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Work Boot Guide

FOOTWEAR BUYERS GUIDE

 

GORE-TEX®

GORE-TEX® fabric is for extreme-weather protection that keeps you dry and comfortable. GORE-TEX® Outerwear is durably waterproof to keep you dry, windproof to keep you warm, and breathable to keep you comfortable-all day long. Its outer layer keeps liquid moisture from penetrating, and yet its microporous structure aids your body's natural cooling process by allowing perspiration vapor to escape.

Sympatex or Waterproof Membranes

Keeps liquid moisture from penetrating also allowing perspiration vapor to escape. Waterproof material similar to the gore tex brand fabric.


Vibram soles

Excellent longwearing soles, Guarantees maximum traction on wet/dry surfaces various terrains in extreme temperatures.

Steel Toe

Tempered steel toe cap that meet or exceeds ASTM F 2413-05 safety standards for impact and compression.

Non-metallic or Composite safety toe

 

Lightweight, nonmetallic toe cap that meets or exceeds ASTM F 2413-05 safety standards for impact and compression. They are manufactured using lightweight materials to make the shoe 30% lighter than steel. Does not trigger metal detectors.

 

Eh or Electrical hazard

The soles of EH shoes provide a barrier to protect from open electrical currents up to 600 volts.

Insulated

Thinsulate insulation for footwear
200 gram* Thinsulate™ Insulation for Footwear is recommended for cool conditions or for high activity levels where wearer generates/builds a lot of body heat through activity.

  • Work boots
  • Hiking boots
  • Rubber bottom boots
  • Hunting boots

400 gram* Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation for Footwear is recommended for cold conditions or for moderate activity levels where wearer generates/builds a normal amount of body heat through activity.

  • Rubber bottom boots
  • Hiking boots
  • PAC boots
  • Hunting boots
  • Work boots

600 gram* Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation for Footwear is recommended for very cold conditions or for very light activity levels where wearer generates/builds little body heat through activity.

  • Hiking boots
  • Work boots
  • Hunting boots
  • PAC boots

800 gram* Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation for Footwear is recommended for extremely cold conditions or for extremely light activity levels where wearer generates/builds minimal body heat through activity.

  • Hunting boots
  • PAC boots
  • Work boots

1,000 gram* Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation for Footwear is recommended for unique applications requiring additional insulation.

 

Non-insulated

Straight leather no insulation but may have a lining.

 

Leathers

 

Full Grain Leather: Full grain leather is the most genuine type of leather, as it retains all of the original texture and markings of the original hide

Nubuc: leather whose surface has been buffed and brushed to create a soft, velvety effect. Differs from suede in that while suede is created from the flesh (inner) side of a hide, nubuc is created using the grain (outer) side, giving it added strength and durability

Oil Tanned: Leather that is tanned using oils to create a very soft, pliable finish.
Top Grain: Leather whose top (outermost) layers have been left intact, in contrast to split leather

 

Cordura

Cordura is a high performance fabric resistant to abrasions, tears and scuffs. Cordura offers extreme toughness and maximum protection.

 

Cambrelle Lining

The lining constantly transports moisture away from the foot, storing it away and releasing it back into the environment when the footwear is removed. Cambrelle® absorbs three-and-a-half times its own weight in moisture keeping the foot cooler, drier, and more comfortable.

 

Outlast

 

Outlast materials balance your temperature through the use of patented microencapsulated Thermocules that absorb and store excess heat, releasing it when you need it most.

 

 

Proper sizing for work boots

 

Make sure your boots fit properly

  • Select a style of boot suited to the activity you’ll be using it for (Example – hunting, hiking, etc.)
  • Try on several boots with the appropriate sock system until you’re sure of a good fit

Sizing

  • When trying on cold weather boots
  • Try the boots on with the sock system you’re planning to wear
  • Slide your foot all the way forward into the boot, you should be able to slide one finger behind your heel
  • Change sizes if necessary until it’s right
  • Move your foot into a comfortable position and close the boot
  • It should be snug without pressure points but still have plenty of wiggle room for your toes
  • Walk around (including uphill and downhill) until you’re comfortable
  • Your heel should not move more than a half-inch, nor should your toes touch the front of the boot

Socks

  • Generally, two pairs of socks are the best bet:
    • A thin liner sock that’s wickable, like polypropylene
    • A thick outer sock of wool
  • The sock system should not overcrowd the boot, making it too constricted for good circulation

Start with warm, dry feet and footwear

  • Keep your socks and boots inside your car (not the trunk) on the way to your destination
  • If your feet sweat, put on fresh, dry socks just before going out, or anytime after a period of activity prior to resting

Keep your feet dry

  • Consider purchasing waterproof boots
  • Use foot powder or anti-perspirant on your feet
  • Use waterproof, breathable socks or boot liners

Keep your body warm and your metabolism high

  • Your body core and head must be kept warm to allow for circulation to other body parts
  • If either your body core or head are too cold, your body will shut down the heating of extremities in order to keep the core and head warm, causing your feet and hands to get cold
  • Eating calorie-rich foods and drinking lots of liquids will keep your body energized
  • Chemicals in caffeine and nicotine will have the opposite effect