To the untrained eye, work boots might look like they’re a dime a dozen like a pair of socks, but the truth is, not all work boots are created equally.
The reason why work boots are expensive comes down to two things:
- The quality of the material used in a work boot
- The safety features are included in a work boot.
It can be easy to take footwear for granted. Trust us. We’ve learned it the hard way.
Unlike fancy designer shoes, there’s more to the prices of safety footwear work boots than what meets the eye.
Grab a seat and hold off on the pair of work boots you’ve been planning to buy until you’ve read this article to know if they’re worth it or not.
Materials used in the construction of quality work boots
When it comes to a good comfortable pair of work boots, there are many safety features and parts that cater to specific professions and work environments.
In the end, it all comes down to the main components of work boots and the material used to make them provide optimal safety and comfort while they’re worn.
As workers ourselves, we understand how frustrating it can be to know what to look for in a pair of quality work boots before spending our hard-earned money on them.
Worry not, though. We’ve got you covered. We’ve taken the liberty of simplifying things for you. So that you don’t have to go through the trouble of researching for the answers.
Here are the main points you should look for to know if a work boot is worth it or not:
Toe protection
If you ever thought that stubbing your toe while walking barefoot is the worst thing that can happen, think again.
When it comes to working in hazardous job sites or even riding a bike, you’re going to need proper reinforcement. Reinforcements in the form of a toe cap to keep your toes safe from whatever comes your way.
There are three main types of protective toe caps in quality work boots:
Steel toe caps
Arguably the most reliable form of toe protection in work boots out there are steel caps constructed from, well, you guessed it, steel. They are coated with rust-resistant material.
Making them is great for job sites that require the most excellent protection from falling objects. Or just about anything that can crush your toes.
The downside to steel-toed work boots is that steel absorbs temperature and conducts electricity. This makes them not exactly the best option if you intend on working with electrical hazards or extreme weather conditions.
Not to mention that they will make buzzers go off if your job has security metal detectors.
Price-wise, steel-toed work boots tend to be less expensive than work boots with protective caps made out of other materials.
But if you’re after this type of boots you can check out these great steel toe work boots for women and if you just want to see the best of both worlds, head to the best work boots page for more options.
Composite toe caps
It is made from durable non-metallic materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, plastic, or Kevlar. Composite toe caps tend to be thicker than steel-toed caps. In contrast, it is up to 30% lighter, making them an excellent choice for workers that have a lot of walking & standing.
While composite toe work boots comply with safety standards and can withstand impacts. They are not as durable as steel and can break if they’re up against extreme weights.
Price-wise, composite toe work boots are generally more expensive than their steel counterparts.
Alloy toe caps
Alloy toe protective caps are made from lightweight metals. Metals such as military-grade aluminum, titanium, or other light metals.
A relative newcomer when compared to steel toe foot protection. Alloy toed work boots can be even lighter than composite toed work boots and anywhere between 30 to 50% lighter when compared to steel.
Safety-wise, alloy toe caps can withstand more weights and impacts than composite alternatives. However, they are still no match for the durability of cold hard steel.
Alloy toe work boots offer excellent protection against impacts and heavy objects. Depending on the type of metal used in the alloy, it can avoid setting off metal detectors.
Yet, they’re more expensive than both composite and steel-toed alternatives.
Outsoles
The bottom of a boot often referred to as the sole, is one of the most important factors to consider when you pick up a pair of boots for a job. Too soft, and you’re on a countdown until your foot gets punctured from a sharp object.
That is not to mention a lack of foot support if you spend most of the day standing. Too stiff, and you’re going to have a tough time getting things done.
When it comes to work boots, there are four main types of materials that outsoles are made out of:
1. Rubber outsoles
Rubber is used in the outsoles of work boots, and for a good reason too: it’s durable, flexible, doesn’t deform, and is slip-resistant.
But rubber isn’t without its pitfalls. The thicker the outsole, the heavier it gets, and more often than not, it can hinder the ability to move your foot.
As a result, many manufacturers such as Vibram create enhanced rubber outsoles. These often get listed on work boot descriptions as a unique type of rubber due to their added safety and comfort features. Which tackles regular rubber’s flexibility issues.
While there’s no rule for prices, work boots with rubber outsoles tend to cost less than work boots constructed with other materials.
Note: rubber is often used as a catch-all term for outsoles. Anything from TPU to nitrile tends to be labeled as rubber. So make sure to take a look at the description to make sure it meets your job requirements.
2. PU outsoles
PU, short for polyurethane, is in more and more work boot models due to the material’s lightweight nature and affordability.
Outsoles made out of PU do wonders if you stand on your feet all day. The material’s shock resistance comes in handy to avoid feeling the impact of your foot on the ground each time you walk.
The downside to PU is that it isn’t the most breathable material out there while it is durable. It is also not the best option for demanding jobs. The reason is since the PU isn’t designed to handle wear and tear.
