For some warehouse and plant employees, it isn't enough to just protect your feet with safety toes and metatarsal guards. Sometimes, these environments also require that your safety shoes have a slip resistant outsole, and what better outsole than a MaxTrax® slip resistant outsole from our sister company, SR Max®!

Like most things in life, not all slip resistant safety toe shoes are created equal. That's why SR Max® took it upon themselves to create the premier slip resistant tread pattern that helps keep you confident on the job.

While you're constantly protected on the job wearing the sole that Works Where You Work , have you ever wondered what goes into producing it? Read on to find out.

When SR Max® first came about in 2007, MaxTrax® was not yet invented. Instead, we carried shoes with slip resistant outsoles from other companies. Within one year, SR Max® advanced the game. We created and produced the most slip resistant outsole available by:

Creating the overall design of the tread.

The MaxTrax® pattern is intended to give the outsole the highest amount of surface area possible. The pattern still provides deep grooves that are arranged to help channel liquids.

The specialized groove design allows for an essential self-cleaning feature. This feature keeps the bottom of your shoes cleaner than many other slip resistant work shoes .

Using a flexible, soft rubber compound outsole.

The MaxTrax® outsole provides more give upon impact. This "give" allows for a reinforced grip and a better hold on the ground. In our independent Brungrabber Mark II slip resistance test results in greasy, high soil oily/wet, and wet environments, MaxTrax® passed each test with flying colors making our outsole the icon of slip resistance.

MaxTrax® far surpasses the Coefficient of Friction (i.e. the measure of slip resistance) necessary to make a safe step in each test. Where other outsoles failed on one type of surface or had COF's near the mark for slipping on others, SR Max® alone exceeded the threshold on all surfaces tested.

Partnerships.

All SR Max® brand shoes are made with our MaxTrax® outsole. However, we 've partnered up with several other brands to make MaxTrax® available on select shoes offered by SR Max® and Saf-GardTM. Our MaxTrax® outsole can be found on select styles from brands such as Skechers , Rockport Works , and Reebok .

Interested in getting your own pair of slip-resistant shoes with a MaxTrax® outsole? Check us out online at safgard.com or srmax.com .

* Please Note : While our MaxTrax® outsole is truly a class of its own, it is important to remember that no shoe is completely slip-proof . This is particularly true if the sole of the shoe is prevented from making contact with the floor (for example: slipping on a banana peel). Always utilize caution and take preventative measures when working in slippery environments.

You know that feeling you get when you commit to something, and you know from the start that you shouldn't? Like lease agreements in not-so-great apartments, expensive gym memberships, and last but certainly not least, improper fitting safety toe shoes that cause painful rubbing sensations on your toes?

Each one of those scenarios is painful for different reasons, and we've all been there. While we can't help you with all of the issues above, we can certainly give you some guidance on how to find the perfect fit when it comes to safety toe footwear … one out of three bad scenarios isn't the best, but darn it, it's something!

Let's jump in…

Remember, safety toe comfort comes in length, not width

You have to get a shoe long enough to accommodate the back and forth toe movement in the shoes. The proper fit happens when the widest point of your foot (the ball) is located exactly in the widest part of the shoe. When that happens, the arch of your foot fits precisely with the arch of the shoe, giving you maximum support.

So what's happening?

Your arch has probably dropped over the years, extending the toes of the shoes forward. This back and forth motion of your toes is why you need to fit your shoes (not just safety shoes) using your arch measurement.

Are you measuring up?

The arch measurement can be obtained with a Brannock Foot Measuring Device, you can find this in most reputable shoe stores. For more information on how to measure your feet, check out our blog here .

Suggestion: Try to get your foot measured in a shoe store before you buy your next pair of safety shoes to see if your arch has dropped a little, extending the toes further into your shoes to the point where they are rubbing the safety toe.

Reason: As we age and potentially get weaker and heavier your arch drops. When the arch drops, it causes our feet to get longer. It happens to everyone! We know, in your younger days your shoe size might have been 9.5; and now you wear an 11 at 50 years of age. Over that time, you've probably also gone from a 32-inch waist to a 36, and packed on a few extra pounds. Time is, after all, a cruel master.

Now, your foot really hasn't grown in this timespan, it's just changed shape (the same thing happened to our waistlines… right?). The arch drops and the toes and arch extend further in the shoe. All this means is that you need a longer shoe.

