Ladies safety boots & shoes
The availability of a dedicated range of ladies safety footwear has increased over time to meet the demands of more diverse workforces. As with the selection of any safety footwear, be aware of what it is for – be aware of the job, the environment and the wearer.
The purpose of safety footwear is to protect the feet from water, heavy objects, electrical shock, and wet/slippery surfaces. The difference in women’s safety boots and shoes depends on the main objective of the protection. Women who work in road construction need work boots that protect against heavy objects with flexibility to provide comfort for walking long distances. Women who work in hot, humid climates need work boots that absorb and expel sweat.
Before shopping for ladies safety footwear, think about:
- Type of environment for which the footwear is needed: water company workers need boots that resist moisture; excavation employees need footwear that prevent injuries from rocks falling on their feet, and so on.
- Type of footwear construction: safety footwear is made to be durable, but can be made in one of three ways – stitch down, cement (glue), or direct attach (moulded).
- Material: consider the materials used to make the footwear as each material provides different levels of comfort, breathability, and durability. Examples include nylon mesh and leather, full grain leather, waterproof leather, Gore Tex.
- Foot size and shape: the footwear should be snug enough to secure the ankle, but not too tight to create pressure points that can lead to injury. Safety footwear needs to be flexible. When buying a heavily insulated safety shoe or boot, purchase it in at least a half-size larger. In terms of shape, consider that most women will have narrower heels than men in the relation to the circumference of the ball of the foot.
Ladies safety boots & shoes
The availability of a dedicated range of ladies safety footwear has increased over time to meet the demands of
Roz Sanderson
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The availability of a dedicated range of ladies safety footwear has increased over time to meet the demands of more diverse workforces. As with the selection of any safety footwear, be aware of what it is for – be aware of the job, the environment and the wearer.