Price-wise, work boots with PU outsoles tend to be more expensive than rubber. But, they tend to remain within the lower price range compared to work boots with outsoles made out of other materials.
3. TPU outsoles
Short for thermo-polyurethane, TPU is the enhanced cousin of PU and is commonly found on work boots designed to withstand high temperatures (up to 130°C /266°F and down to -20°C/-4°) while remaining flexible.
Just like PU, they are slip-resistant, oil-resistant, and highly durable. These attributes make them a good option if you’re worried about the soles of your boots cracking. Especially if you bend a lot on the job to get to hard-to-reach places.
However, the added benefits come at a cost. In general, work boots with TPU soles tend to be in the higher price range than work boots with PU or rubber soles.
4. Nitrile outsoles
Work boots with nitrile outsoles aren’t exactly that common. They’re made for workers that deal with extreme temperatures. We don’t just mean a hot summer’s day where you can bake an egg on the hood of your car.
We mean firefighters, asphalt workers, miners. If it’s a job where things can get hotter than an oven, then a work boot with nitrile outsoles is the only option. It can withstand temperatures up to 300°C/572°F.
Nitrile isn’t just heat-resistant. It’s also acid-resistant, alkali-resistant, chemical-resistant, oil-resistant, slip-resistant, shock-resistant, and durable.
On the flip side, though, nitrile isn’t as flexible as other materials. They’re also almost always on the pricier side.
Upper Boot material
Unlike casual footwear, which tends to be made out of a variety of materials. Work boots are a whole different breed that utilizes only the most rigid material around. Making them able to handle extreme conditions where safety needs always to come first.
If it’s safety and quality that you seek, then there are two main options to go for when it comes to the material of work boot uppers:
Leather
Good ol’ leather is practically synonymous with boots, specifically boots made for work.
It’s not a coincidence. Leather is durable, water-resistant, and breathable. Once you’ve broken into your work boot, it’s hard to beat their comfort and perfect fit.
While leather is the most common material used in work boots, there are several types, each with its advantages and disadvantages and price ranges that differ from model to model depending on whether the leather is fully waterproof full-grain leather suede or nubuck.
Rubber
If you imagine a tall boot in your head after reading the title.
You’re spot on with your guess on why the rubber is a popular material used in work boots.
Although most work boots constructed out of rubber aren’t designed to endure extreme work conditions. Since they’re not that breathable. When waterproofing is an essential requirement in your job. A pair of rubber work boots are the only things that will keep your feet dry no matter how deep in the muck you are.
While cleaning a pair of rubber work boots is as simple as hosing them down. Rubber as a material does not adjust to the shape of afoot. So it’s imperative to make sure that the work boot you get feels suitable from the first try. Otherwise, they’ll be a pain to walk in for as long as you have them.
Insole material
The (generally) removable thin strip right between the bottom of your foot and the inside of a work boot might seem like a trivial detail. Still, if you care about comfort and foot support, you’ll want to make sure the material insole of your work boot is suitable for your feet and provides you with the support you need to work without having a sore foot, even worse, bad posture.
The good news is that insoles are easily replaceable. For if the ones that came with your work boots aren’t comfortable or need insoles designed for a specific medical condition.
While there’s a lot of options when it comes to insoles. Quality work boots from renowned manufacturers pack their offerings with three main types of insoles.
Gel insoles
Designed to reduce pain and decrease fatigue from wearing uncomfortable boots. Gel insoles are made to make wearing a boot from dusk to dawn as comfortable as possible. All the while providing shock-absorption. This is one reason they’re most often found in work boots used by workers who need to walk a lot on flat surfaces.
Foam insoles
Notable for their comfort and ability to adjust to the shape of afoot. Foam insoles provide general support and pressure relief. This comes in pretty handy if your foot gets sore from long hours walking or standing.
EVA insoles
Short for Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate, EVA is a foam-based material. It has rubber-like qualities such as softness and flexibility. Along with being used in insoles. It’s often also used in the midsoles of work boots. Mainly due to the material’s ability to balance the body’s weight, not to mention its lightweight feel.
Work boots vs. normal boots
Think about this for a moment: would you run in a pair of tap-dancing shoes instead of wearing sneakers? Of course not.
(but if you would, we admire the courage… and the incredible sounds that it would make).
The same thing applies to boots and work boots.
A work boot put is a type of boot that is designed for one thing and one thing only: for work.
We’re not saying that regular boots aren’t good. We have a pair of most types of boots out there. We’re passionate about the world of boots as a whole. But when it comes to protecting your feet from the hazards of a job. You need to amp up the dosage and swap whatever you’re wearing with proper safety footwear.
To demonstrate how different they are from each other, we’ve made it easier by breaking down the main points that separate the two:
- Protection
Work boots first became a thing during the Industrial Revolution. Workers needed foot protection against everything from sharp objects to oil spills. Over time, work boots have transformed into full-on PPE. It is not a requirement by some occupations and trades.