If you are finding that you still don't seem to have enough distance widthwise, you can look into getting a wider safety toe shoe.

One final tip : Bigger brands typically have their shoes made by different manufacturers. Different styles within the same brand may fit differently because of this fact. Again, the most reliable solution is to try the shoes on and test the location of the "ball" of your foot in the shoe to make sure you are getting the right fit.

Try out some of these tips, and you should be able to find the perfect fit!

Still a little confused? Our retail store associates and Mobile Shoe Managers are all trained and ready to help you find the best safety toe shoes for your needs! Click here to find a location near you!

What do we want? More time!! When do we want it? Yesterday!!

Yes, with the long work week and the hassle of every other activity and event going on in our lives, it seems like we have no free time for anything. So how we choose to spend this free time is extremely valuable, and something as small as a shoe fitting will likely get swept under the rug.

I mean, come on! What's the point right? We're all over the age of five, so we all know our own shoe sizes. Obviously, we don't need our safety shoes to be fitted by a professional because we can clearly do it ourselves, right?

One would think.

But, there's actually more to sizing than meets the eye. When you're on your feet for eight hours a day, your shoes need to fit perfectly. Or else…the improperly fitted shoe demons will haunt you until you find yourself cursing the creator of the first ever pair of shoes.

Remember back in elementary school when we had to do compare/contrast exercises? Let's go ahead and do one of those here.

Your first day at work without getting your new safety shoes properly fitted:

You arrive at the warehouse for your first day on the job. Your new steel-toe boots look great on you, you're feeling confident, and you're ready for this exciting new challenge in your life.

Flash forward five hours: That same steel toe protecting your foot has now caused you to lose all feeling in your big toe. For all that you know, your big toe could have fallen off by now and ended up in one of those boxes that you just loaded onto a truck. As you hobble around on just the heel of your foot, the judgmental side-eye glare from your coworkers is all too real.

But that's not all.  Another two hours (if only all work days could move this fast), and the boot on your other foot is creating blisters the size of Mars. At this point, you're debating whether or not just chopping your foot off entirely is the best option (hint: it's not. Don't do that).

Every step feels like you're walking on knives, and you end the day by throwing your new pair of boots in the giant warehouse trash compactor. Sounds like a cheerful first day, huh?

Now here's your first day with shoes that have been properly fitted:

When you take the extra time to get your shoes fitted by a professional, they would know exactly where your big toe should be within the shoe while standing. They'd double check this before you left the store, and they'd have you walk a few laps around the store to ensure that the shoes feel good while you walk.

A professional would also know exactly how long and wide the shoe should be on your feet. They would check to make sure that the ball of your foot is resting on the widest part of your shoe to make sure that they don't slip around and cause those nasty blisters.

So you arrive at work in your new, stylish, and properly fitted safety shoes, and you have a completely normal and ordinary day ! There's the thrilling and anticlimactic ending that we were looking for. Safety shoes are meant to keep you safe and looking good, and they also shouldn't distract you from your everyday activities at work.

So don't be that person who says, "But they felt ok when I tried them on in the store!" as you hobble around while cursing your new shoes. Get them properly fitted and checked out by a professional.

Any questions? Feel free to visit our sizing and fitting page here to read about specific shoe sizes and width letters: https://www.safgard.com/education/sizing-fit

Why You Should Wear Steel Toe Boots

So you're looking into getting some steel-toed boots, or perhaps your employer is requiring you to invest in a pair. But what's really the point of these boots ? Let's walk through a few reasons why wearing steel-toed boots is the right choice for you.

1. Prevent foot injuries

Obviously, you buy safety shoes for the whole safety features. Foot injuries are among the leading causes of workplace injuries, and safety shoes are designed to prevent those types of accidents from doing some serious damage.

The right pair of safety toe boots can protect you from falling objects, punctures, lacerations, sprains, and even falls. That's a list that you that don't want your feet to be a part of. With a pair of steel-toed boots, these injuries can be prevented. You'll also be saving yourself a trip to the doctor's office and a few weeks with your foot wrapped and elevated.

2. They alleviate pain and provide more comfort

While the common perception is that work boots are less comfortable than regular shoes, that's not the case. If your boots are properly fitted, then the extra support and padding that these boots have will actually provide your feet with more comfort than a regular shoe with no added support. If you have the correct sized shoes with the right socks to go with them, then you'll actually be making your feet happier than they are in regular shoes.

