What Are Black Work Shoes?
Black work shoes are designed to be worn by men who do physical jobs which require tough work. The most obvious example would be construction workers, but carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and even farmers could make use of black safety shoes as well.
The main features of these shoes are their durability (to withstand the tough conditions they might end up in), their protection against falling objects (from above or below), and the insulation provided by the insoles which allow working with your feet inside wet environments.
What makes these shoes black is that they all have a full black color, including the laces, and this adds more strength to that particular color. Let’s say you were a construction worker and you had a pair of black work shoes, oil stains would show very little on your shoes because the color would blend in with the rest.
If they were brown, then that stain wouldn’t be as easily hidden. Black safety shoes are also used by people working in kitchen environments such as cooks and dishwashers because the black color doesn’t get dirty very easily and it reflects heat better than other colors.
Features of Black Work Shoes
Features vary to the material the shoe is made of and the material that was used to manufacture it.
- Rubber or PVC Soles – The most common choice for work shoes, because rubber soles provide good insulation (protecting your feet against hot surfaces such as ovens). They’re also very durable and thick which provides additional insulation.
- Water Resistant Uppers – Since a lot of construction work is done in places where it rains, black work shoes should have a coating that makes them waterproof.
- Steel Toes – This feature is the most important because safety depends on it. In case an object falls from above or you accidentally hit your feet against anything, this will protect your toes from getting crushed. Steel toes also offer extra insulation. Some companies make shoes with small magnets embedded in the steel, which heats up when it comes into contact with electricity (such as 220 volts), preventing an electric shock.
- Insulating Soles – The insoles provide the insulation you need against cold surfaces such as ice or very moist surfaces where your feet would get wet very quickly. Rubber insoles are the most common, however, you can also get them with recycled PU foam (which is stronger and more durable).
- Non-Slip Soles – The type of surfaces where these shoes tend to be used are slippery, which is why it’s important that they have soles designed for non-slip use. This way, you won’t slide off the roof of a building because your shoe didn’t have enough traction to keep you up there.
Black Work Shoes – Safety Footwear Standards
Safety shoes and boots alike adhere to certain safety footwear standards, such as:
- ASTM F 2413-11 – This standard was created by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and it defines performance requirements for safety shoes.
- ANSI Z41 PT 90 – It’s a similar standard to the previous one, but it was developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- EN ISO 20345:2011 – It’s the European standard for protective footwear, including black work shoes.
Guides On Choosing The Right Black Work Shoes
When it comes to work shoes, construction workers and carpenters who deal with wood all day should choose shoes with a steel toe. Other than that, if your occupation requires you to be in an environment where water is present then you should definitely get shoes that are waterproof.
Also, when you’re on a roof or another area that’s elevated, you should pick something with a stable sole. Also, here are other things you need to consider when looking for a pair of black work shoes:
The Right Fit
Getting the wrong size is a very common mistake people make. To avoid this, measure your feet and compare those numbers with the length and width of the shoe. Also, pay attention to where it hurts since that’s where you’ll feel discomfort. If you land on your heel first when walking, then pick a pair with more padding on the back to protect your heels.
A Plan For The Future
Have you ever considered the possibility that you might not be doing this job forever? This means that when looking for shoes, you should take into account the type of work you want to do in the future and get something that can be used across different industries or companies.
Price vs Quality
This is perhaps the most important factor to take into account, because if you’re on a budget then it’s understandable that you wouldn’t want to pay more than $100 (or whatever your limit is) for black work shoes. However, it’s better if you don’t skimp on quality since this will only ensure that you buy them again in less time.
Safety Shoes – How Can They Help You?
Construction workers and carpenters who work with wood all day should choose shoes that come with a steel toe and non-slip soles. Plus, if your job takes you to places where there is water then it’s best to get ones that are waterproof.
Also, if you work on high surfaces then choose something with a stable sole. Safety footwear, in general, has been around for a long time. In fact, the first pair of safety shoes was patented in the United States in 1979 by Bally for men who worked as carpenters or on construction sites.
In general, all safety footwear has to meet specific standards before being approved – such as ASTM F 2413-11 and ANSI Z41 PT 90. Other than that, you need to take into account the specific industry you’re in and the type of work you do on a daily basis. These two factors will help determine what features your ideal safety shoe should have.
5 Leading Work shoe Manufacturer and Supplier Companies
There are many leading work shoe manufacturers and supplier companies. These include but are not limited to:
Rockport Work Boots
This brand has over 100 years of experience in manufacturing shoes both for men and women. They have a wide range of models, colors, designs, and prices so you’ll surely find something that meets your preferences. Also, Rockport has a pretty good warranty policy and they offer quality footwear. Rockport boots are available in sizes from 6.5 to 18 with 6 width features to choose from. They are priced from $120 to $160. Watch out for their sale periods during which you can get a pair of boots or shoes at half the price.