On the other hand, a standard pair of boots provides as much protection as the eye can see. Meaning that if you plan on walking in a slippery area while holding a heavy object, your safety quite literally depends on your luck.
- Durability
How often is it that you have to worry about whether or not your regular boots will handle going somewhere specific and come back in one piece?
Suppose your regular going-out boots look tough. But they aren’t specifically made for work like the ones we got last Christmas that didn’t last that long. Then you know how delicate a standard pair of boots can be.
For that very reason, work boots are made to last. We don’t just mean handling a few splashes and stains.
No.
We mean the tension, overtime working hours, rough surfaces, sharp objects. You name it. Work boots will be ready to let you stomp your way through any situation and still be prepared for more the next day.
- Comfort
Work Boot manufacturers spend a lot of money on R&D to make their boots better for workers. They often pack everything from heel and ankle support to padded insoles that make working around the clock just a bit less stressful.
With regular boots, though, things are a bit tricker.
For the most part, boots are comfortable. After all, no form of footwear is designed not to be.
The real test happens when you need to go to work while wearing regular boots.
Standing for long hours can easily result in a sore foot. If your boots don’t have any form of padding, foot support, or lining, you’ll likely chafe your foot and irritate your skin after your boots are done wearing out your socks from the friction.
- Features
This one’s a clear win for work boots, plain and simple. Work boots have no shortage of features. If you’ve ever read the description or a review of a pair of boots, the number of features that they include can be mind boggling.
- Toe protection
- Durable outer materials
- Chemical protection
- Steel shanks for extra support
- Metatarsal structures
- Pathogen resistance
- High traction
- Oil protection
- Shin protection
Put, if there’s a particular risk you can think of that has to do with feet, there’s a work boot designed to minimize the risk.
Heck, even freakin’ Kevlar that’s designed to dodge bullets can be found on works boots.
How much should you spend on a pair of work boots?
While prices differ from brand to brand and different models. Work boots usually cost around 100$ to 200$, give or take. In contrast, waterproof work boots can range anywhere from 190$ to 300$.
The golden rule here is that the more specialized the material and features of a work boot are, the higher the prices.
A fair word of warning, though. You can find cheap boots labeled as “work boots” at retail outlets or supermarkets (Walmart, we’re looking at you here). But the money that you save on work boots will ultimately be saving on the value of your safety and health.
Cheap work boots that aren’t designed to handle the hazards of different work environments are one of the leading causes of the 120,000 foot-related injuries that happen to workers every year.
As cliché as this sounds, the old saying still applies here: you get what you pay for.
Cheap vs. expensive work boots (which one should you buy?)
Choosing work boots isn’t about going for the most expensive option out there.
A good pair of work boots to your feet is like what medicine is for an illness. It’s about the functionality, what it offers, and what protects you from above all else.
While price ranges are a somewhat okay way to determine what category of work boots include certain standard safety and comfort features, you need to assess the risks that you want a pair of work boots to protect you from and how you feel while wearing them.
Long story short, choosing a pair of work boots is about getting the most bang for your buck. Instead of spending your hard-earned money on the most expensive model, you can find.
To honestly know which work boot you should buy, you need to ask yourself a couple of questions:
- Are these boots for me?
- Will these protect me from XYZ at work?
- Do these comply with the requirements of my job?
- Is this comfortable enough to wear for hours on end every day?
- Are these made by a brand that has experience with work boots?
If the work boots you have your eyes set on tick all the boxes, then it’s a match, and your feet and entire body overall will thank you for it in the long run.
When should you buy a new pair of work boots?
Like all good things, even the best work boots will not last forever.
While there isn’t precisely an expiry date on work boots. It’s generally recommended to get a new pair once every year or two. But, if they’re still intact and you take good care of them with a few DIY methods, it’s possible to extend the life of your sturdy work companions even longer.
On the other hand, if your boots are starting to show the signs of wear and tear or they’ve gone beyond the point of getting resolved to fix them up, it’s time to replace them.
Conclusion: Are work boots worth the money?
You can save up on many things in life or settle for an option and upgrade later on. But when it comes to your safety where your life’s on the line if you’re under-equipped, being frugal isn’t an option.
The bottom line is that good work boots, no matter how expensive they are, are essential in every worker’s toolkit. Not just for feet, but the spine and your overall long-term ability to work.
Just as you wouldn’t cut corners with your health by performing surgery on yourself. It would be best if you didn’t cut corners with your safety at work. Especially when one slight mistake or accident can end up leaving you without a job, or worse yet, without feet.
Team Members Working On This Page
Adrian – Editor / Webmaster
Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!
Jessica Flynn – Writer And Researcher
Love technology, going to the beach, take care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!
source https://bestformyfeet.com/why-are-work-boots-so-expensive/
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