9 Common Mistakes When Buying Safety Shoes

Making mistakes when buying safety shoes for workers can mean a big loss. Here is a list of 9 mistakes you’ll want to avoid when selecting work shoes.

The right safety shoes for workers ensure productive employees and fewer workplace accidents. However, it’s hard to know when you’re doing it right when purchasing protective footwear for different work environments. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 9 most common mistakes that people make. Go through them to avoid the pitfalls in your next purchase.

Common Mistakes When Buying Safety Shoes for Workers

The wrong type of safety shoes for workers is the last thing you want when looking for workplace footwear. But with the numerous safety shoe features and requirements, many people find themselves with the wrong kinds of the product. So how do you ensure that you do not end up with footwear that only solves part of the problem? Below are mistakes to avoid when shopping for safety shoes.

1. Buying the Wrong Types of Safety Shoes

Safety shoes are available in different types, from safety shoes for construction jobs, safety shoes for mechanics, to safety shoes for electrical work. So it’s important that you get the right type while buying them. Make sure you’re familiar with the workplace risks. Take a detailed assessment of the work environment and note the different requirements for different workers. This will help you not purchase footwear that will not meet the needs of your workers.

2. Selecting the Wrong Safety Shoe Wrong Sizes

Safety shoes should fit snugly- not too tight or too loose. Footwear that is too tight will not allow employees to work comfortably, reducing productivity. It may also result in friction and cause blisters, sores and other issues. So make sure you’re buying worker safety shoes that are slightly roomy enough for comfort but not too large as to allow the foot to move about inside. While at it, understand that different safety shoe manufacturers use different sizing guidelines.

3. Buying Work Shoes Based Only on Price

Price is often an influencing factor when buying safety shoes for workers, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. You need to ensure that you get a good quality safety shoe. While the initial investment may seem high, it’s always wiser to spend more upfront and save on returns and replacements later. Higher-priced protective footwear will offer both assured protection and durability, and guard your workers against accidents for a long time.

4. Not Checking for a Warranty

Some manufacturers or suppliers of safety shoes offer a warranty on their products which last up to a year- or sometimes longer depending on the product itself. Before purchasing any safety shoes, you read through the seller guidelines and note their policies. Most safety shoe manufacturers offer warranties but it’s safer to confirm before placing your order. A warranty can save you unexpected costs.

5. Choosing Unbranded Work Shoes

It’s not advisable to choose unbranded work shoes; these may be low-quality and unsafe. For optimum protection against foot injuries at work, then go for branded safety footwear instead. In other words, choose a manufacturer that specializes in producing safety shoes. Branded and certified safety shoes must also have the necessary markings to show the standard they’re based upon or the safety ratings they’re manufactured with.

6. Ignoring Safety Shoe Comfort

Safety shoes can be comfortable and safe to wear or uncomfortable and hurting your feet. Many buyers make the mistake of choosing style over comfort and obtaining safety shoes that cannot be worn for extended hours. When selecting safety shoes for workers, take into account the comfort level it offers.  Consult experts if possible, and get help with choosing right work shoes. Consider also, buying shoes with quality insoles for added support and comfort.

7. Choosing Style over Function

Many people choose fashionable safety shoes and compromise on work safety. While you or your workers may want to wear attractive shoes, do not base your choice on style. Instead, ensure sturdy footwear that can stand up to the work zone challenges such as wet surfaces, heat, sharp or heavy objects, and other hazards. That way, you’ll be assured of a safe workplace and compliance with both company rules and country laws.

8. Not Considering Durability

Workers’ safety shoes or safety boots should last a long time. Short-lived footwear can be a financial burden to the company or workers and uneconomical in the long run. Be sure to obtain safety shoes that will offer durability. That means ensuring the materials are high-quality, from the vamp to the sole. Some safety shoes are also easier to care for than others. Be sure to buy those.

9. Overlooking Safety Shoes Standards

Safety shoe standards regulate the workplace footwear industry. They ensure safety shoe manufacturers are making the shoes to specified levels of protection capabilities. Safety standards for work shoes may vary slightly in different countries, so be sure you’re conversant with those of your region. If in the US, for example, your safety shoes are regulated by OSHA using the ASTM safety standards, the EN standard in Europe, and the CAS standard in Canada.

In addition to avoiding the above mistakes when buying safety shoes for workers, we recommend that you take your time to research the options. You want the best footwear for your employees, which is only possible if you do your homework.  If in doubt, consider consulting the manufacturer for advice.

Conclusion

Safety shoes for workers must provide both safety and comfort. That way, employees can work without worrying about getting injured or feeling fatigued. The shoes should also be high-quality and durable. To avoid mistakes when shopping for workplace footwear, be sure to understand the safety needs. Understand the different types of work shoes available, too. Do your research on the kind of materials to choose or the features to go for. Most importantly, know the specific manufacturer and supplier that you can trust to buy from.