As the days begin to get cooler and the daylight disappears quicker, thoughts of warmer clothes and outerwear begin to take centre stage. Making sure employees who work in harsher climates or spend all day in the elements are able to get through their days dry and protected becomes a top priority. Preparing for winter weather in Europe means expecting more rainy days than dry ones and making sure your feet are especially well-insulated. The quality of boot insulation is on the minds of workers in the police, military, ambulance and security (M.A.P.S.) industries.
Protect workers and provide them with high-quality insulated work boots to help them perform their jobs better and more efficiently. Finding adequate insulation in work boots for staff can be daunting but we at Shoes For Crews are confident we can help you make the best decision.
The first step is to arm yourself with expert knowledge in order to make an informed purchase.
Benefits of wearing insulated work boots on the job in winter
Employers must ensure the health and safety of their employees, as you already may be aware of. This includes implementing measures to control slip and trip risks. Slips, trips and falls on the same level among workers in the UK account for 32% of all common accidents according to the HSE.
Police officers, medical teams and military personnel spend most of their shifts on their feet with minimal breaks in between one demanding, labourious task after another. Some of the physical challenges crews frequently face frequently are as follows:
- Stiff, sore muscles and joints
- Potential risk to strains and fatigue
- Lower back pain from bending and lifting objects
- Higher risk of injuries turning into chronic pain
Shoes For Crews creates boots that are specifically designed to help prevent slip or trip related accidents. These accidents can primarily occur on slippery or wet surfaces or when changing from one floor type to another.
Keep reading to learn more about the features our insulated work boots offer and why we are the industry leader in preventing slip-related injuries and accidents.
5 recommended features for insulated work boots in M.A.P.S. industries
At Shoes For Crews, we offer a variety of different insulated and occupational boots. They are suited to specific outdoor roles and feature non-slip outsoles, TripGuard, and water-resistant leather uppers, which help protect from breakdown caused by winter’s harsh elements. Durable and well-fitting footwear is a necessity to help employees perform their job well. There are several must-haves on anyone’s list but let us briefly touch on a few of the important ones.
Insulated boots that prevent loss of body heat
A major concern in the winter is maintaining steady body heat, especially when workers are doing their jobs in colder climates. A percentage of a person’s body heat is lost through the extremities, which includes the feet. It is crucial to trap any potential heat loss and this can be achieved by wearing insulated work boots. In a way, there is no such thing as cold when it comes to the human body. It is simply a matter of keeping the warmth inside it from escaping.
Insulated boots that keep your feet dry
Keeping feet dry in work boots needs to be approached in a two-faceted way: both from the outer and inner layers. Boots that dry faster will help preserve the insulating layers and make them last longer. Dry footwear fully after they have gotten wet or have been exposed to harsh elements to ensure optimal dryness inside the boot. Adding a pair of wool or highly breathable socks to the uniforms will decrease the risk of wet feet. Be sure to look for ones with padded materials that are made with antimicrobial fibres to fight odour.
Ample toe room
Warm, insulated feet start at the top of the shoe in the toe box. This is where the body’s heat will collect and create an air pocket around the forefeet and toes. It is essential to retain heat around the feet in order to help it circulate around the rest of the body. And remember, a well-fitting pair of work boots will go a long way for workers and help carry them through their long, busy shifts.
Insulation value
Getting the most value out of work footwear is one of the main priorities for companies. This will depend on the shoe style chosen and how often an employee wears them and the repetitiveness of their movements. Some workers tend to have warmer body temperatures while others are not as cool. A boot that has around a minimum of 200g of insulation is said to be preferred. If an employee’s feet tend to naturally run hotter, this weight will help them avoid excessive sweating while still keeping the foot protected.
Traction control
If you are looking to purchase work boots for staff, Shoes For Crews’ patented slip-resistant footwear can help send worries about wet floors and dirt away. Good traction in boots is crucial to making sure staff moves quickly and safely while on their feet. With our protective, slip-resistant footwear options, we can help your staff stay safe and well-protected with our highly slip-resistant outsoles.
At Shoes For Crews, we are passionate about helping companies reduce slip-related accidents in the workplace. Can we help you find the right pair of insulated work boots for your employees? We encourage you to get in touch to learn more about the benefits the insulation in our work boots offer.