Safety boots

Frequently asked questions

• Boot or shoe?

  Boots suit uneven, muddy sites and places with swarf risk; shoes are more comfortable for flat indoor work. Most companies supply both.

• Is a waterproof membrane always useful?

  In wet and cold conditions, yes. In hot and dry environments it traps heat and the foot sweats, so a breathable unlined boot is more comfortable. Two versions for summer and winter is the common answer.

• Can the sole be resoled?

  On cemented and stitched constructions, sometimes. On direct-injected soles it is not practical. If long service life matters, the construction should be part of the specification.

• Why choose a boot over a shoe?

  Ankle support. On uneven ground, scaffolding and excavation work a higher shaft reduces ankle roll; the trade-off is heat and weight, so boots should not be specified by habit for flat indoor floors.

• Is a waterproof membrane always useful?

  In wet and cold conditions, yes. In hot dry environments it traps heat and the foot sweats, so an unlined breathable boot is more comfortable. Two seasonal versions is the common answer.