For tradies tackling the rugged terrain and demanding challenges of Australia’s worksites, a reliable pair of work boots is worth their weight in gold.
When you’re staring down a hard 12-hour day on the tools, a loose-fitting pair of poorly laced boots can leave tradies running the risk of painful blisters or, in some cases, cause strains and injuries.
According to the Australian Physiotherapy Association, lacing can make a huge difference to the tradies comfort, support and overall experience of wearing work boots. Any abnormal loading or undesirable movement can lead to increases in misbalances of pressure in the foot, which can have long-term impacts on tradies’ physical wellbeing.
Add in the bonus of preventing dangerous (and costly) worksite falls, added protection from ankle sprains, and increased lifespan of your favourite footwear, and it becomes obvious that proper lacing techniques should be a part of every tradies tool kit.
With that in mind, we’ve partnered up with industry experts from Workwearhub and Steel Blue to keep you on your feet with our top tips for lacing up your work boots on the worksite.
Your feet, your rules
Every foot is different, so ensure to try the different lacing techniques below until you find the ideal solution for you. Whether you need extra support, ventilation, or flexibility, there’s a lacing style to suit.
- Wide forefoot: For tradies with wider feet, this lacing technique gives the base of the boot more space and eases pressure on either side of the foot.
- High instep or arches: If you find yourself getting “pins and needles” in the instep of your boot, this lacing method is perfect for giving your midfoot a bit more space to breathe.
- Prevent heel slipping: By tightening your laces at the top of your work boot, tradies can avoid bothersome blisters and keep the heel in a nice and snug position throughout the day.
Having trouble finding a fit for your feet?
When it comes to work boots, there is no one-size-fits-all. Every tradie’s foot is different, and some shapes and sizes are more difficult to fit than others.
Some foot types that are difficult to fit include:
- Narrow heel: Your heel is narrower than average Aussies when compared to the front of your foot. If you find the heel of your shoe feeling loose or your heel feel unsupported in the boot, this could be you.
- Wide forefoot: The front part of your foot (the ball and the toes) is wider than the average foot. If you feel like your toes are wedged into the front of your work boot, this could be you.
- High arches: The arch of the foot is the raised part between the ball and the heel of your foot. To see if you have a high arch, examine your foot print on a wet floor to see if the front and back of your foot connects. If they aren’t connected, this could be you.
- Low arches: These are sometimes called flat feet or fallen arches. It means the instep arch is either low or missing completely, meaning the entire bottom surface of the foot connects to the ground. This is really common amongst Aussies, but it can mean that your rolling your feet when you walk.
Your fit should feel just right
While there are hundreds of ways to lace up your work boots, there are a few key steps to follow when finding the perfect fit.
- Make sure you lace your work boots all the way to the top, using all of the provided eyelets.
- Check your laces and boots to ensure they fit properly around your heel and toes every time you put them on.
- If your fit changes and becomes uncomfortable, try changing your lacing technique to improve your comfort and the performance of the boot.
- Tie your laces with a tight double knot for a bit of added security on the job site.
With these top tips in your toolbox, you’ll be ready to tackle your day on the tools with confidence, knowing your boots are as ready for action as you are.
