Steel-toe boots are essential equipment for construction workers, especially those working in dangerous environments. These boots are easy to wear, comfortable, durable, tough, and heavy.
The steel pad around the toe of these boots provides extra protection to your feet against some serious injuries which can result from falling objects, slipping, and tripping on tricky construction sites.
However, steel-toe boots sometimes bring a little discomfort along with security. It mostly happens when the boots are of the wrong size, tight, or worn improperly.
The most common problems caused by steel-toe boots are blisters, corn, and numbness around the feet. Besides that, long-term pain in the foot can lead to a severe ankle sprain that needs to be treated as soon as possible.
Can steel toe boots cause foot problems?
Steel-toe boots are generally designed to protect your feet against serious injuries while working in hazardous workplaces.
However, these boots can cause some foot problems if they are tight, wrong sized or you wear them for longer periods without resting your feet.
You can prevent these foot problems by wearing the size of boots that exactly fit you. It will keep you comfortable and easy while working.
Common foot problems caused by steel-toe boots
The most common foot problems that are caused by wearing steel-toe boots are as follows;
Blisters
When you wear tight boots, the steel toe of your work boots rub against your toe excessively and tear the skin, causing blisters. They can be extremely irritating and painful.
Blisters can turn worse when you leave them untreated for days. They will make you quite uncomfortable while walking.
You can prevent blisters by wearing thick socks and cutting the insole in the toe area of boots.
Ankle sprains
The most common foot problem of the workers is ankle sprains. It mostly happens when you wear loose or wrong size boots at work.
While working on a construction site or in a damp environment, you may accidentally fall and twist your ankle due to your poorly fitted boots which can result in a severe sprain.
The ankle sprain can be extremely painful and if left untreated, you may have to spend weeks in bed. So, make sure you choose the right size and fitting of steel-toe boots for yourself to avoid such problems.
Corn
When you wear poorly fitted boots, your feet rub against the steel pad around the toe repeatedly which thickens the skin on your toes. This thickening of the skin causes corn. You can cure this problem by wearing properly fitted boots or thick socks.
Calluses
Calluses are one of the most common and irritating foot problems for people working on construction sites. Due to continuous rubbing of toes with steel pads of boots, the skin of the toes at the bottom starts thickening.
The buildup of thickened skin on the toes causes calluses. This problem usually occurs due to loose working boots.
Numbness around the feet
Numbness around the feet is another common foot problem of workers. When you wear steel-toe boots the whole day without resting your feet for a second, the blood fails to circulate properly.
Due to poor circulation of blood through arteries and veins and lack of oxygen, the muscles of the foot start becoming stiff which causes severe pain and discomfort. Sometimes, you may be unable to walk properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the steel toe boots cause problems?
Steel-toe boots generally don’t cause foot problems, instead, they are designed to protect feet from workplace injuries. However, sometimes when you wear tight, wrong size boots or you keep wearing them all day, they become harmful for your feet and cause problems.
Besides that, low-quality material of boots, intense labor work, and no arch support can also cause foot problems.
The most common foot problems of workers are numbness around the feet, corn, calluses, fungal infections, etc.
What is the possible cure for foot problems?
The best possible cure for common foot problems is padding. Insert soft pads in the front and sides of your boots as they will reduce friction between the steel toe and your foot and keep you comfortable while working.
Besides that, properly fitted boots, applying vaseline and insulation can help to stop the steel toe from hurting.
Conclusion
Steel-toe boots are the best choice for people working on construction sites. They are heavy, durable, and protect the feet from workplace injuries.
Though, these boots can harm the feet if they are tight, wrong sized or you keep wearing them for hours.
These boots can cause some common problems like corn, calluses, blisters, numbness, etc which if left untreated can lead to severe pain and discomfort.