Can Steel Toe Boots Cause Foot Problems?

Are you doubtful in buying a steel toe boot?

OR

Not aware of the problems it can land you into?

You have landed on the right page guys! I am here to tell you is it more beneficial or problematic to wear steel toe boots! Read along:

Everyone knows that steel toe safety boots are the best choices to avoid injuries related to workplace.  But, There are certain points which tend to show these safety boots in a bad light. 

Steel toe boots can definitely cause certain foot problems including chaffing, sore legs, blisters and calluses, etc. But you can obviously avoid these problems by wearing the right accessories with your boots like padding (insoles), toe guards, etc.

Down this article I will tell you all about these problems and remedies in details!

So, 1 2 3 let’s scroll down…….

Are Steel Toe Boots Uncomfortable?

Okay,

Let’s take it this way…

Imagine wearing a steel plate wherein your toes are stuck in the steel and you being not able to move your toes.

It’s already pinching right?

This is exactly what happens when you wear steel toe boots.

Are Steel Toe Boots Made to Cut Toes Off?

Imagine steel blades being attached to your toes and you walking in it.

It will cut through your toes right?

Actually not wholly correct!

They may cause some blisters or minor cuts when you wear them too tight.

But actually,

They are meant to protect your feet from any wear and tear.

In fact,

They are a necessary in your workplace to save you from any accident such as falling of heavy load, fire explosion, cut by sharp objects, etc.

Researches have shown that steel toe boost have proved to be great saviour from major accidents in workplaces.

How Long does it take to Break in Steel toe boots?

Now this is very calculative.

In our life we all take some time to adjust in new situations.

Likewise,

It’s the same for your steel toes.

It takes some time to adjust to the shape of your feet.

Obviously, the shoe was not designed particularly for your foot shape.

It takes time to stretch and take the form of your feet shape. And generally the whole process takes around…

3-5 weeks of time.

Searching for some pro tips to break them in fast?

Have a look:

When Should Steel toe boots be Worn?

When I did a detailed study under this topic, I found out that 75% of the workers experienced foot injuries during some activities when they were not in their steel toe boots.

Want to know which activities I am talking about?

• • • Working with rolling or falling objects
    • Working with cutting tools
    • Electrical section
    • Working in house cleaning with wet floor
    • Working in extreme weather

Your steel toe boots can save you from accidents in the above mentioned fields due to its sturdy built. And that makes it important for you to wear steel toes in all the above mentioned situations and places.

Can you Stretch a Steel toe boot?

Though not to a great extent, still…

There is some hope.

You can definitely try these tried and tested hacks to stretch your steel toe boots:

You must try your hands on the steel boot stretcher:

For this you must first get a shoe stretcher spray and soak your shoes in it. When I say soak, it means soaking the entire in it including the inside and insoles as well.

Now, insert the metal shoe stretcher and stretch as much as possible. The metal shoe stretcher being heavy and sturdy, does the job well of stretching your shoes to the utmost possible length and breadth.

Rubbing alcohol:

A unique feature of rubbing alcohol is that it helps the rubber to relax. And once your rubber gets relaxed, it becomes easy for you to stretch your boots the way you want. Just spray the alcohol and leave them in a warm place. Once they are dry they would have become loose.

Can steel toe boots induce health risk?

Pressure triggered in your head thinking how is this possible?

Well,

Good things used extensively can start to produce harmful effects.

I would first like to discuss the root causes behind these problems and then go on to tell you the problems.

So, here are some foot problems caused due to steel toe boots:

Common Foot Problems from Steel toe boots

1.) Chafing:

Because of the steel plates integrated in the instep area, steel toe boots are not at all flexible.

In fact,

It makes you almost unable to move your toes, which ultimately leads to chafing.

Actually,

 The main problem arises when you buy a wrong sized shoe. 

It then starts cutting your toes because the steel plates being too tightly hugged to your feet.

If you choose the wrong size for the boots, it adds to the disaster. The toe remains crammed inside the boots during your entire shift, and the steel in the toe cap causes abrasion that makes each step that you take even more painful.

2.) Sore legs:

What if your legs are continuously tied to heavy iron chains?

You will obviously experience a load in your feet.

This is exactly what happens when you wear a steel toe.

Steel toes are generally made of thick materials and heavy steel. So, when you wear them for a prolonged period of time, you experience sore in your legs especially when you open it after a long day of work.

3.) Ailments from wearing a tight steel toe:

Now, you have to be very cautious while selecting the perfect shoe size.

Are you thinking to buy the one which fits tight to your feet?

Are you nuts?

Do you actually think that your shoe will loosen over time and make way for your feet to feel comfortable in it?

I tell you…

Steel toes being made of heavy metals do not stretch easily.

Therefore, you are sure to face the following conditions with your tight shoes:

Ailments from wearing a loose steel toe:

Likewise,

Wearing a loose steel toe won’t leave you out of pain.

When you wear a loose shoe, your one side of the feet tends to get constantly rubbed against the hard surface of the steel plates, which ultimately results in blisters and chafing.

Thank god, you have insoles for that and make sure you insert one to avoid the consequences.

Repetitive strain injury:

It is the problem that occurs when you continue to ignore the troubles happening because of your steel toe boots. The problems that remain restricted to your feet can quickly spread to your knee, spine, neck, and hip. 

Tips to Get Rid of Foot Problems from Steel toe boots

Yeah exactly!

I can’t say good bye leaving you in trouble, searching for solutions.

So, here are some tips for you to get rid of the above mentioned problems:

1.) Insulation:

An insulated work boot controls the temperature outside and prevents your feet from sweat and cold and thus prevents problems as excessive sweat and fungal infections.

2.) Water resistant boots:

Water resistant boots help to keep your feet dry and helps you to work in any adverse situations. Obviously, you won’t feel comfortable when your boots get wet accidentally and you don’t have any option to dry it out.

3.) Do not wear them the very next day of buying:

Do not go wearing the boots to your work the next day you buy them. Spend some time walking wearing the boots at home so that it can take the shape of your feet and for flexing the rubber sole for walking comfortably.

Padding for steel toe boots:

The right padding for your steel toe boots will increase the comfort of wearing the boots. 

Not only this, the right padding will prevent any pain in the feet, legs or your back! This is because with the right cushioning, the feet will not experience any pain while walking.

I have some amazing recommendations for the padding of your steel toe boots:

Padding for the toes:

If you experience blisters and cuts in the toes, wearing a toe cap will help to prevent the problem and you will be able to walk more comfortably because even if your toes rub against the walls of the boots, won’t cause blisters anymore.

Should you wear steel toe boots every day?

There is absolutely no harm in wearing your steel toe boots every day if you wear the proper insoles and the right socks that help to ease the comfort of wearing and prevent the pain that might pop up due to wearing these heavy boots.

Just make sure to follow the tips below:

• • • Wear proper inserts with your steel toe boots
    • Wear them with the right socks 
    • Ensure proper fitting of the boots
    • Do not wear them outside work

Now it’s time for a Good Bye:

I hope, This article provided you with all sorts of information related to the troubles and problems from a steel toe boot and ways to combat them.

Now it’s your turn to follow the tips and write us back through the comment section below your concerns and experiences.

I would love to hear from you and add on to our posts.