Work boots are generally robust, tough, and rough. Most of them are made of leather and have got steel toe caps inserts on the front. The idea behind this structure is to protect your feet while at work. That is why boots come as a safety guideline at all workplaces.
While the work boots protect you, they are also a culprit of sores on your foot and several discomforts, especially if you wear them the entire day. Unfortunately, the boots don’t come with any guidelines on how to wear them comfortably.
The good news is that work boots doesn’t have to kill you with bruises and corns. You can make them comfortable to keep it easy for you throughout the day.
Related: Work boots for aching feet
So, you might be asking, how do I keep my feet from getting sore in work boots?
Here are 9 great hacks that you can use to keep your feet from getting sore in work boots:
How Do I Keep My Feet From Getting Sore In Work Boots?
1. Wear Thick-Layered Socks
You keep on getting the sores on your feet because of the pressure your foot exerts on the boot. Thick layered socks absorb this pressure exerted and keep your entire feet protected and comfortable. The layer also prevents your toe from rubbing against the steel toe cap on the front of the boot.
Also read: How to stop boots from rubbing heels
Woolen and non-cotton socks are great for cushioning your feet from sores. Wool and its blends are the best as they are natural, antimicrobial, and keep your feet dry by absorbing sweat. They keep you comfortable by the heavy pad on the bottom for the heal and the breathable top weave for the toes.
2. Get Yourself Laced Work Boots
Slip-on boots allow your feet to slide inside. This provides friction between the foot and the boots. When you wear laced boots, your feet stay intact and do not slide to the front of the work boot. Unlike slip on work boots, laced work boots are adjustable and fit accordingly in place.
3. Go For The Right Size And Shape
Going for a tight work boot is as bad as going for an oversize one. Both will give you sores. The tight ones will press your feet and cause multiple bruises, while the oversized shoe will allow sliding of the feet back and forth. They will not only cause sores, but they are a risk at the workplace.
To test for the proper shape, slip your foot to the front until your toes touch the boot front. Go ahead and bend your knee forward and insert your index finger in the space left at the back of the boot. If your finger doesn’t fit, the boot is too tight for you. Another tip is to fit the work boots after work when your feet are at their fullest.
Boots with a shape that tends to bend your foot arch do not offer adequate support and expose you to heel inflammation known as plantar fasciitis. Best work boots should have arch-supporting inserts for extra comfort while at the workplace.
4. Tongue Pads Protect You
A tongue pad inserted inside your work boot is a quick hack to prevent you from work boot sores. The inserts create a comfortable space for your toes where they are not in direct contact with the steel toe cap in the front.
Shoe inserts will also fix your loosely fitting work boots and prevent the heel from sliding back and forth. Your work boots have a tongue at the back, which causes discomfort on your ankle. The tongue pad will eliminate the possibility of bruising or aches caused by the boot’s tongue.
5. Buy An Extra Pair
Wearing the same work boots day in day out can give your sores. It would help if you had a change of boots. Having an alternating pair will give your feet a break and time to clean and air your boots.
If you already have sores and fit your feet in the same boots, that will be more severe. You are also likely to get more sores. Your feet will feel more comfortable and heal in another pair of work boots.
6. Condition Your Leather Work Boots Regularly
Leather boots love conditioning. When you condition leather, it becomes soft. You are getting sores that the leather has become too rugged for your skin to bear anymore. When you clean your boots, do not leave them without conditioning them.
Apply oil-based treatments like mink oil, redwing boot oil, and other leather conditioning varieties that soften your boots. Your work boots will be more comfortable than ever and free you from sores.
7. Coat Your Feet With Petroleum Jelly
Applying a coat of petroleum jelly on the vulnerable parts of the feet prevents sores. There are many brands in the market to choose from. Applying moisturizer is excellent, but not when you are going to work with your boots. You need something thicker like petroleum jelly.
8. Wrap A Band-Aid On Your Toes
The longest and the little toe hurt most and end up getting sores than the rest of the foot. You can offer an extra cushion by wrapping a band to prevent these parts from rubbing against the toecaps.
9. Break-In Your Work Boot
Don’t go ahead and rip your work boots! To eliminate the possibility of getting sores on your feet, you have to practice wearing your boots when you buy them before you wear them at the workplace. The practice involves wearing the safety boots for a few minutes, walk with them, and take a break.
Practice this several times for a week or two while increasing the duration. Your feet will get used to the pair and prepare you for the long day at work. When the insole softens and feels comfortable, it is time to wear the pair at work. You will realize that when you wear them at the workplace, you will not get sores.
Final Words
Being productive at the workplace requires comfort. Comfortable work boots that do not give you sores will help you achieve your targets. With the above guidelines, you will stay comfortable at your workstation. Your boots will no longer kill you but will provide you with maximum safety and comfort. Get the right size, shape, insoles, and take proper care of your boots, among other tips. These will keep your feet from getting sores in work boots.