There are certain professions in this world where safety is a huge priority, and if you cannot assure it, you might have to pay a hefty price. One such challenging job is welding that lets people get exposed to extreme temperatures and flying sparks. So, what comes under threat is not only their eyes but their feet as well. Although a lot of welders are aware of the necessity to wear helmets for safety, the majority of them simply miss out on understanding the importance of wearing welding shoes.
While working with working metal and other such high-risk elements, welding professionals can only keep themselves safe by wearing such specialized shoes. Since these carry high temperatures, they have a propensity to ruin the quality of stand shoes. But with welding boots , you will not only stay protected but you will also be able to work with ease. However, there are certain factors that need to be considered while choosing to wear a pair of welding boots. Some of them are of course comfort, user-friendliness, quality, and safety.
Now, if you are a welder, you will surely be happy to know that boots designed for welding professionals are quite effortless to put on. Once you pick the right pair, it will not cause trouble in keeping you cozy for hours. There are many who even prefer laced boots over the pull-on ones. As a matter of fact, laced boots will always give you the right support you need while accomplishing such challenging tasks. One only needs to make sure that the laces don’t end up in a fire, or otherwise, there might be trouble.
So, before you get into a dilemma as what to wear and what not, let’s take a look at some vital points that need to be remembered by welders while choosing a pair of welding boots:
Shoes must be durable at all cost
This is indeed a serious consideration as it relates much to your safety. If you are regular into welding and work like a professional, buying good quality welding shoes is a must. Look for such footwear that bears a heat-resistant outsole. This would sync well with the fierce heat you will be dealing with at work. If the boot soles are stringed, you will feel a lot cozy, and keeping your feet safe is always important in the job of welding.
Check if your welding boots are having a guard
While welding, you are of course not going to wear ordinary shoes. So, when it comes to wearing shoes for welding, make sure they have a metatarsal guard. If it is already there, it would give your shoes the perfect shape so as to bear the toughest of situations. No matter how complex your job is, these shoes with proper guard will just give you the right protection. Apart from protecting your laces, it would keep your feet safeguarded.
Make sure you are comfortable while working
When it comes to welding shoes, comfort is the first thing that should always come before durability and provision of a guard. The logic is simple. If you are not comfortable wearing welding boots, you will not only be able to concentrate but also remain highly exposed to danger. Don’t forget that comfort is a huge factor to consider for welding boot wearers who will then only be able to work for the entire day without hassles.
Slip-resistance strengthens safety to a good extent
A big reason why welding boots should be chosen carefully is for the unpredictable working environment. You never know you might have to rely on slippery grounds and work with efficiency at the same time. So, if your pair of shoes ensures good slip-resistance, things would look a lot safer for you. Although these specialized boots come with the advantage of slip-resistance, you still need to check the pairs carefully. The better your boot, the higher the chances of staying safe and protected.
Check the boot height as per your welding needs
Welding, as mentioned earlier, is both challenging and unpredictable. It never lets you know beforehand about the height which you might have to reach and weld. So, if you are aware in advance as on what heights you will have to weld, you must choose welding shoes with adequate ankle support. Make sure that your boot height is at least 9 inches. At the same time, it should not give you a tight fit.
Make sure the outsole is strong enough to protect you
If your work involves reaching different heights on different days, your welding shoes must have a heel on the outsole. This would make it easier for you to climb up and down on ladders. So, you need to simply check whether the heel on the outsole measures a bit less than 1 inch along with a 45-degree level. With these, you are surely going to have no problems in placing your foot.
Shock resistance is another key consideration
One of the reasons why welding is counted among the most complex jobs is dealing with electrical equipment. Since you are required to deal with a lot of electrical devices, conductive materials and more, your welding boots must score high in terms of shock resistance. In other words, the pair should be able to resist electrical conductivity. This would dissipate all sorts of shocks and keep you completely guarded.
Now that you have come to know about the benefits of wearing welding boots, you will understand as to how important it is to stay safe and comfortable. Just keep a list of your working requirements, make sure you know about your working conditions, pick the toughest yet smartest welding boot and work with no anticipating dangers. Remember, a welding boot will not only keep your feet shielded but will also give you the confidence to work with a smile.
Happy Welding!!