3. They look good

Steel-toed safety work boots must look as ugly as they sound, right? Wrong! With so many different brands making several different lines of boots, you'll find boots in multiple colors and styles. Steel-toed boots are designed today to look fashionable as well as functional, so you won't be sacrificing anything when you buy a pair. Feel free to get rid of the image of large, hulking black boots that make you look like the villain in a crime movie.

4. If it's required…then it's required

Like we hinted at above, sometimes your employer requires you to have a pair of steel-toed work boots. Sometimes, OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) standards require that all employees within your workplace wear safety shoes or boots while on the job. This is usually the case within industries where employees are exposed to potential hazards that could injure their feet.

If your employer is requiring you to have a pair of steel-toed boots to comply with OSHA standards, then you have to wear them while at work. Otherwise, your employer can send you home under OSHA compliance standards for failing to act in a safe manner. So don't be the one who gets sent home for not having the right shoes on. That's not a fun walk out the door.

5. Above everything else, you'll feel safe

If you work in any kind of hazardous environment with the potential to injure your feet, having a sturdy and reliable pair of safety boots on can give you the peace of mind that you need to do your job well. You're the most important part of the job, so your own safety should be the priority above anything else.

You may think that the possibility of hurting yourself is low, but fluke injuries are always just a misstep away, so it's important to be prepared by protecting yourself and your feet. The easiest way to do that is to put them in a work boot that's comfortable, fashionable and, above everything else, safe.

Ready to take a look at some of the steel-toed boots that we have to offer? Feel free to browse through them here: https://www.safgard.com/mens-shoes/heights/8+Inch+Work

Ah…summer. The days when the sun seems to stay up forever. It's time for cookouts with friends and family, summer vacation for the kids out of school, some time spent on the beach or lake, long days by the pool, and (unfortunately) hot weather and sweaty feet while at work.

The secret to keeping cool during the summer months has been sought out ever since the beginning of time, so we want to help you out by giving a few tips for keeping your feet cool this summer.

Your feet need to breathe, too

If you know that you'll be working in the heat regularly, you'll want to have shoes that can breathe. Some shoes have a breathable mesh lining that allows air to flow in and out of the shoes, keeping your feet cooler. You'll want to avoid insulated shoes in this case, since those types of shoes are designed to trap the warmth within them. Trapping warmth inside your shoes on a hot day is going to make you hate the world, so don't do that.

Also, when you get breaks, go sit down and untie your shoes for a second to give your feet some extra air. Just make sure you're separated from your coworkers so they don't have to smell your sweaty feet!

Switch up your shoes regularly

If you've been sweating in your work shoes all day, they're not likely to be completely dry by the next morning. In fact, it can take up to 24 hours for your shoes to completely dry out from the day before. Therefore, you'll be putting on damp shoes the next morning, which will only add to the heat and moisture that your feet produce throughout the day.

So even if you have that favorite pair of work shoes or boots, it might be best to set them aside for a day and alternate the shoes that you wear each day. This gives your shoes a chance to fully dry and will keep your feet cool and dry the next day.

Don't forget about the socks

Your socks are the ones actually touching your feet, so they get to deal with the full blast of sweat and odor (socks really don't get enough appreciation, do they?) If you find your socks getting soaked by the end of each day, bring another pair! Changing your socks during your lunch break in the middle of the day is a great way to keep your feet cool and dry during the afternoon. Again, remember to do this away from your coworkers. We want them to actually still like you.

Deodorant on your feet…?

That's right. Underarm antiperspirant and deodorant can be used in more places than just under your arms! If you use it on your feet, it can prevent them from sweating as much throughout the day and keep them smelling fresh and clean. All you'll need to do is lightly apply it to the soles of your feet and a little bit on the top of your feet if needed. Be careful not to apply too much, though! You'll end up with white streaks on your socks and feet, and that look is not in style.

Lastly (and obviously), keep your shoes and feet clean

It may be common sense, but proper hygiene is a must to keep your feet from getting too sweaty and hot. If you're washing your feet regularly and using deodorant like we mentioned above, your feet will stay much cooler and drier than someone who doesn't. You'll also smell much better!

For your actual shoes, plain rubbing alcohol is a safe cleaner for the insides of your shoes. This kills bacteria and can decrease your risk of foot odor or fungal infections from all of that moisture that gets trapped in your shoes during hot months.

