Low-quality safety footwear is known for causing problems of several types to the feet, the toes and the heels. Rigid materials may constantly press the feet, causing deformities malformation, blisters, swelling, bursitis and even pain in the Achilles tendon. Ice, orthotics and cushions may provide relief from ache, but for sure the best solution is that of avoiding the use of bad safety footwear. In this article you will learn how to recognize and to avoid the worst safety shoes on the market, and how to prevent the most common problems caused by their use.
Some examples:
Unnatural posture of the feet
Bad posture of the feet is a very common problem deriving from the use of low-quality safety shoes. Too high heels force the feet into an uncomfortable position, which subjects the soles to undue stress. In this case you may experience sharp pain in the metatarsus, the phalanges and the sesamoid bones. Too much pressure on the tip of your feet can cause an inflammation of the bones and nerves, and chronic stress may even lead to broken toes in the worst cases.
Choosing safety footwear with heels not too high (but not with flat soles!) will help you to avoid such problems. The more balanced the feet in the shoes, the better, so I suggest that you choose shoes that make the feet bend slightly forward, but with heels not higher than 5 cm.
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Ankle sprains
Women are well aware of that, high heels increase the risk of ankle sprains. The most common are lateral sprains, which happen when too much weight is put on the outer part of one foot. A bad sprain can tear the ligaments, the ankle must be immobilized and often physical therapy is required for a full recovery. Moreover, the risk of arthrosis increases after an ankle sprain or fracture.
Also in this case I recommend that you don’t wear shoes with a heel too high, especially if you work in a place where the risk of sprains is high (uneven ground).
First solution: orthotics
Without proper arch support you will have a wrong posture all day as you work.
You could incur knee, hip and back problems. The lack of arch support is also connected to a painful condition called plantar fasciitis, which is a common consequence of the use of flat shoes not equipped with a good insole.
Orthotics can help prevent foot pain. The extra cushioning can be a great relief for achy heels, and personalized insoles can be requested to help with a wide range of pains and problems. Podiatrists prescribe such remedies for medical purposes in order to provide arch support and to reduce pressure on the sensitive areas of the foot. Prescribed orthotics may be expensive, but sometimes they prove to be a great solution to the problems deriving from the use of bad safety footwear.
Safety footwear of the wrong size
Among the worst safety shoes you may wear we must mention those that aren’t the right size for your feet. It happens often, indeed, to buy shoes too big or too tight because the right size is sold out. The consequences can be very unpleasant: bunions, blisters, bursitis and so on, not to mention that the constant friction may irritate the joints and lead to arthritis.
That’s why I strongly recommend that you carefully asses the size of a pair of shoes before buying them, which must be done while wearing them standing. It’s not only about length, but also about width and general comfort.
If you have flat feet or high arches, seeing a podiatrist is advisable, because such conditions increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Early treatment and the use of the proper safety footwear help to avoid unnecessary wear of the joints.
So, what are the worse safety shoes that can be found for sale?
First and foremost, those that don’t provide protection from the risks of your job:
• wrong safety category: for instance if you need a Static Dissipative “SD” shoe and you but an “EH” Electrical Hazard one;
• no protection against specific risks: if at work you need metatarsal protection (M), ankle protection or cut resistance and your safety footwear don’t have those features;
• poor quality: imagine you’re working with low-quality waterproof safety shoes. The waterproof membrane is not a good one, so it will let water in and your feet will get wet.
Uncomfortable safety shoes:
• they make your heels achy because the outsoles are flat;
• the sides and the tongue are not padded;
• they don’t have a good comfort insole;
• the inner lining hurts;
• the shoes or the toecaps are tight.
Finally, those that damage your feet
• too tight;
• too short;
• the toecap is too small;
• they are uneven inside;
• they’re not breathable because of low-quality leather
• they cause diseases and conditions such as plantar fasciitis, inflamed heels and so on.
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Conclusions
Surely there are other details that could be taken into consideration when trying to avoid low-quality safety shoes, but I have discussed the most important, and I strongly suggest you check them out. Now you have the basic knowledge necessary to find the perfect safety shoes for your needs.
Once you have chosen the safety footwear with the right characteristics for your exigencies you will feel safer and more comfortable at work.
I guarantee that if you use the appropriate safety shoes, working will become a better experience for you.
What do you think about low-quality safety shoes and the problems they cause?
Do you have any points to add?
Leave us a comment below!
Big nice wooden would your work boots hit your feet up to a point that they leave burn marks. Is there a safety issue with the insoles to red wing and wolverine. These shoes cost over $100 yet they’re a not a good choice they’re one of the worst shoes out there. I have tried numerous brands can you help me?
Sorry Ricky, we cannot understand which safety shoes you’re talking about, can you send us an email using the contact form? Thank you