Why should you wear latex boots at work or outdoors? Here’s how latex boots and shoes can give you confidence and keep you safe in hazardous work environments!
If you stand all day at work or if your job puts you in all sorts of hazardous environments, a quality pair of work boots can keep you safe and comfortable. But how do latex boots and shoes provide convenience and comfort? Check out the benefits of wearing latex boots!
They help you in rainy season
Both natural and synthetic latex materials are fully waterproof. Also, latex is stronger than synthetic vinyl. It provides a better barrier from external elements. You can even test this by filling your boots up with water to see if there are any leaks. Obviously, the advantage here is that you’ll be able to wear your latex shoes in rainy or even snowy seasons while keeping your feet dry.
However, while latex rain boots have a slippery and smooth surface that keeps the water out, most of them have slip-resistant rubber soles. This sets them apart from regular shoes because it gives them a stronger grip plus increased traction. Ultimately, it makes latex footwear ideal for rainy seasons and wet or muddy work environments. Your winter boots will lessen the slippery factor as you’re walking and will save you from accidents. Also, slip-resistant soles are a must in any industry that requires you to work in wet conditions. That includes manufacturing or construction.
However, since your waterproof boots don’t let out any water vapor, just remember that they will also trap the moisture inside. This is something to think about if your feet are naturally sweaty. You can opt for low or mid-cut slip-on boots with less rubber. They’ll keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable.
They keep your feet away from sharp objects
Latex is one of the most popular materials for safety equipment in general, not just boots. It’s a biodegradable material that originates from the natural ducts of rubber trees. Despite the development of various other synthetic materials, latex is still the most resilient, elastic, and form-fitting choice for boots.
After preparation and processing, latex becomes a strong rubber material that’s exceptionally resistant to wear. It offers high tensile strength, elongation, and resilience. It provides excellent protection against cuts and decent resistance against punctures. That’s why latex is used for all kinds of safety shoes in various hazardous work environments.
Latex products such as boots and gloves are frequently used in dangerous work environments full of sharp objects. Granted, no material is 100% puncture-resistant or cut-proof. If your boots are advertised as such, note that you’ll get extra protection and durability.
Still, even if you don’t work in such environments, your rubber boots will protect you from falling or rolling objects, broken glass, or any other hazards that you may encounter while working outdoors.
They protect your feet from heavy objects
Latex is one of the best materials for safety boots. While protecting you from rainy weather and keeping your feet safe from nails, rocks, pikes, and whatnot, another reason why you should wear latex boots is that they also keep you safe from falling objects as well.
As you may know, falling objects are some of the most common workplace dangers. To get the most protection, note that there are many different types of latex safety boots out there. That includes steel toe types, insulated boots, composite toe boots, etc. Most of them cost between $150 and $200. The choices within this price range will meet the safety standards of various work environments.
Generally, the steel toe type is the best design for effective shock absorption. It is used by firefighters, police officers, and construction workers. The strong latex material and the design of the boot can minimize impact damage.
They protect you from harmful chemicals
Typically, latex contains 55% of water and 45% of rubber materials. It could also contain protein, sugar, ash, and resin. After processing, it also gets exposed to oil, sulfur, and carbon black. While this makes latex comfortable and tough, it also helps to keep you safe from all sorts of chemicals. However, you will need to make sure that you’re not allergic to it. Latex allergies are incredibly common, and that’s why the material is no longer being used in educational and medical institutions.
Nevertheless, latex provides an exceptional physical barrier that can stand up to various contaminants, solvents, and chemicals. That includes bleach, household detergents, brake fluid, etc. Chemical burns are a reality in harsh work environments, especially if your workplace exposes you to acids, cement, or disinfectants. Latex safety footwear can eliminate the risk of splashes and exposure to chemicals. These kinds of boots are ideal for hazmat cleanup jobs, lab work, and similar.
They improve your mood and performance
Wearing safety shoes and other safety equipment can also give you peace of mind if you work in harsh environments. Even if you are responsible or even if your workplace doesn’t expose your feet to some of the previously mentioned dangers, wearing latex shoes or boots will make your job easier. Also, it will make you a lot calmer!
However, if you buy shoes that are uncomfortable or unsuitable for your work, you could suffer from foot-related problems — if you don’t choose your latex footwear carefully, that is.
If you pick the wrong type or an improper fit, you could experience discomfort or develop health problems. But, if you buy high-quality latex footwear, you’ll feel comfortable, and you’ll keep yourself safe from injuries.
All workplaces are different, and the required type of footwear will vary based on your environment and the safety rules. If you pick the right type, you will improve your productivity and performance.
Here, it’s important to remember that your comfort is not a secondary consideration. If you get a pair of quality latex shoes that fit you correctly, you’ll feel comfortable all day long, and you will not be distracted.