Rockport Shoe Styles
- Sneakers
- Slip-ons
- Sandals
- Oxford & Lace Ups
Homepage: https://www.rockport.com/home
Rockport Boots: https://www.rockport.com/rockport/all-mens-boots?srule=Best%20Reviewed&start=0&sz=12
Skechers Safety Shoes
This is another leading manufacturer from the United States. In fact, this company offers a wide range of shoes for men, women, and kids. They have different styles, colors, and designs so you’ll surely find something that’s within your budget and meets your preferences. This brand has a good warranty policy and they offer high-quality shoes. Skechers work & safety shoes and boots are sized from 6.5 to 16 in full and half sizes. They are available with 2 width options to choose from. Prices start at $50 to $150. Skechers
Work and Safety Shoes Styles
- Boot
- Clog
- Loafer
- Oxford
- Slip-On
- Sneaker
- Sneaker Boot
Homepage: https://www.skechers.com/
Skechers Work Boots: https://www.skechers.com/collections/mens/work-safety/?prefn1=categoryShape&prefv1=Boot&srule=top-sellers&start=0&sz=24
Timberland PRO Work Shoes
Timberland is one of the most trusted brands in the market today. They have been around for more than 45 years so they are able to offer top quality safety footwear manufactured from high-grade materials. It’s worth mentioning that this company offers some stylish yet functional footwear that both men and women can wear. Timberland PRO boots are offered in sizes from 3 to 13 with 3 width features to choose from. Prices start at $100 to $150.
Timberland PRO Work Shoes Styles
- Hikers & Athletics
- Oxfords & Slip-Ons
Homepage: https://www.timberland.com/timberlandpro.html
Timberland PRO Work Shoes: https://www.timberland.com/shop/mens-pro-work-shoes#orderBy=2&beginIndex=0&categoryId=10173
Clarks Work Shoes
Clarks is a name you’ve probably heard before as this company has been around for years now. In fact, they started as a small store in Great Britain during the mid-1800s selling leather shoes to people from all walks of life. If you think about it, this brand has more than 200 years of experience in the market so you can imagine how good their shoes are. Clark’s offers both comfortable and stylish footwear for work. Clark work shoes are available from sizes 7 to 15 with full and half sizes and with 3 width options to choose from. Prices are affordable ranging from $50 to $160.
Clark Workwear Styles
- Ankle Boots
- Brogues
- Derby Shoes
- Loafers & Slip-Ons
- Oxford Shoes
Homepage: https://www.clarksusa.com/
Clark Work Shoes: https://www.clarksusa.com/mens/Mens-Dress-Shoes/Workwear/c/m202
Dr. Martens Work Boots
Even if this is not a popular name among shoe manufacturers, Dr. Martens is one of the oldest brands around. In fact, they’ve been making footwear for both men and women since 1960. This brand offers a wide range of styles, colors, designs, and prices, so you’ll surely find something that matches your budget and preferences. Dr. Martens Work boots and shoes are available from sizes 6 to 15 for men and ranging $80 to $160.
Dr. Martens Boots and Shoes Work Features
- Anti-Static
- Heat Resistant
- Slip Resistant
- Electrical Hazard
- Safety Toe
- Steel Toe
Homepage: https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/
Dr. Martens Work Boots and Shoes: https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/work/mens-work-boots-and-shoes/c/05380000
Conclusion
When looking for black work shoes, you should take into account the type of environment where you’ll be working. This will help determine what safety features are necessary for your shoe to have. Prices can range from $40 to over $400, but it’s important that you don’t skimp on quality even if your budget is tight.
Additionally, if you’re thinking of changing your line of work then it’s a good idea to invest in shoes that are multipurpose. This way, you can continue using them even when you start doing something else.
AIMBOO is one of the hottest brands of safety footwear today. We provide you with the latest styles and advanced designs of protective work shoes for you to be able to do your job with ease. For more information about our safety footwear, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Black Work Shoes
How do I know that the black work shoes I’m buying are good quality?
There are certain signs you can look out for to ensure that you’re buying something worth your money. For example, if the stitching is uneven then this means that it’s done by hand and not machine. Therefore, there’s a higher chance that it will come undone after a while. Also, the shoe’s outer material should be thick and hard enough to protect your feet from sharp objects you might step on at work.
How do I ensure that I get the right size?
The best way to measure your feet is by using a ruler or measuring tape. Put your foot on it and see where you have to cut so you can use it as a guide for buying shoes online. Also, make sure that the width of the shoe fits well since this will help ensure your feet don’t get too cramped.
How long can I expect my black work shoes to last?
The average lifespan of a good pair of safety footwear is at least 1 year, depending on how often you wear them and the type of work you do. Plus, neglecting to wear protective shoes while working will only lead to early fatigue. Eventually, you’ll have to replace them because of damage or they’ll come apart at the seams after being worn for so long.
Can I also use my black work shoes when not working?
We all want comfortable shoes that can be used even on days off, but it’s best if you get a separate pair for casual use. This is because safety footwear usually tends to be heavy and uncomfortable when worn the whole day. Plus, they’re usually bulkier compared to normal shoes so you might find it difficult to drive or walk around in them.
What makes black work shoes better than other styles?
The type of work you do will largely determine the safety features your shoe should have. For example, if you’re dealing with wet surfaces then good grip and water resistance is a must. If you walk on sharp objects then protective lining along with puncture resistant soles should be considered as well.
