How are your shoes treating you? If you’re finding yourself rubbing your feet at the end of a long day, it may be time to get yourself a new pair of comfortable boots. It’s not enough to simply buy the cheapest pair on the shelf to save yourself money — a solid pair of combat boots or the best steel toe boots can keep you healthier and even safer in the long run. Even better? A higher quality purchase can last far longer, saving you money well down the road. Let’s take a look at what constitutes a decent pair of boots and, likewise, what you should avoid or take into consideration while browsing.

Common Injuries

If you work outside or in construction, you’re already well-aware of the risks that come with your job. Are your shoes up to the task? While the average person might walk up to 10,000 steps in a day, a construction worker or laborer can exceed 30,000. Unfortunately, nearly 25% of workers with foot or ankle injuries were wearing proper safety shoes or boots — of the ones wearing safe footwear, 85% were still injured because the object hit an unprotected part of the foot.

Physical Health

Your foot is a delicate part of your body. Even a minor injury can see you put of work for weeks. The human foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, over 100 ligaments and a wealth of muscles. Some of the most frequent injuries occur along the toes as well as the bottom of the sole, the latter of which can be exacerbated by uncomfortable shoes that don’t provide consistent support or cause chafing.

Thriving Industry

The industry for comfortable boots and related footwear is a thriving one. The U.S. industrial market for safety shoes and boots as well as rubber or plastic boots is currently estimated at $1 billion, showing little signs of showing down as safety awareness protocols increase across the country. Magnum Stealth remains the #1 selling uniform boot worldwide and is considered the top brand for tactical, industrial or outdoor-related physical labor.

Careful Maintenance

Your comfortable boots will last longer if you take good care of them and find the right fit. The average employee spends $70 on foot protection every year — this can include additional equipment such as the proper socks, sole protection and various accessories. Your boots should have ample toe room, with your toes around 12.5 mm from the front and enough room to move them around without the shoe slipping off. If you’re looking for brands, Magnum Stealth is still the highest selling uniform boot in the world — they joined forces with P2i back in 2009 and created a groundbreaking shoe technology that can do everything from repel chemicals to the elements.

Choosing The Right Footwear

Did you know the Bureau Of Labor Statistics discovered that 75% of accidents occurred when workers were not in compliance with local safety regulations? Finding the right heavy duty work boots isn’t just useful, it’s ideal if you want to save money, stay fit and avoid common workplace accidents. Waterproof work boots are perfect if you regularly work outside, while combat boots for sale are the default for tactical and construction operations. A person who works a very active job can expect to see their feet perspiring up to 200 ml of moisture every day. What comfortable boots will you buy?