Plumbing is a job in which you have to fix the leakages, broken pipes, and holes that are linked to the water supply of your home or office. This job isn’t that simple because sometimes you have to work in a hazardous environment which can be fatal.
So, to prevent serious problems while working in a tight, confined space, plumbers need to wear essential gear and one of them includes steel-toe boots.
Steel toe boots are specially designed to work boots that are comfy, heavy, tough, and durable. Additionally, these boots protect the feet against workplace injuries.
In this article, I’ll answer interesting queries regarding plumbing. Besides that, I’ll share some benefits of wearing steel-toe shoes and common problems that workers encounter after wearing steel-toe boots the whole day. Let’s get started.
Do plumbers need steel-toe boots?
Yes, plumbers need steel-toe boots while working. These boots protect the feet against workplace injuries. Steel toe boots provide good arch support, and cushioning and prevent falling or slipping on slippery grounds.
Though, it’s not a hard rule to wear steel-toe boots only. You can wear any other good quality waterproof work boots if you can’t find steel-toe boots.
Why do plumbers need steel-toe boots?
Plumbers work in dangerous environments with sharp tools so they are at great risk of hurting themselves. That’s why they need proper gear like steel-toe boots and plastic caps for protection.
Steel pads around the toe area of these boots prevent the foot from crushing. The thick sole grips the ground and prevents slipping or falling. Also, it gives protection against cuts and bruises.
Besides that, the steel toe boots maintain the balance of your body, reduce the impact on your feet and prevent blisters.
What features should you look for in new steel-toe boots for plumbers?
Plumbing is a tricky job in which you have to work in damp confined environments so you need to be very careful. To prevent any serious injury, you need to wear the right pair of steel-toe boots having all the necessary features.
Here are a few features that you should look for in new steel toe boots for plumbers;
- Proper fitting
- Durability
- Style
- Comfortability
- Thick sole that grips the ground perfectly
- Breathable
- Waterproof nature
What are the benefits of steel-toe boots?
Plumbers wear steel-toe work boots while working in confined dangerous places. These work boots are comfortable and keep your feet dry for longer.
Besides comfort, there are several benefits of wearing steel toe boots at work and some of which are written below;
- Steel toe work boots are well-insulated and waterproof boots. They keep your feet dry and cool while working.
- These boots protect your feet from heavy objects.
- Steel toe boots contain thick soles which grip the ground and prevent slipping.
- These boots come in various sizes so you can buy the pair that properly fit you.
Are waterproof work boots worth it?
Yes, waterproof work boots are an excellent choice especially if you are a plumber. These boots will prevent water from entering your boots and keep them cool & dry. They provide you with the ease of walking while working in a damp environment.
However, one thing that you should never forget while buying waterproof work boots is that they don’t allow the sweat and heat to escape. Also, these boots are not easy to dry like other work boots.
How to stop steel-toe boots from hurting?
Steel toe boots are generally designed to protect the feet during work. However, if you wear them for an extended period, they start hurting your feet.
The steel pad around the toe area causes pain and blisters that can make you uncomfortable and affect your working ability.
You can stop steel-toe boots from hurting in plenty of ways such as wearing thick socks, applying vaseline, cutting the insoles, and wrapping the bandage around the toe area.
Do steel-toe boots cause numbness?
Yes, steel-toe boots cause numbness. When you keep wearing the boots for several hours, your feet start getting numb because the tight fitting of the boots put pressure on the toes and compresses the nerves.
Secondly, the foot muscles fail to receive proper blood due to poor circulation which is the main reason for numbness.
You can prevent numbness by wearing boots that are not too tight or too loose, thick socks in boots, doing foot massages, or doing some intense exercises.
Conclusion
Do plumbers need steel-toe boots? The answer is yes, they need steel-toe boots for working in dangerous environments. The steel pad around these boots protects the feet against injuries.
The thick sole prevents slipping and falling. These boots provide good arch support and keep your feet comfortable while working.
