By Rehan Iqbal
Ever felt like you really need a safety boot but just can’t bring yourself to wear those heavy, cumbersome boots? Yeah, me too; but just thinking about how your toes will get crushed is enough to make us wear knee high military boots. Safety toe shoes offer optimum levels of protection and let you work and play without worrying about crippling injury. But one small question still remains, why do they make them so damn big and heavy?
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Fortunately, a few brands have stepped up their game to revolutionize the safety industry with state of the art lightweight safety shoes. That’s right; there are sneakers built so flexible yet so tough that nothing can break through them.
Let’s face it, when your work also involves a workout, it makes absolutely no sense to lug around heavy and ugly boots all day long. It’s time to get stylish and functional. Here’s a list of our most popular and fashionable lightweight steel toe sneakers for men and women that are an absolute must have.
1. New Balance Men's MID627V2 Work Shoe
New Balance MID627V2
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Our list of lightweight and most comfortable work shoes on the planet would not be complete without hearing from New Balance. While the brand is dedicated to helping athletes achieve all their goals in life and on the track, New Balance has delved into something tougher for the demanding consumer. For more than a century, NB has collected all the data they need to create a safe, functional yet lighter than air shoe.
After years of research and development, we are proud to introduce the New Balance Men's MID627 safety Work Shoe. This sneaker cleverly combines all the lightweight features of a sports shoe with the safest elements that a work boot can offer.
When your work is also a workout, then this bad boy is exactly what you need to keep you as agile and as safe as possible. So whether you are looking for a good tennis shoe or something more durable for the job, why not give the MID627 Work sneaker by New Balance a try?
2. Timberland PRO Powertrain Sport Alloy-Toe Safety Sneaker
Men's
Women's
Committed to inspiring athletic performance, Timberland has been at the forefront in manufacturing the best and most comfortable shoes. We all know how brand encourages continued support in the pursuit of well-being and total fitness. However, the geniuses over there have been taking well being to an entirely new level lately. This has seen the revolution of some of the most lightweight work boots that the industry has seen in a while.
Their latest pride and joy comes in the form of the Timberland PRO Men's Powertrain Sport Alloy-Toe EH Safety Shoe. This shoe incorporates all the features you would expect in a safety boot such as a hardy but lightweight alloy toe for optimum levels of protection and comfort.
Timberland really did a spectacular job bringing the responsiveness and performance of a running shoe to the hazardous conditions of a workplace. This particular shoe is also among the few that boast of anti fatigue technology that is engineered to offer superior levels of control, comfort and responsiveness.
3. Skechers for Work 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe Work Sneaker
Skechers Cankton
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When it comes to the toughest, roughest and gruffest pieces of safety shoes, Skechers seem to know exactly what the consumers need. Not only have hard working men and women relied on the brand to deliver excellence, but also make shoes that will work even harder than you do. Introducing the Skechers Work Shoe, safety, and protection have never looked so good.
Don’t be fooled by the casual exterior on this sneaker; Skechers incorporates an independently tried and certified steel toe safety to that far surpasses the required ASTM standards for compression and impact. The modern worker is always on the lookout for more functional footwear. That is why everyone will appreciate the ultra lightweight construction that allows you to get around faster despite the metallic safety toe in the sneakers. The interior is floored with memory foam to guarantee a most comfortable fit.
4. KEEN Utility Men's Flint II Low Steel Toe Waterproof Non Slip Work Shoe
Keen Flint ll
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For guys who are famous for functional footwear and clothing, Keen have really gone all the way round this time. Of course, they are still sticking with the highest levels of honest work, diligence, strength and all the integrity you need in a comfortable work boot. After giving workers and the good men and women of the service industry some of the best and heftiest work boots on the planet, Keen now offers the most lightweight and most comfortable safety toe sneakers you are ever going to find.
We’re talking about the Keen Steel Toe Work Sneaker that is engineered for active protection. Whether you are looking for a great tennis shoe or something to take with you to work, this is the ideal sneaker for you. In addition to a steel toe cap at the front, the safety toe shoe from Keen is built with a blend of rubber, mesh and breathable nylon upper for ultimate protection and breathability. The outsoles are SRX slip resistant and also allow this sneaker is Electrical Hazard rated.
5. Caterpillar Men's Brode Steel Safety Work Shoe
Caterpillar Brode Steel-Toe
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From the manufacturers of heavy equipment and machines to a range of casual and industrial footwear, Caterpillar has managed to remain true to their original goal in life. That is to create genuine and hard working shoes that stand a foot above the rest. Their diligence and ingenuity have made one thing very clear to consumers. If you ever need a work boot but prefer not to wear one instead- go for Caterpillar. These guys make their safety toe shoes so light and flexible that you wonder where the safety comes in.
One such versatile specimen is the Caterpillar Men's Brode Steel-Toe sneaker that looks no sturdier than your average sneaker. But careful, looks can be deceiving. The casual sneaker exterior hides an incredible array of features that you can expect to find in a work boot. This includes an ASTM rated steel toe safety toe to protect against toe stubs and compressing forces. It also boasts of the sturdiest Strobel and cement construction that guarantees years of dedicated service before the sneaker goes out of commission.