Summer is a fun time, but the hot temperatures and sweaty feet get in the way of that while at work. Use these tips this summer to keep your feet cool, dry, smelling great (well, as great as summer work feet can possibly smell). If you're interested in getting a new pair of shoes with some breathability for the summer, feel free to browse through some of ours.

What is a Shoemobile?

What's better than a store full of over 1,600 pairs of safety shoes? A store full of over 1,600 safety shoes ….on wheels. You may have heard about our shoemobiles, or even seen one driving around or parked near your place of work before, but what really goes on inside these shoe stores on wheels? Here's exactly what you can expect each time you visit one of our 46 shoemobiles.

Our shoemobiles truly are a safety shoe retail store on wheels.

Our shoemobiles are always stocked with a minimum of 1,600 pairs of safety shoes, so there's plenty for you to choose from! When you first step foot into a Saf-Gard shoemobile, you'll be greeted by one of our Mobile Store Managers, ready to fit you for your new pair of safety shoes. You'll be asked about the environment that you work within and what kind of safety shoe you're looking for specifically.

Decisions, decisions

After learning a little bit about you, our safety shoe expert will give you a few options that he or she feels will best fit your needs. You'll be able to select the brand and color of your safety shoe, and then our Saf-Gard employee will size you and give you a pair to try on. It's like your own personal shoe assistant, except it's on wheels, so it's a lot cooler.

If the Shoe Fits…

Once you have the shoes on, our expert will quickly work with you to ensure that the shoes fit your feet perfectly. No one wants to be sized incorrectly and end up with shoes that pinch or rub the wrong way, so we take great care in this step of the process. The last thing we want is for you to work an eight-hour shift the next day cursing us and our shoemobile by the end of it, so we make sure that the shoe is a perfect fit!

After you've found the perfect pair of safety shoes, all you need to do is sign and pay for them. Congratulations! You're the proud owner of a brand new pair of safety shoes. You'll be thanked by our Saf-Gard  employee and then you'll be on your way out the door. It's as easy as that! So the next time you see one of our shoemobiles parked near you, make sure to stop by and check it out. Trust us, they're awesome.

We are always ready and willing to help you come up with the best selection possible for your employees.

Want to learn more about our Shoemobiles? Click here.

Warehouses, foundries, construction sites and factories can be some of the most dangerous places to work when it comes to accidents and injury. Think about it… large and moving machinery such as forklifts, carrying heavy loads such as pallets and heavy equipment can be hazardous for you and your workers, and we all know accidents can happen regardless of how careful we try to be.

Check out these safety tips and learn how to make your own work environments safer and more productive:

Want to download this infographic for your team? Click here for your free PDF download!

So, you want to know what boots are going to save you on your next construction job site.

You've come to the right place.

Let's start with the basics, the first thing you need to make sure of is that your new boots meet the following criteria. Ask yourself, are your boots:

  1. Are they relatively easy to put on?
  2. Are they comfortable to wear for extended periods of time?
  3. Will they keep you safe from whatever hazards await you at your workplace?

At Saf-GardTM, we also feel that it is important to note that it's important to remember that as a tradesman, your feet are just as valuable as your hands. Therefore, your work boots need to be viewed as a personal safety investment, not an expense.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's jump in and hash out what you should be looking for in your next pair of construction work boots.

Safety Toes

We know, this one sounds like a no-brainer. But it can make the difference between getting home safe and having an impromptu trip to the ER… we're pretty sure no one wants that. The main duty of a safety toe is to protect your foot from heavy objects that can fall on it while on a job such as metal poles, beams, and heavy tools.

Within the category of safety toe shoes , they are typically made out of steel, aluminum, or composite materials. You will more than likely be told what type of safety toe you need to have by your company or supervisor. If you haven't been told, make sure to ask before you go shoppin

Durability

Let's face it, this profession isn't exactly forgiving when it comes to clothes and gear. In order to get the most bang for your buck, it's important to do your research and find a pair of safety shoes that not only meets your employer's standards but is durable and affordable as well. When you buy a cheap pair of work shoes, not only are you potentially hurting your feet due to cheap quality and lack of proper support but your wallet as well.

In the long run, it is more cost effective to invest in a decent pair of boots, as opposed to replacing cheap ones every few months.

