Your feet are there to support you, so the least you could do it show them a little support, too. So many work environments require the use of protective footwear to prevent injury or foot problems. To make sure you are choosing the right shoes for your work environment, just follow these guidelines.
- Safety first. Do you know the hazards that come with your work environment? If not, find out. This way you’ll know if you need safety toe caps, metatarsal guards, puncture-resistant soles, or special construction materials that can help protect your feet from falling objects, sharp metal edges, chemicals or electrical hazards.
- Buy what you need. Purchase your shoes from a store that carries footwear specific to your job. In fact, many businesses may offer suggestions as to where to buy your shoes, so you may want to ask your employer first.
- Check your soles. There are a variety of different soles designed to resist slips, and protect your feet from heat, puncture, and electrical shock. Find out which you will need before making your purchase.
- Wick away the moisture. To keep your feet dry, and prevent painful blisters and corns, buy leather uppers lined with moisture-wicking lining.
- Check for Stability. Opt for shoes or boots with flat soles and a wide base to provide better stability when working on uneven surfaces.
- Make sure you can wiggle your toes. You’ll want to buy your shoes at the end of the day, so you get a real feel for the size of the shoe. You should make sure there is plenty of wiggle room for your toes; otherwise you will end up putting too much pressure on your toes, eventually leading to painful foot problems like corns. Also, remember to wear your usual work socks so you know what the true fit of the shoe is.
- Get support you need. The heel of your shoes should fit your ankle snugly and provide plenty of stability. For ultimate ankle and arch support, opt for a wedge bottom sole or a puncture-resistant midsole.
- Comfort is crucial. Who wants to work in shoes that hurt? Make sure that your shoes are comfortable the first time you try them on, don’t count on them “breaking in.”
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Getting Professional Treatment
It is always our express intent to recommend that you take no chances with diabetic foot pain, ankle or knee pain, or injuries. Professional treatment to relieve the pain is available from doctors such as Delray Beach’s Dr. Ian Goldbaum of Delray Beach Podiatry, who has provided us with this blog. If the pain continues, a podiatrist with Dr. Goldbaum’s experience should be consulted. You must get proper treatment to prevent permanent damage. Also consider having a walk analysis done.
Our Staff writers are freelance writers with higher education related to, or experience researching and writing for, medical blogs; with education or experience equal to under graduate and graduate degrees in the fields of medicine.
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