Buying your first pair of work boots is exciting. In a way, it represents a rite of passage in a sense. You buy them when you get an industrial job, and you need a new layer of protection. 

But, new buyers have a hard time picking their first pair of boots. 

Well, you can always start with the best work boots brands.

Top Brands 

Products belong to a top brand category for a reason. That means that the product is the top performer. The characteristics, build, and features surpass the competitors and provide you with the best experience. 

You probably heard about some of the brands - even if you are clueless about them, you can learn more from the list below. 

Timberland Boots 

Timberland boots are probably the globally popular work boots. They have a distinct yellow color. The Timberland brands produce PPE boots, but they also craft office shoes. What sets them apart is the quality of their steel-toe cage, as well as the durability of the materials.  

Their primary use is for outdoor work, but you can also use them in an indoor setting. Timberlands last long and are hard to tear. 

Thorogood Boots

The Thorogood boots are boots made for outdoor use. They offer excellent craftsmanship, designed to provide you with a pair of boots that withstands the harshest conditions. Some models have steel-toe protection, while most rely on another form of protection. 

That form of protection is the durability of materials. Thorogood boots are that durable that they can protect your feet even without a steel-toe cage. 

Danner Boots 

Danner boots are another brand with durability as its selling point. Even the military uses them. The Danner boots design offers you extra comfort without any expense on durability. You can use them for both indoor and outdoor work. 

Some models have steel-toe cage protection, while other models rely on high durability. Danner boots are great for your first piece of PPE footwear. 

Carhartt Boots

Carhartt boots are a typical example of what happens when you mix experience and tech. In the case of Carhartt boots, you get extra durable work boots. Also, they have a tough steel-toe cage, and in some cases a metatarsal guard. 

You can wear them for any form of work, whether for indoor or outdoor work. Carhartt designers know how to make work boots that last.  

Now, for work boots to acquire the title of PPE gear they need a specific feature - the steel-toe cage. 

Steel-Toe Cage Types 

The steel-toe cage is a protective installment that covers the toes and the top of the foot. The position of the steel-toe guard is in the front of the boot. However, there are several types of toe protection, and the two most popular are the steel-toe cage and the metatarsal guard.  

The Steel-Toe Cage 

You should know that while there are many forms of protection with a steel-toe cage, not all protective plate is equal. Several things constitute a steel-toe cage. 

First, a steel-toe cage needs to encompass half of the foot from the front. Second, its primary material needs to be steel, a metal alloy, or a compound material. 

Finally, the work boots need to be comfortable without creating any discomfort. 

When you are buying the first pair of PPE work boots, you should go with a steel-toe cage. Steel-toe protection is a reliable and universal solution. Later on, you can try other types of material once you try the basic model. However, if you are entering a high-risk job, you should learn more about metatarsal guard.  

Metatarsal Guard

The metatarsal guard offers complete protection of your foot. The metatarsal guard covers the whole boot. The primary material is steel, but it can also be composite. You want to buy a pair of work boots with a metatarsal guard when you are working a high-risk job. 

The thing about a metatarsal guard is that it should protect your foot from punctures, tears, and crushing. The advantage of the metatarsal guard is that it can guard any part of your foot. However, the work boots with a metatarsal guard are going to be heavier and harder to wear. 

That’s the crucial part of the work. Let’s look at the features. 

Features 

Finally, you want to look at the features. These are additional traits that are going to complete the work boots. The purpose of features in the work boots is to make them even better for a specific workplace. 

Comfort 

The first trait you want to look for in work boots is comfort. No matter how protective the work boots are, protection isn’t a substitute for comfort. Try thinking about it this way - you are going to wear work boots for days and months while working. 

You want a blend of materials that craft ergonomic, comfortable work boots. Aside from that, you want your work boots to have a specific resistance. 

Resistance 

Each workplace has hazards of its own. And, developers craftwork boots to suit a typical type of workplace. For example, working outdoors requires a pair of work boots that don’t slip, that is waterproof and resistant to weather. 

On the other side, indoor working boots have different requirements. For example, you can work in a manufacturer, where the main hazards are electricity and falling objects. So, you need work boots with less conductivity and a metatarsal guard. Even if you are hit with an electric cable or you step on it, you are going to survive.

Make sure to understand the hazards of the workplace. Once you know all of this, you are ready for the purchase.  

Buy Work Boots 

Make sure to research thoroughly. After you browse through brands and models, you are going to find the right pair of work boots. 

Don’t worry - the truth is that you can’t go wrong with work boots. They are going to protect your feet regardless. 

 

You may also like

What Every New Cyclist Needs To Know

15 Best Sites to Shop For Activewear Online

Why Hiking Is Great For Your Health

Crazy About Sports? Here’s Where to Be