When it comes to personal protection on the job site, you can never be too careful. Make sure you choose a pair of work boots that meet the necessary criteria for your career in the construction industry, in addition to staying alert and aware of your surroundings.

To learn more about the products we offer, check us out at www.safgard.com

Whether you are looking for a new pair or your first pair of welding boots, here are some things to consider before you make your next purchase:

It is important to keep in mind that as a tradesman, your feet are just as valuable as your hands. Therefore, your work boots need to be viewed as a personal safety investment, not an expense.

As with all safety boots, the first thing you want to make sure of is that your new boots are relatively easy to put on, comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and above all else, will keep you safe from whatever hazards await you at your workplace.

With those basics in mind, let's jump in and discuss what specifics you should be looking for in your next pair of work boots.

Comfort and Safety are King

As we previously stated, you need to make sure that your boots are easy to get off and on, and that they are comfortable and safe. You'll be getting intimate with these boots for at least eight hours a day, if not more. Many tradesmen can attest to the fact that there are few things worse than a pair of uncomfortable work boots that you are stuck wearing. So do yourself a favor, make sure they are comfortable!

Laces or Slip-On's?

Well, for starters, it is obvious that laced boots and safety shoes will provide more support than a pull-on boot or shoe, due to the fact that you can adjust laces to create a more custom fit.

With that being said, laces also risk catching on fire from sparks landing on them. This particular threat can be lessened with a simple external metatarsal guard, which leads us to our next topic…

Metatarsal Guards for All!

The use of an external metatarsal guard on your safety boots will not only protect your laces from turning into tinder, but they also protect you from falling objects falling in the workplace.

Let's face it, when it comes to personal protection on the job, you can never be too careful. So make sure you choose a pair of work boots that meet the necessary criteria for your welding career.

To learn more about the products we offer, check us out at www.safgard.com

Article by Emily Bennett

One of the most important things we have to consider when we're at work is safety. It's not just our boss' job to make sure that the workplace is safe and free of any sort of hazard, but it's also our job as employees to make sure that we're protecting ourselves and putting our best foot forward (literally).

Depending on the line of work that you're in, nowadays it's required that safety footwear is worn in the form of a steel toe , composite toe , or alloy toe boots and shoes to make sure that you're protected against any type of probable hazard. Lots of times we find ourselves complaining about our safety boots feeling too bulky, too hot on our feet, or just plain uncomfortable. You may not even like the look of your work safety boots just because you don't like the style.

There happens to be a solution to your problem, and trust us, it's simpler than you might think…

Why not give a pair of safety shoes a try instead? They give you all the protection that safety boots do and they don't resemble your typical safety shoe. Here are our top five safety shoe styles that aren't boots.

  • Keens Atlanta Steel Toe Hiker: This classic looking low-cut hiking shoe is one of our most favored non-boot styles. With its Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD) component to cut down on excess static electricity coupled with its oil and slip resistant outsole and steel toe protection, you'll be just as protected as you would be in your heavy-duty work boots.
  • Skechers Alloy Toe Athletic: In this pair of Skechers you can get the same protection that you get from a safety boot, all while looking sharp on the job. They give you a maximum amount of comfort with their memory-foam insoles, slip-resistant outsoles for messy situations, and are fully decked out in the toe with Aluminum, ready to protect at a moment's notice.
  • Timberland PRO Newbury: This popular women's style is a great choice when it comes to a nice looking dress safety shoe . It's built with an alloy toe, made to protect and cut down on excess static electricity with its ESD component, has a slip resistant outsole, and will provide you with maximum comfort throughout the day with its anti-fatigue footbed.
  • Rockport Works Steel Toe Sailing Shoe: This pair of shoes is the farthest thing from your regular looking steel-toed shoe . Not only is it strong looking, but it has a slip-resistant sole to it, protects against any type of electrical hazard, and they're even decked out with steel in the toe to save your foot if something were to happen.
  • Dr. Martens Steel Toe Oxford: This popular style of Dr. Martens is a mighty fine choice when you're looking for a low-cut oxford style safety shoe . On top of it containing the Dr. Martens Air Cushioned sole, it's also slip resistant and is capable of cutting down on excess static electricity with its ESD component.

So what's holding you back from a pair of safety toe shoes now? Go ahead and broaden your horizons the next time you go shopping for a new pair of work shoes . You may just find your new favorite pair.

For more information on safety footwear, be sure to check out our website www.safgard.com .