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Working on a construction site is not an easy job. You need a correct costume and most importantly shoes. While working on a construction site, if not taken proper care, you might get injured. Leg cramps, knee and back pain are some common problems faced by people who spend their day on construction sites. To protect yourself from injuries and other health issues you definitely need best shoes.
Wet concrete boots have a different design from average work boots. While working with wet concrete, you have to be in the wet slurry. So you need to make sure your boots are going to stop the concrete from coming inside. Pouring and finishing wet concrete is always a difficult job. While working in concrete, you need to be prepared with the correct work boots. Specifically designed safety footwear must be worn during the process of poring wet concrete. There are some features your work boots must have if you are planning to wear them while pouring concrete. Like- the shoes should provide comfort and safety. They should be lightweight. They must stop the wet concrete from going inside so they should be made of synthetic materials. They should have lined and breathable mesh. And most importantly, they should be easy to wash.
And with so many options available, it has become really difficult to find shoes suitable for construction work, especially involving cement. That’s why we have made a list of best work boots for pouring concrete.
1.Timberland PRO Men's Boondock 6" Composite Toe Waterproof Industrial & Construction Shoe
These shoes are made with a combination of rubber, leather, and steel eyelets. They have a 2-inch heel and made with full-grain leather. It provides comfort and safety because of its dual-density dynamic anti-fatigue technology polyurethane footbed. They are waterproof and keep mud away so you can work without any tension. They have a composite toe which is equipped with an abrasion-resistant toe cap. These shoes are also shock resistant. These boots are compression resistant.
Things we like
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- Equipped with anti-fatigue technology
- Easy to clean
- Provides comfort and safety all-day
Things we don’t like
- May not be true to size
- Do not have breathable mesh
2.KEEN Utility Men's Detroit XT Low Steel Toe Work Shoe
These shoes provide comfort all day. They are very flexible. But they are also tough enough to be worn while doing construction work. The general design of the Detroit XT is a hiking-style boot which means you get a lot of natural earth colours like green, brown but with a splash of dark blue on strategic spots to break the monotony.
The overall aesthetic look of the Keen Detroit XT is a handsome modern hiker’s boots. On top of that, these shoes are highly durable.
Protect soft toe caps also cushion your toes from bumps while keeping them protected. They have a waterproof but breathable membrane that hugs your foot and keeps it dry and comfortable even for long working hours.
Things we like
- Minimal break-in time
- Waterproof and breathable upper
- Durable
- Stylish
- Cushioned midsole for arch support
Things we don’t like
- Not easy to clean
- May not be true to size
Also Read: Best shoes for tight calves in 2020
3.EVER BOOTS "Ultra Dry" Men's Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots Insulated Rubber Outsole
Made with leather upper, these shoes are 100% waterproof so you don’t have to worry about concrete going inside your shoe. The boots are equipped with an anti-fatigue durable polyurethane inner soles to help reduce fatigue when standing all day at work.
They have a watertight finish including the stitching. Due to its thread like pattern it provides great traction and shock absorbing qualities. The tread pattern allows more freedom in the range of movement as it provides excellent traction and balance. Insulation also protects your feet from temperature extremes.
Things we like
- Unique tread pattern gives this shoe relatively more traction
- Protects feet from temperature extremes
- Provide excellent traction
- Waterproof
Things we don’t like
- Less durable
- May not be true to size
Also Read:- Best shoes for Asphalt paving in 2020
4.Caterpillar Men's Second Shift Work Boot
These shoes have steel toes which ensure maximum safety while you are working. But these can be available with soft toes as well. They are made of leather and have a very stylish look. These are very easy to clean and are waterproof as well. These shoes have a slip-resistant and oil-resistant outsole.
Due to the nylon mesh lining the temperature is maintained in the boots. They have a nylon sock liner lining. These shoes are available in many colors.
Things we like
- Stylish and available in many colours
- Waterproof
- Nylon mesh for temperature regulation
- Slip-resistant and oil-resistant outsole
- Easy to clean
Things we don’t like
- Do not have a wide fit
- Less durable
- May not be true to size
- Do not provide arch support
Also Read:- Best shoes for Tough Mudder in 2020
5.Timberland PRO Men's 6" Pitboss Steel-Toe Boot Shoes
These shoes are made with 100% leather and are highly durable. Timberland has taken the traditional clunker of a work boot and turned it into something that looks great and feels great as well.
These are tough yet they are not stiff. rugged-looking leather uppers with steel eyelets and speed lace grommets combined with two by four durable stitching make this boot extremely hardy and tough in that area.
The outsole is abrasive resistant as well as able to take care of oil, water, and even acid. They have steel toes to maximize safety. These are lightweight and comfortable. They have an open-cell polyurethane footbed with antimicrobial treatment for.
Things we like
- Odor control
- Durable
- Stylish
- Slip water and oil-resistant outsole
- Tough yet comfortable
- Steel toe to maximize safety
- Lightweight
Things we don’t like
- Do not provide arch support
- May not be comfortable around ankles
- The eyelets may tear out quickly
6.Ariat Work Men's EDGE LTE CHUKKA Composite Toe Boot
They have a traditional Chukka look. These shoes are completely non-metallic to maximize safety. This is a deliberate design to promote non-conductivity to protect against electrical hazards in the workplace.
