The Clean Boot Blog

Not all safety boots are created equal. A variety of materials are used to construct a pair that may
guarantee foolproof protection and safety. When buying protective work boots, some consider
aesthetics while others make their choice based on the price tag. However, the fact is, you should select
a pair that is made from top-notch materials.

Outer Materials

The exterior of your work boot has utmost importance and it’s crucial that it should be made up of the finest material. Some of the most common choices include:

Leather

Leather has been a preferred material for centuries because of its flexibility and endurance. Boots
crafted from full grain leather are water-resistant and long-lasting. In addition to that, it seamlessly slips
over your foot, giving you incredible fit and comfort.

Rubber

When it comes to safety boots, rubber or PVC boots make a perfect choice. They are cost-effective and
very easy to clean and maintain. However, you cannot adjust the fitting as per your requirement and
might get troubled while walking or working.

Nylon

Nylon is yet another material that has been widely used in the making of work boots. As compared to
leather, nylon is both light-weight and breathable. Generally, these boots come with a mesh panel that
ensures better airflow around your feet.

Sole

The sole of your work boots should be made from thick material so that it can protect your feet from
various workplace injuries. It’s also crucial that it provides solid traction and grip on a variety of surfaces.

Rubber, TPU or EVA Soles?

Rubber is one of the most commonly used materials in protective shoes. Such options are great if your
work involves working on oily or scraped surfaces. TPU soles are crack-resistant and provide protection
against oily and rigid surfaces. Moreover, they are lighter and more comfortable than rubber soles.
The EVA sole, on the other hand, is popular worldwide because of its stability and weight distribution
that provides you with the comfort and protection your feet deserve.

Toe Protection

Solid toe protection is inevitable especially if you work in the industrial or domestic settings where there
is a high risk of injuries from falling objects. You can either pick from the steel cap/toe boots or the
composite option. The former is relatively heavy but provides impeccable protection against heavy
falling objects. The latter is contrived from different materials and are great if you work as a residential
contractor.

Safety Boot – Construction

When selecting a protective boot, it’s also important to consider its construction. Generally, there are
three options available including the ‘stitch down’, ‘cement’ or the ‘direct attach’.

The Stitch down, as its name suggests is the one in which the outer sole is attached to the exterior or
outer part of the boot. This construction type is believed to be the strongest and it enables you to get
the footwear re-soled if required.

The cement construction, on the other hand, is the one in which the exterior of your boots is fixed to the
outsole. Such boots are relatively inexpensive but are obviously not as durable as the stitch down
option.

Lastly, the direct attach aka molded construction is the one in which the outsole is molded to the boot
fabric.

The safety boots you wear is one of the ways you can provide extraordinary safety for yourself and your
employees. Knowing the pros and cons of each material type gives you an opportunity to invest in a pair
that is perfect for your requirements and job type.