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September 2003 - Boot Up |
| With
styles ranging from industrial oxfords to safety sneakers, there's
a lot more to protective footwear than just steel toes |
| FAST
FACT |
| The
CSA reports that ankles are the victims of 46 per
cent of all injuries to feet. Use high-cut (260
mm) boots as one of the most effective ways to help
prevent some of these injuries, particularly on
wet or uneven surfaces. |
| PROTECTION
TIPS |
| Keep
’em Dry, Keep ’em Clean: Let your wet
boots dry at room temperature. Never place wet boots
near a heater because heat warps leather, removes
natural oils and reduces the life of the leather.
Remove salt immediately so it doesn’t burn
the leather. |
| FITTING
TESTIMONY |
| Canadian
Home Workshop asked journeyman carpenter Mehdi Fedai
to try a pair of polypropylene liners (billed as
“extremely lightweight” with “superior
moisture-repelling fibre”) inside his regular
socks. “I’m on my feet for 10 to 12
hours every day on a construction site,” says
Fedai. “Wearing a thick pair of wool socks
gives me the cushioning I need. The liners are supposed
to repel moisture while keeping my feet warm. They
did give me extra cushioning and warmth, but because
it was 28°C, the liners were a hindrance. I’m
sure they’ll be handy in January.” |
|
The average
life of a workboot is six months in most environments, according
to manufacturers. However, you could make your footwear last
longer if you choose boots designed specifically for your working
conditions. When selecting the right armour for your toes, ask
the salesperson’s advice about the right type of footwear
for your needs and look for the Canadian Standards Association
(CSA) logo. Our selection of general-purpose shoes are CSA-approved
with steel toes, steel plates and electric-shock resistance.
CSA markings also certify that new protective footwear meet
its requirements for toe impact resistance, sole plate performance,
metatarsal protection, electric-shock protection, sole
flexion, conductivity and chainsaw protection.
A Perfect Fit: No matter how well they’re designed
and constructed, workboots will not deliver maximum comfort
and protection unless they fit correctly. Shop for footwear
at the end of the day, when your feet are swollen. There should
be 1/2" (12.5 mm) between the end of the boot and your
longest toe while standing with the boots laced. The CSA recommends
that if you use extra sock liners, arch supports, orthotics
or insoles, you should wear them when selecting your protective
footwear to ensure proper fit. Remember that toe caps don’t
stretch—boots that are too tight won’t “loosen
up.” |
|
TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:
Dr. Martens Industrial Oxfords feature comfortable
cushioned insoles, as well as durable and impact-absorbent PVC
outsoles. $170
Light duty and occasional work call for Dakota Assembler Oxfords
(ladies) with leather uppers for durability and comfort. Also
features breathable Tybrelle lining and rubber outsoles for
grip and durability. $70
Dakota Airstream athletic runners (ladies) are lightweight but
fully equipped with safety protection. Cushioned ethyl vinyl
acetate (EVA) midsoles, heel inserts and airbags absorb impact
from walking; includes durable oil- and slip-resistant rubber
soles. $90
MIDDLE ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:
A popular choice with the pros, Dakota 8" WorkPro Tradesman
have rubber toe caps over full-grain leather uppers for extra
durability, and heavy-duty rubber lug outsoles that resist oil
and acid. $110
Dakota mid-cut athletic workboots have leather and Ultrahide
uppers and a rubber toe bumper for durability. Compression-moulded
EVA midsoles guarantee lightweight performance and superior
cushioning. The durable, high-traction rubber outsole design
is oil- and slip-resistant. $90
Kodiak 8" Pro Worker insulated workboots are a good choice
for heavy duty indoor and outdoor work. Waterproof leather uppers
are quadruple stitched with double latex sealed seams. Their
lightweight, dual-density polyurethane outsoles have a slip-resistant
lug pattern. The Cambrelle lining and Thinsulate insulation
work together to brave the elements. A Kodiak orthotic sock
liner adds comfort. $140
BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:
Men’s Terra 8" regular boots have full-grain, water-resistant
leather uppers with a breathable Cambrelle lining that wicks
away moisture. The lightweight polyurethane sole is oil-, acid-
and abrasion-resistant. $160
Dakota Rocket hikers are low-cut for all-round use. They sport
durable leather and nylon uppers with a breathable lining. Air-cell
midsoles provide shock absorption, and rubber outsoles provide
grip and durability. $110
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