How to Put On and Wear Safety Shoes Correctly?

Tired feet, calluses, pressure on the heel, odour, fungus, irritation. All of this may not be the result of hard work, but rather the banal wrong choice of work shoes. It sounds simple, but it is the incorrect wearing and selection of protective footwear that often causes complaints, sick leave and even micro-injuries to workers in the workplace.

Work shoes are an important element of your protection throughout the working day. But like any PPE, it must be used correctly. Because even the most technologically advanced pair, worn hastily or out of size, will not give the desired effect and may even cause harm.

In this article, we take a closer look at all the nuances of the questions you need to know the answers to in order to keep your feet looking good and your shoes lasting longer. From sizing to the care and storage of your work shoes.

Why sizing is not a formality

Calluses, chafing, pinching, fatigue, burning feet, all of this often starts with the wrong size of safety shoes. The shoes may seem to fit right, but if your toe rests on the toe or your heel dangles, your whole day becomes a torment.

Here’s how to choose the right size for your work pair:

Measure your shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are a little swollen.
Try on with work socks, not thin everyday socks.
Try on both feet at once. Many people have slightly different left and right feet.
The big toe should not rest on the forefoot. A 5-8 mm margin is required for work shoes.
The heel should fit snugly, but the shoe should not squeeze your foot.
Width is especially important in the hot climate of the UAE, where feet are often slightly swollen.

Tip: if the foot is irregularly shaped, it is better to choose models with a wide last. Or safety shoes should have the possibility of adapting the insole.

Socks are just as important as the boots themselves

The right socks are your first barrier against chafing, moisture and overheating.

How to choose the right ones:

Non-cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and takes a long time to dry. This increases the risk of fungus.
It is better to use socks made of synthetic or blended fabrics, which are highly moisture-wicking.
Socks should not have thick seams. They can chafe the toes at the end of a shift and during prolonged walking.
Thickness should be selected according to the season. In summer, it is better to go thinner, but with cushioning in the heel.
You wear a fresh pair every day. No compromise here.

Important: in UAE conditions where feet often sweat, it is better to use special deodorants and antibacterial socks.

How to put on your shoes correctly

Sounds simple, but there are important nuances here too, namely:

Fully unlace your shoes before putting them on. Do not slip into a half-laced pair.
The foot should lie loosely. There should be no feeling of pressure on the forefoot.
Tighten the laces evenly from the bottom eyelets to the top.
The lacing should not be tight, but at the same time the foot does not dangle.
Double knot – so that it doesn’t come undone at the most inconvenient moment.

Different lacing has different effects: you can make the ankle more secure, you can leave more freedom. It all depends on your task and the conditions in which you will be working.

New shoes? They need to be worn properly

Putting on a new pair for a 10-hour shift is not a good idea. Even the perfect model needs to be adapted because there is no such thing as a perfect fit and every foot is different.

The mode of delivery of a new pair of work shoes:

For the first few days – 1-2 hours a day maximum.
If a chafed spot appears, do not ignore it. Use plasters, silicone inserts, check the fit.
Special remedies – there are softeners that make the leather of the shoe more pliable and it takes the shape of your foot much faster.
After 4-5 days you can move on to a full shift, but only if your feet don’t get tired.

Adjusting as the day progresses

Even if everything is perfect in the morning, your feet can become tired or slightly swollen by lunchtime. Especially in a hot workshop, in the sun or when walking briskly.

What helps in such a case:

Loosen the laces a little at lunch or during a break.
Use personalised insoles (orthopaedic or simply anatomical).
Take off your shoes, if possible, at least for 5-10 minutes – this allows the foot to “reset”.

Hygiene, comfort and health

Sweaty feet are discomfort, risk of fungus, irritations and bad odour. Especially in hot climates.

What you should do every day to avoid excessive sweating:

Wash and dry your feet thoroughly before starting your work day.
Use deodorants or powders against sweat and odour.
Ventilate and dry your shoes after changing. Not in the sun, not on a radiator! Use special dryers or simply a dry, ventilated room.
Shoes should not be locked in the cupboard until the next shift.

If an unpleasant odour has settled in the shoes, disinfection (spray or UV dryer) will help.

How to care and store

Good shoes last a long time, but only if they are cared for.

What to do:

Remove dust and dirt after every change.
If the upper is made of leather, treat with creams and protective agents.
Do not store shoes in hot, humid places. Preferably in a ventilated cupboard or near a cupboard on a stand.
Use mould holders. In this way the shoes will retain their shape.
If the sole is worn, cracked or the protective sock is damaged, the pair must be replaced. Even if they still look “serviceable”.

Features for the climate of the UAE

There are nuances with our climate:

Shoes must be lightweight. Every gram counts in the heat.
It is important to have ventilation, mesh inserts, moisture-wicking materials.
The lining should be quick-drying, preferably with antibacterial impregnation.
Do not skimp on breathable materials! Overheating the foot reduces concentration and increases the risk of injury.

Conclusion: wearing the right shoes is part of safety

Footwear is your foundation. But like any tool, it requires proper handling. Worn inappropriately, tightened carelessly or “by eye”, not well-maintained – it will not protect. But if you approach the issue wisely, you can not only reduce the risk of injury, but also feel more confident on your feet until the end of the shift. Day after day.

TALAN creates footwear that is designed to be worn correctly, taking into account anatomy, climate and stress. We don’t make work boots, we make well thought-out tools to protect your feet. Check out our models in our catalogue on the website and choose the one that’s right for you!