5 Tips on Choosing Work Boots for Jobs in New Zealand
Slips drops, and breaks- oh my! These types of injuries are common at a busy worksite. And while you may have workers comp, the goal is to stay protected at work so you never need it.
Haven't bought new work boots in a while? Just got a construction job and need help choosing work boots? We've got a great guide for you, below.
1. Should I Have Different Work Boots for Different Weather?
Yes, you should have different workboots for different seasons. We recommend having a pair for warmer weather and another when it gets cold.
Different season workboots don't differ in exterior construction as much as they differ in interior materials. There will either be less or more lining (the part that touches your foot) depending on the weather you're wearing these boots for.
Interestingly, both pairs are likely wool-lined. As all New Zealanders know, wool has many impressive properties. It's able to keep you cool - or warm - at the same time, based on what your body needs!
2. Different Toes for Different Worksite Foes
When most people think of work boots, they think of steel toe caps that keep your toes from being damaged if something falls or gets dropped on them. But steel isn't perfect. Think about how quickly metal gets hot - or cold - and then imagine that on your worksite.
Additionally, if you work in an industry that uses commercial magnets, that's something to keep in mind - steel is metal and while it sounds comedic, getting your boots stuck to a magnet could be dangerous - or fatal.
Looking for something different than steel toe boots? Then consider composite material toed boots instead.
They're made of a mix of materials and aren't quite as strong as steel-toe boots but will still get the job done. If your job requires work boots with a structured toe but doesn't specifically note that they need to be steel, then you should be able to get away with composite material.
3. Do I Need Waterproof Work Boots?
Most work boots are made out of leather or synthetic leather exterior material, so they're at least water repellent, but not 100% waterproof.
Whether or not you end up choosing boots that are waterproof or not will depend on the type of work you do. With so many ocean-related industries in New Zealand, we recommend getting the most waterproof pair you can find.
Of course, if you only work inland and don't need to worry about crashing waves, water repellent boots should do the trick.
4. Are My Toes the Only Things that Need Protecting?
No! Your foot is the part of your body with the most bones in it - just trying memorizing them all! For example, Your metatarsals are the bones that lead to your toes, on the bottom half of your foot.
Metatarsal protection is like having an extra pad on the top of your foot. It's not quite a steel toe, but it will help keep those tens of little bones safe in the event of something heavy being dropped on your foot. You'll see these as an extra layer of leather, or maybe some composite structuring in the boot itself.
Unless you're solely buying work shoes for their anti-slip properties, we recommend metatarsal protection. Your feet, medical bills, and pain levels will thank us later.
5. Are There Other Types of Work Boots?
Looking for something more casual that still has more protection than your average sneaker? Safety Bootz has got your back! Unlike most work boot retailers, we stock work-sneakers and work-wellies that look like any other pair of shoes but offer a high level of protection.
That's fashion and function all in one!
Choosing Work Boots
The style of work boots (or sneakers) you need depends on the kind of work you do. Construction site workers need a different kind of boot than commercial fisherman - and we have them all.
We hope you found this guide on choosing work boots helpful and that we've answered all your questions.
If not, our team is here to help you - so browse our site with confidence, and don't be afraid to reach out!