6. Reebok Work Men's Soyay RB1910 Skate Style EH Safety Shoe
Reebok Soyay Safety Toe
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We’ve already established that Reebok has been a leader in the field for years now. As such you know that we had to give it another mention. Reebok shoots out such an incredible amount of quality shoes on a regular basis that it was really hard not making the entire list by Reebok. This next shoe we’re about to introduce may have been inspired by the top athletes of the world, but it’s damn sure made for the hard working professionals in their respective fields.
We’re talking about the Reebok Work Men's Soyay RB1910 Skate Style EH Safety Shoe that will surprise you with its simplistic look. Barely even looking like a safety toe tennis shoe, the sneaker uses a classy and durable suede leather upper to cover the steel toe inside. But that’s not all; the pair also incorporates a nylon mesh lining that allows for the highest levels of breathability that keep your feet fresh and cool all day.
7. Harley-Davidson Men's Static Steel Toe Shoe
Harley-Davidson Static
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Widely known for assembling some of the most powerful two-wheeled machines on the globe, Harley-Davidson now focuses their attention on providing the most comfortable and safest shoes for riding. Just one glance at their new line of safety sneakers and you are sure to see why every biker has been talking about it. Harley Davidson’s attitude comes through to you loud and clear in their logo treatments as well as performance.
Today, we shed some light on their latest piece of foot wear art; the Harley-Davidson Men's Static Steel Toe Shoe. Riding your bike, working the yard or taking part in outdoor activities can often put your feet and toes in harm’s way. That’s why the manufacturer started off with a tough as nails steel toe cap at the front to ensure you don’t get injured on the job. Another feature worth mentioning is the cement construction that allows you the strength, durability, and flexibility you need in a safety sneaker. The outsole can also hold its own in whatever type of environment you find yourself in; especially since it is rated slip and oil resistant.
Guide on Buying your Safety Work Shoes
The only thing worse than spending Sunday shopping with your wife? Spending Sunday shopping for work boots and getting a pair that make your feet feel like 4th and long when you come home from work every night.
This guide help you avoid all of that.
How Will you Use the Boots?
All work boots are not created equal. A farmer is going to want very different work boots than an oil rig worker, or even an assembly line worker. If you’re not entirely sure how you will be using your work boots, now is the time to find out.
Contact your supervisor, foreman, or HR person and ask them about the work you’ll be doing. Get their recommendations about what features your work boot should have. You might even want to ask them if they can recommend a particular brand.
Starting to Shop
Now it’s time to hit the stores. Just keep a couple things in mind while browsing…..
First, don’t worry about the price, at least not before you’ve settled on the pair you want. These boots are going to make your feet comfortable and safe. Don’t sacrifice either of those to save a few dollars.
Second, try on every pair of work boots before you buy them. This is extremely important. If you don’t, you’re making a very expensive bet. If the work boots don’t fit, you’ll either have to grin and bear the discomfort for about ten years until the boots wear out and you need new ones or spend another $300-$500 on a pair of work boots immediately.
Work Footwear Features to Consider
Almost every work boot has three core components you’ll need to consider:
Construction
All work boots are not created equal. The way in which your boots were assembled will have a huge effect on your comfort and safety.
A boot made using cement construction means that the boot’s sole is cemented to its upper portion. This type of construction gives you the most lightweight work boot, not to mention the most affordable. If the sole is damaged or worn out, though, you won’t be able to replace it.
Welting construction, on the other hand, is a lot more durable and will give you a work boot that will outlast one made with cement construction. The two types of welting construction—Blake welting and Goodyear welting—involve the upper being stitched onto the sole. The Goodyear welting method actually involves double-stitching the sole to the upper. Work boots constructed by Goodyear welting are easily the most durable, but also the most costly.
Boots made with welting construction are good to have when you’re doing a lot of walking or climbing, and their durability means they can stand up to wet and cold climates. They can also be repaired when the sole starts wearing out.
Safety-toes or No?
Steel-toed boots do a marvelous job of protecting your feet from harm, but they’re also bulkier than other work boots. Steel-toed boots also conduct temperature, so they will feel colder in the winter and warmer in the summer.
If you’re interested in getting the benefits of a steel-toed boot without the drawbacks, you might want to try a composite toe made from plastic, carbon fiber or even Kevlar. This option is ideal for people who want the extra toe protection but don’t want their toes to freeze in the winter or roast in the summer.
Be a Sole Survivor
You’ll also want to consider what kind of sole you want on your work boots. Slip resistant soles are almost always an advantage, so stay away from any boots that don’t have them.
Work boots come with three different types of soles.
Get a Good Fit
Why spend hundreds of dollars for work boots that hurt your feet? You’re going to want a pair of boots that are slightly snug, but not too tight.
In order to ensure that you’re getting a good fit, go shopping for boots in the afternoon or evening. Since your feet swell up throughout the day, you’ll be able to tell how the boots will fit when your feet are at their largest at the end of a long, hard work day. You’ll also want to bring along a pair of work socks to make sure you’re getting the most accurate fit.
Buying work boots can seem overwhelming with all the choices out there, but shopping for them is actually simple. You just have to know what you need the work boots to do, and then find a pair with the features you like and a fit that will keep your feet comfortable.
