To work in a construction firm or warehouse, you must require steel-toe boots for the safety of your feet.
Although some common foot problems are associated with these work boots, if you maintain some basic strategies, the boots can be your lifesaver.
In this content, I sorted out some significant foot ailments caused by steel toe boots and the ways to prevent them.
So, let’s enter into the core part of the article.
Are Steel Toe Boots Bad for Your Feet?
While working on any rough surface or warehouse, you must take precautions to save your feet from sudden injuries.
Boots with steel made toe caps are one of the secure materials among the other safeguards.
But if you get the wrong-sized boots, your feet will have to face disastrous circumstances, which may lead to long-term health issues. Tight fitting boots cause blisters, rubbing between toes, hammertoes, and bunions. Moreover, Steel Toe boots make your feet colder as the steel cup is a thermal insulator.
Narrow steel toe boots won’t offer sufficient area to wiggle broad toes. Rather it causes bunions or abnormal bumps in the wide feet.
A pair of improper size and heavy steel toe boots leads to issues like plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, metatarsalgia, calluses and corn. It will feel like torture on your feet in everyday walking.
So, you see, these utility boots can be pain in your feet if worn wrongly!
Why Do My Feet Hurt with Steel Toe Boots?
Inaccurate sizing and using steel-toe shoes without socks in the break-in period cause hurt to the feet. Additionally, regular wearing of steel-toe boots without adequate arch support harms the ligaments and tendons of feet, resulting in severe foot irritation.
Steel toe boots are different from regular work boots as their toe box is constructed with steel. They are considered a prevention against unwanted occurrences or falling objects.
As a result, these boots are one of the most demanding equipment for individuals who are involved in construction sites or in heavy maintenance.
But a pair of unfit steel-toe boots hurt and damage your foot. Let’s discuss boots’ characteristics that lead to hurt in the feet. And try to avoid these wrongdoings to keep your feet safe and comfortable inside the steel-toe boots.
Here are the strategies to avoid hurt with steel-toe boots:
- Make sure to purchase the right size of boots. Choosing half-size larger work boots is recommended to get a snug fit and avoid friction with the steel toe cap.
- Wear socks and insoles with steel toe boots. The comfy layer of socks will protect your toes from the stiff steel toe area.
- Do not stand on steel toe boots for a long time. Doctors suggest not wearing them for over 8 hours. Rather, depend on carbon composite toe work boots, which are comfortable yet protective.
- Choose boots that are built with the finest materials. Otherwise, you won’t get the utmost safety, and the toes will face cut-off or discomfort due to the low-quality metal.
- Buy supportive boots so that no pain occurs at the ankle, arch or other parts of your feet. A pair with proper arch support helps to balance the feet and ensure accurate alignment.
- Always pick steel toe shoes, which are comparatively lightweight. To know more about steel toe shoes’ weight, go through our separate article how much do Steel Toe work boots weigh?
Common Injuries By Steel Toe Boots
Wrong-size work boots carry out some common foot ailments. Don’t overlook these injuries rather, know about them and go for treatments if you face any of them.
Here are the common steel toe boot injuries:
Bunions
The rise of unusual bumps due to the rub between your feet and hard steel metal is referred to as bunions. Consequently, the gap between the big toe and the next to it reduces.
Bunions take time to go away. You need to insert the medical tape and undergo long-duration medical treatments for recovery.
Blisters
Blisters are common for steel-toe boots in most cases. If the shoes are too tight, it triggers blisters on the feet. But getting a suitable fit will reduce the chance of getting fractions.
Corn & Calluses
When your toes struggle against the rigid steel toe compartment of the boots, the top skin thickens, and this disease is known as corn. Corns are painful and sometimes lead to bleeding.
Calluses are similar to cons. The only difference between these two diseases is that calluses occur in the bottom of the toes, on the other hand, corn rise at the top skin.
Hammer Toe
When the toes bend or squeeze due to the narrow fitted steel wall of the shoes, that particular toe area becomes stiff and sturdy like a hammer. That’s why this consequence is known as hammertoes.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is the pain that occurs at the ball of the foot. Due to the abrasion of the ball with the sturdy metal toe box, metatarsalgia turns out.
All of these diseases can be avoided if you follow the rules that I have mentioned in the previous segment.
However, if you want to wear rather safest option with the similar kind of support, you can try non-metalic toe boots. Read our separate article to learn the differences between non-metallic toes and steel toes including their distinctive features.
FAQs
Is it okay to wear steel toe boots on every day?
It’s okay to put on steel toe boots on a regular basis. But make sure to wear the right size for a maximum of 8 hours only.
Can steel toe boots cause plantar fasciitis?
Standing on steel toe boots with inadequate arch support cause plantar fasciitis.
Can steel toe boots cause nerve damage?
A tight toe box of steel toe shoes causes nerve damage and tearing.
Closing Thoughts
If you have previous experience of wearing steel-toe boots, you know how these shoes rescue feet from several injuries.
Though the wrong size and wrong way of wearing steel-toe shoes reduce its benefits, the proper size and usage provide all of the advantages associated with the boots.
So, grab a perfect size of steel-toe work boots to get comfort and safety at your workspace.
Don’t forget to ask in the comment section if you have any questions.
