If you are looking for workplace boots, you must have considered Steel Toe Boots. They are undoubtedly one of the best available options out there. Before getting into steel toe boots, it becomes necessary to look at the problems they can cause and how to solve them.
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Can Steel Toe Boots Cause Foot Problems?
If not well kept, steel toe boots give rise to pain and various other issues like fungal infection, blisters, and soreness. By using different methods, such as padding and insulation, you can shun such problems. Also, regular maintenance is key to healthy feet in Steel Toe Boots.
Read on to find out in detail, the answer to the question can steel toe boots cause foot problems.
Why Do Steel Toe Boots Cause Problems?
Steel toe boots require extra maintenance and special attention, more than any other boot. Even a slight problem can cause foot problems. Let us discuss some reasons for these foot problems in detail.
Low Quality
At times, to provide proper protection at a lower cost, with steel caps, a low-quality material is used to make Steel Toe Boots. It is a merger of issues that cause foot problems. Good quality leather is required to maintain the steel toe cap and protect the feet.
Steel toe boots have a heavy bottom to support the feet under the steel cap. If it is compromised, it can strain the foot and cause damage to the ankle bone for a prolonged period. The boot wears off very quickly, causing the steel cap to cut through the skin.
Wrong Size
Another major mistake you might make while buying a pair of steel toe boots is getting the wrong size. Steel toe boots being heavier and compact, may not fit in your standard foot size. Generally, half a size larger than your regular fit works well.
Loose steel toe boots hurt the feet as the toes rub continuously against the steel cap in the extra space. It is the main reason for blisters. Similarly, tight boots lead to infection and soreness due to pressure on the feet.
No Arch Support
While making steel toe boots, many times, few support gears are missed. One thing which most manufacturers tend to forget is arch support. The middle-raised part of the bottom feet requires a platform in the boots for continuous use.
No arch support for peculiarly heavy and thick steel toe boots makes them unhealthy to use for long without breaks. It strains the ankle and can cause stiffness in the feet. During the long period, it leads to a repetitive strain that most workers face today.
Problems Caused By Steel Toe Boots
There can be several problems a wrong shoe pair can create for your foot. Steel toe boots are no far behind. Following are few issues you can face while wearing Steel toe boots.
Chafing
If you purchase the wrong-sized shoe, there are extraordinary opportunities for the steel toe and plates to start cutting into your feet. Such a trigger causes extreme uneasiness and extends to a point where you can no longer stand in your shoe to boots. It makes you practically incapable of moving your toes, which eventually prompts chafing.
Blisters And Corns
When your feet continue to move inside the shoes, it causes friction, and because your skin is gentler, it causes blisters. In severe cases, it can cause corns and bleeding, which take even more time to heal than blisters. Blisters and corns both leave you incapable of wearing the boots for some time again.
Fungal Infection
Steel toe boots are thick and generally worn for long hours without a break to your feet. Generally, thick woolen socks are worn inside them. This leads to a high amount of sweating and heat inside the boot, which can cause fungal infection.
Proper cleaning of both the boots and feet, along with regular breaks to let some air in, can reduce the possibility of fungal infections.
Repetitive Strain Injury
When you ignore the problems caused by the steel toe boot to your feet, they can escalate. Whether simple blisters or pain in the ankle, they need proper attention and healing time. If not given attention, it can spread to your knee, spinal cord, hip, and back called Repetitive Strain Injury.
Solutions To The Foot Problems Caused By Wearing Steel Toe Boots
Following are a few solutions you can look up to while facing problems from your steel toe boots.
Padding
Padding means adding extra support or a layer between the steel cap and your feet. It prevents your feet from coming in direct contact with the shoe toe boot. As a result, it causes less discomfort while working.
Padding can be done using several techniques and materials according to your convenience. You can wear a woolen sock to separate your feet. You can also use padding for only your toes in case of blisters and corn.
Breaking In Your Shoes
Breaking in your steel toe boots means becoming comfortable in the new boots. When they buy new steel toe boots, most people tend to wear them directly in their workplace. It is a common mistake most people make.
You can try wearing the new boots purchased every day at home for around 10-15 minutes. There are several ways one can stretch their steel toe boots so that they can wear them more comfortably. One of the ways is to submerge them into the water for a while.
Insulation
Insulation, as it sounds, means layering the boots with a non-conductive material. These boots maintain the temperature and prevent excessive sweat and fungal infections. Insulated work boots are handily available these days in the market.
Final Thoughts
Steel toe boots can sure cause foot problems. It is necessary to recognize all these issues as there are not commendable substitutes available for steel toe boots. Keeping your feet and boots clean and hygienic avoids major infections and foot problems.
Although supports like padding and insulation are readily available, they are not alternatives to low-quality material. Buying good quality boots of proper size should be your priority.