehouse trash compactor. Sounds like a cheerful first day, huh?

Now here’s your first day with shoes that have been properly fitted:

When you take the extra time to get your shoes fitted by a professional, they would know exactly where your big toe should be within the shoe while standing. They’d double check this before you left the store, and they’d have you walk a few laps around the store to ensure that the shoes feel good while you walk.

A professional would also know exactly how long and wide the shoe should be on your feet. They would check to make sure that the ball of your foot is resting on the widest part of your shoe to make sure that they don’t slip around and cause those nasty blisters.

So you arrive at work in your new, stylish, and properly fitted safety shoes, and you have a completely normal and ordinary day! There’s the thrilling and anticlimactic ending that we were looking for. Safety shoes are meant to keep you safe and looking good, and they also shouldn’t distract you from your everyday activities at work.

So don’t be that person who says, “But they felt ok when I tried them on in the store!” as you hobble around while cursing your new shoes. Get them properly fitted and checked out by a professional.

Any questions? Feel free to visit our sizing and fitting page here to read about specific shoe sizes and width letters: https://www.safgard.com/education/sizing-fit

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Why Wear Steel-Toed Boots?

Why You Should Wear Steel Toe 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

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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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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!

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How to Keep Your Feet Healthy

You’re on your feet for at least eight hours a day, and 40 hours a week. It’s time to give them a little TLC for all of the stress and pressure (literally and figuratively) that they are under every single day. Check out our foot facts infographic to educate yourself a little more about your most reliable transportation system,  and learn how to protect yourself from the ground up!

Download your FREE foot fact infographic here to share with employees, colleagues, and managers today!

For more information about how to keep your feet safe on the job and see our selection on safety shoes, visit us online at www.safgard.com 

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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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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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The Most Common Workplace Injuries

Let’s face it. Serious injuries in the workplace are far too common. Each year, there’s a wide range of accidents and injuries that occur across all work sectors resulting in both nonfatal and fatal outcomes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, since 2008, more than 5,000 fatalities have been recorded by the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). Depending on the type of work you’re in, each job faces a wide range of hazards.

The workplace can be an extremely dangerous place. Not only is it the firm’s responsibility to guarantee a reliable working environment; each employee also has a responsibility to take caution when on the job. Of course, even the best-prepared employees can fall victim to workplace accidents, but to be forewarned is to be forearmed as the old saying goes. Here are the top five most common accidents and injuries in the workplace.

Slip and Fall Accidents– This refers to falls on wet and slippery floors or trips over something lying on the ground. Employees should keep their attention focused on what’s going on around them, and as for employers, safety guidelines should be posted to ensure that spills are promptly cleaned up and taken care of and that no leftover waste is present which can pose a dangerous threat.

Muscle Strains– Strained muscles are something that is extremely common, as anyone who regularly lifts heavy items at work probably already knows. In particular, back and neck strains are all too notoriously sustained while working. In order to avoid these type of injuries, basic training on proper lifting techniques should be practiced to prevent muscle strain.

Falling Objects– Falling or flying items in the workplace can put workers’ safety in jeopardy and can expose them to relatively minor injuries such as cuts or abrasions, as well as more serious injuries such as concussions or blindness. This issue can be easily prevented by wearing a pair of safety toe shoes while on the job. 

Repetitive Strain Injury– Repetitive strain injuries are a headache that has become more and more common in the workplace over the years. Caused by a variety of tasks such as forceful or repetitive activity and poor posture, repetitive strain injuries mostly affect parts of the upper body, such as the forearm, elbow, wrist, hands, shoulders, and neck. In some cases, repetitive strain injuries can become severe, so it is extremely important to take precaution.

Crashes and Collisions– Accidents that result in a crash or impact injury are utterly common, believe it or not. Whether they involve cars, lorries or even smaller vehicles such as forklift trucks, they can pose serious impacts. Therefore, it’s up to employers to certify that seatbelts and other safety precautions are both in place and in use where it’s appropriate.

Although there’s a never-ending list of ways that people can get injured while at work, there are several protocols that employers can put into place to limit workers from coming into direct harm. Through training,  signage, access to the mandatory safety equipment, and regular risk assessments, injuries in the workplace can be avoided altogether to keep workers both intact and on the job.

Looking for more tips to stay safe on the job or schedule a shoemobile? Visit us 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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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.