Getting the right size for your footwear is important in any situation, but even more so when it is for physical work. The last thing you need while lifting heavy objects or climbing up on high places is to experience pain or injuries in your feet. Signs your work boots may not be wide enough are not always as apparent as you might like, however. Be on the lookout for these indicators when you aren’t certain about the sizing.
Examine the outside edges of the boots. Are there bumps and/or wear marks right where you feel pressure on your feet? It may be that the boots are so tight that certain parts of your feet are pushing out on them and creating those bumps and marks. While materials like leather do stretch out to an extent over time, you don’t want visible protrusions on any type of boot, as those areas of your feet will rub and hurt even after you wear them a while.
Now at first glance, this one may seem counterintuitive. Loose heels mean that the boots are too narrow? How? Well, as you are trying on a pair of boots, you might find the size that is correct for the length of your feet from the heel to toes, but feel that it is overly tight. You then go up a size to compensate for the lack of lateral space. Even though it’s important to have comfortable boots, this is not always a good solution, though, because the boots may become roomy to the point that they slip as you are working. You don’t want to risk safety, so you should instead look for boots that fit snugly, but comfortably, in all directions.
To have proper stability while you walk around, your toes should have enough room to wiggle a bit in your boots. This will allow them to move while you shift your weight around in different positions. Your toes won’t be able to do this if they are cramped. Moreover, you can experience long-term pain where your toes start to become stuck in uncomfortable positions when you continue to wear footwear that is excessively narrow. When you pull on some boots, see if your toes are curling up at the end or just feel stifled. Get a wider pair if you notice either of these.
Armed with awareness on the signs your work boots may not be wide enough, you can successfully find a fitting pair. For earth-tone boots and black uniform boots suited to various lines of work, check out the offerings that ALTAI has online.