They have a high-rebound insole for comfort. They have a composite round toe which protects against impact and compression. These shoes are completely waterproof.
These are lightweight and have some extra space which is necessary for your toes to wiggle. A breathable mesh lining allows your feet to breathe and stays fresh even when on extended use. The lace-up style makes this sceure and comfortable druing the working hours
Things we like
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Breathable mesh
- Shock absorbent
- Keeps feet dry and sweat-free
Things we don’t like
- Less durable
- Run large
- May not be easy to clean
7.ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men
These shoes maximize safety and are highly durable. They have a steel toe protection which is covered by rubber top. They have a side zipper for easy ingress and egress. The footbed is anatomically contoured and is complemented by memory foam for maximum comfort which has anti-fatiguing properties even when the boots are worn for long periods of time.
They have slip-resistant TPU outsoles. They have Coolmax Support technology lining which keeps your feet dry. and comfortable throughout the day. The leather is also complemented by Poron Xrd support that augments the leather’s strength to absorb impacts.
Things we like
- They have a 6-month warranty
- Waterproof
- Shock resistant
- Supports your feet throughout the day
- Slip-resistant
- Have side zip for easy ingress and egress
- Easy to clean
Things we don’t like
- May get wrinkled easily
- May not be comfortable around the heel
How do I protect my work boots from concrete?
As it is impossible to avoid concrete at construction sites, it is suggested to clean them from time to time. It is suggested to use a water-based cleaning agent and nylon brush to clean your shoes.
To keep your shoes safe from concrete, use a water-based waterproofing agent like Nikwax Aqueous Wax. After 2-3 weeks, apply a second coat. You can repeat for the third time for maximum water repellency. Use can a product like Nikwax Waterproof Wax for extremely wet conditions,
Keep your boots’ leather supple and in the best shape by applying leather conditioner occasionally. You can also clean the inside of your boots with a low-pH shampoo if necessary, but mak sure to rinse it out thoroughly.
Should you OIL new boots?
It is recommended to not to oil new boots. If you do Excessive oiling during the break-in process, it can result in a sloppy fitting pair of boots. Neglect and excessive oiling are some of the common factors of poor boot maintenance.
We can suggest that you should wear the boots for a week or so to make in to the break-in period. You need to keep in mind that some boots take longer to break in. If you want you can use a conditioner to help speed up the break-in process.
Is mink oil bad for leather boots?
Mink oil is made from the fatty layer under mink skins and it can be worked as a leather conditioner but only for a short period of time. Mink oil moisturizes and replenishes the leather but, it eventually oxidizes and hardens the leather.
It is said that if you want your shoes to be truly waterproof if used correctly, mink oil fills and penetrates the pores of the leather creating a coat that can repel moisture and water. Mink oil clogs the pores and forms a protective barrier that does not come off easily. mink oil is for the working man’s boot.
It makes the shoes darker, even if not permanently then at least for a very long time. Experts suggest that it is important to oil your leather shoes every 2 weeks. You can use oils like, virgin olive oil, coconut oil, mink oil, essential lemon oil or even petroleum jelly can work.
How do I keep my work boots from cracking?
When it comes to taking care of your leather shoes, it is important to use the right products. Any good shoe polish will help the shoes repel scuffs and cracks. Brush your shoes to dislodge irritants before beginning the conditioning process for the best results. Then you can buff in a shoe polish with a microfiber cloth. Conditioning of the shoes to be done often. It is suggested once every 3 months if you live in a temperate climate. And for hot climate you can do the conditioning in a month or so.
Even petroleum jelly can help prevent cracking of shoes. The petroleum jelly also softens the leather and helps prevent it from cracking. This will work on leather as well as patent leather shoes. You can also use leather conditioners available in the market to prevent cracking of the shoes.
How long should a good pair of work boots last?
Generally, work safety toe shoes last between 6 to 12 months in the average work environment. Some can last long as well. It totally depends on the work environment and how the shoe is being used. It also depends on quality of the shoes of course. There’s no set mileage for when to replace your safety footwear, but the boots start to show wear and tear somewhere around the 1500 km mark under average usage which is one year of daily wear.
Should work boots be tight or loose?
The answer is – your shoes shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. They should have a little space for your toes to move and breathe. But they should also provide the essential support needed while working. The primary purpose of a work boot is support besides merely covering the foot.
Should my toes touch the end of my boots?
You should be able to move your foot freely.Your toes should not make contact with end of the toe box. Many well-fit walking shoes should have a generous space between the end of the toe box and the tip of the toes. We should always be able to comfortably curl up our toes inside the toe box without too much restriction.
Conclusion
There are some features your work boots must have if you are planning to wear them while pouring concrete. Like- the shoes should provide comfort and safety. They should be lightweight. They must stop the wet concrete from going inside so they should be made of synthetic materials.
They should have lined and breathable mesh. And most importantly, they should be easy to wash. To soften the leather and prevent it from cracking you can use various conditioners available in the market or homemade conditioners like olive oil or petroleum jelly. Your shoes should have enough space for your toes to wiggle. They shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
