What separates a good shoe from a bad one? This is a common question many workers ask themselves when they visit the shoe store again, seeking to replace their worn out and patchy work shoes with a better pair. While it can be tempting to simply go with the most popular brand or flashiest advertisement, there are some basic questions you can answer to circumvent the most common pitfalls in favor of a pair that will support you every day.

Do You Work A Physical Job?

Let’s start off with the easiest question on the list. If you work a physical job, such as construction or delivery, then you will stand to benefit from a pair of comfortable work boots. While the average person walks 10,000 steps per day, according to recent studies, construction workers or laborers will walk more than double that amount. A person who works an extremely active job where they move the majority of the day can see foot perspiration of up to 200 ml of moisture. Heavy duty work boots and the best steel toe work boots are designed to withstand the constant pressure of walking, standing and running.

Have You Been Injured On The Job Before?

Some of the most common injuries involve your feet, ankles and shins. Back in 2012, of the 4,600 fatal injuries on the job over 600 were directly associated with slips, trips and falls. Because of this the average employee will spend at least $70 on foot protection every year, whether it’s the best steel toe work boots or a sturdy gel to support their soles. The U.S. Department Of Labor has discovered that an employee that suffers a foot or toe injury will miss an average of seven days of work, if not more. Sprains, strains, slips, falls and trips can severely injure and even kill an industry worker, making safe footwear a daily must.

Are Your Current Shoes Comfortable?

There are many small mistakes people make when searching for the best steel toe boots. One of the most common is buying a pair that doesn’t fit right. Your boots should have ample toe room, around 12.5 mm from the front, in order to give your feet space and reduce any frustrating pinching or tightening. Common side-effects of uncomfortable shoes include sores and chafing, both of which can become infected and lead to long-term stress. Flexible soles will keep your feet from becoming stiff and proper traction will drastically reduce your risk for potentially deadly slips and falls.

What Shoes Should I Buy?

The best steel toe work boots are ideal for construction work, as the constant exposure to heavy objects means you have a high risk of pinching, injuring and breaking your toes on the job. Of all the injured workers wearing safety shoes, over 85% were injured because the object hit an unprotected part of the foot. Regardless of whether or not the boot or shoe is made out of composite or steel materials, a protective toe cap needs to be permanently fixed onto the interior of the shoe to be considered effective. There are four separate classes used to rate the impact resistance of the best steel toe boot, taking into account everything from protection to the size of the shoe. Consider this when buying a new pair and you will be both safer and more financially secure during the winter season.