4 Common Mistakes When Buying Safety Shoes

Safety shoes have an important purpose: they keep your feet safe from a range of different dangers at your workplace. As such, it is important to ensure that you choose the correct shoe, otherwise you risk compromising the shoe’s effectiveness and ultimately, your own safety. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when buying safety shoes.

1. Buying The Wrong Size

Many people are eager to make a purchase and be on our way. However, not taking the time to ensure an adequate fit can not only make your shoes uncomfortable and increase your risk of getting blisters, but it can also negatively impact your safety. If you buy shoes that are a bit too big, you risk tripping over them. Whether this happens because you sent someone to the store on your behalf (another mistake) or you simply did not try them on, it is imperative to take the time to ensure that fit perfectly.

In short, always try your shoes on and test them by walking around the store. When trying shoes on, also don’t forget to try them on with the socks that you actually work in. Did you know that 60% of people have different sized feet? Be sure to try on both the left and the right and fit to the larger foot. 

2. Failing To Take Workplace Conditions Into Consideration

Many people forget to take the range of their workplace conditions and activities into consideration. For example, you work in landscaping so a heavier boot sounds like the right choice. But you also need to consider weather and surfaces you work on. Which could mean you need to be sure your work boots are waterproof and have the right grip for uneven surfaces. 

Failing to take your working conditions into consideration ultimately means that you are putting your own safety at risk.  It is also necessary to choose work shoes or work boot that meet CSA standards for your workplace.

3. Prioritizing Style Over Function And Comfort

Related to the above mistake is prioritizing style over function — that is, choosing a boot based on style rather than on safety and comfort. Function and comfort should always come before style. Luckily there are so many great options that deliver both!

4. The difference quality and fit makes. 

Ultimately, choosing safety shoes simply based on price will likely not provide you with what is best for your safety and comfort. You need to wear your safety shoes or work boots day-in and day-out for long periods of time. They also need to meet specific requirements for your workplace. Choosing inexpensive safety shoes means that you may compromise on quality and durability. Which ultimate, will be more expensive. In addition, right fit is imperative. If your toes are pinched, your foot is rubbing  inside or, in general, your foot isn't comfortable, then your workday will suffer. Did you know that 60% of people have different sized feet? That a high arch or flat or no arch will make a big difference to how your shoes fit you? Take the time to get the best fit for YOU and your workday will be safer and more comfortable.

At Mister Safety Shoes we are experts in both fit and comfort, offering more than 200 of the best brand names in safety shoes.