Safety Footwear

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FineWine

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#236227 24-May-2018 13:45

Researching safety footwear for hardware chain job which as you can appreciate is mainly indoors. Have not worn safety footwear for over 40 years and those were military safety shoe style which always felt like clogs.

Would like forums opinion on whether to get; shoe style, laced boot or pull up slip on boot and what brand.

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#2021851 24-May-2018 14:04

If it's safety equipment, would the employer not supply it?

The Warehouse currently have a leather-look black work shoe with a hidden steel cap called Rivet Otieno Work Boots (but its not a boot!). I'm wearing a pair now that I got for $30 on special. They won't last as long as the Rugged Shark shoes I normally wear as the sole is much softer (so I bought two pairs in anticipation of an early death), but at that price I thought they were worth a go. I've been more than happy wearing them daily for the last fortnight.

I have a primarily office job that requires me to work on site in a variety of locations, including construction sites and warehouses occasionally.

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scuwp

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#2021872 24-May-2018 14:31

Depends on the use.

If there is a risk of ankle injury such as from being hit (sliding object), walking on unstable or uneven ground, then boots with ankle protection should be used. Otherwise shoes would be ok.

Most workplaces I know provide a few options and the employee can choose which one they want or that suits them. Ours all come from Protector Safety shop, the only requirement is that the footwear have a steel cap. Scrimping on safety equipment buying cheap Chinese stuff might end up a false economy if they don't last. Also they may not meet safety standards.

Yes the employer should be providing any PPE required for the job.

https://www.standards.govt.nz/touchstone/consumer-safety/2013/jul/what-you-need-to-know-about-safety-footwear/

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MikeAqua

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#2021889 24-May-2018 15:16

I spend a lot of time in slip on Blundstone boots, with a cushioned insole. Very comfy and long lasting.

Mike

Lias

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#2021890 24-May-2018 15:17

Employer should be supplying it, and it's my experience it's been a a case of "Go down to Protector Safety or similar local store, quote this account number, and pick what you like under $x". Some of it's just silly OSH stuff really.. e.g. I'm an IT engineer but if I ever step foot in a warehouse (e.g. of IT gear) or a construction site (e.g. a new store or rennovated store) I need to wear PPE, and the employer must provide it.

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scuwp

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#2021907 24-May-2018 15:39

Another vote for Blundstone. They would outnumber any other brand used in my workplace 10 to 1

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Fred99

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#2021924 24-May-2018 16:21

Slip-ons aren't allowed on some worksites.

Oblivian

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#2021927 24-May-2018 16:27

Also IT with requirement to wear onsite at customers

Been through a few pairs of Treadlite benmores as all dayers (have been as low as $70 which isn't bad for leather)

But like most things they change supplier of 1 part and it goes to the dogs - last pair the sole split, something changed and this time I've chewed out the heel and the rubber around the cap has perished and on one of them folded over causing a visible lump on the toe in just over a year

Not done my little toe any good rubbing against where the cap is however. Was considering a change to blundstones. But hard not knowing how your feet will react 2 months on.

The factory clearance place in chc has some older model aussie made Ascent ones that are like sport soles I've considered (claim to be work shoes you can run in - hah)

And like others, within limits work reimburse.

hsvhel

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#2021940 24-May-2018 16:37

all our guys are in blundstone's. would recomend them for longevity and comfort

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#2021952 24-May-2018 17:05

Make sure you confirm with the sites you are working on what kind of Safety Footwear is acceptable.

I know places that only lace up boots above ankle and not slip on's and anything else gets you sent off site

dazhann

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#2021968 24-May-2018 17:39

As stated above slip ons are not allowed on a lot of sites. You can now get ankle boots with lace up front and a zip on the side to allow for easy removal of boot. Contractors who have to take boots off to go into peoples houses love them as its easy off and on. Maybe once a month you retention laces. And Id go boot not shoe save the ankle roll.

andrewNZ

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#2021991 24-May-2018 18:12

My preference is for leather lace ups above the ankle with a rubber covered toe cap.

Last time I got boots, I asked if the zip ones were prone to failure, the response left me unconvinced about them.
I have however been told that some places require welders to wear zip boots so they can be removed fast.

A huge factor in choosing is what you will be doing.
-If you're going to be sitting down a lot, then it really doesn't matter much.
-If you're going to be on your feet all day, buy a good quality shoe that fits well and is comfortable. Bad shoes will bugger your back.
-If the ground is uneven or there are a lot of obstacles, a high boot is better than a shoe because they reduce ankle roll.
-If it is very cold, consider composite toe caps. They supposedly don't get as cold.
-If it's very warm, something with breathable fabric would be beneficial.
-If there are a lot of sharp objects around, leather is a good choice.

k1w1k1d

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#2022009 24-May-2018 18:49

As already advised, all PPE should be provided by your employer.

We just take an order to NZSafetyBlackwoods and get what we want.

I wear Oliver 34-652 safety shoes. Find them more comfortable than full boots walking on concrete floors all day.

MikeAqua

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#2023843 28-May-2018 11:04

I tend to avoid boots with side zips on the in-step side. They tend to rub on the other boot and cause wear. Side zips on the outside - no issue.

A product I really like is lace zippers. I have some on a pair of 10-Up DMs.

Mike

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#2023873 28-May-2018 11:46

I use lace ups Robuck model 10460, black sneaker type shoe.

At work I know some styles don't suit some people, sometimes new team members swap to a different style due to discomfort.

I've also seen that New Balance have a steel capped shoe, I've seen it at Rebel Sport a couple of times, from memory $130 a pair.

Not sure about their safety rating but I wonder if they're more comfortable

Jase2985

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#2024214 28-May-2018 20:16

we use these at work:

http://us.magnumboots.com/product-stealth-force-8-0-sz-wpi-black.html

easily the most comfy boot ive worn. I spend 12-16 hours a day in them for weeks at a time. current pair has lasted 18months and will probably just roll over the 2 year mark.

The side zipper is great and makes putting them on and taking them off very easy and fast. Never had an issue with the zips nor anyone else that I know with them. There must be about a thousand pairs of them at work.

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