A podiatrist’s work boot checklist: 12 features to assess

FIT & ADVICE / PODIATRIST CHECKLIST

Assess a work boot as a complete system: where it bends, how it resists twisting, how it holds your heel and whether its shape, cushioning and arch support suit your foot. Start with your workplace’s required safety protection, then use the 12 checks below to compare fit and construction.

Adapted from the original Docpods guide by Kent Elliot, Podiatrist. This detailed assessment checklist complements our quick work boot buying guide; for current models, prices and availability, visit the work boot collection.

12 checks for work boot support and construction

Use these observations to compare boots in person. They help you assess fit and construction; they are not a substitute for the model’s documented safety certification or an individual fitting assessment.

1. Where does the work boot bend?

The boot should only bend where your foot bends (at the joint of the big toe). This helps the foot to function in the normal heel-to-toe motion in walking.

Best work boot Australia bending at the joint of the first toe. — Where should a work boot bend?: At the joint of the first toe. Work boots that bend in the correct location will be more comfortable on your feet.

2. Where does the work boot Twist?

The boot should resist being twisted (wrung out). When walking on uneven ground, having a work boot that is resistant to twisting will keep your foot in a more neutral and rested position.

Showing that Ergonx work boot's sole is resistant to twisting. — Work boots should not twist: When wrung out a good work boot should not twist

3. Heel Counter in a work boot

The heel counter should be fully enclosed and firm. In our boots, we have made this more mouldable as we often have customers that need to fit a wider foot in the boot. The leather construction heel counter will adapt to the foot shape but also offer support.

Heel counter on a work boot: A mouldable adaptable heel counter that will fit the broadest heels. — Heel counter on work boots: A mouldable adaptable heel counter that will fit the broadest heels. The heel counter will grip the heel and help to control excess pronation all day long.

4. Toe Box in a work boot

The toe box region should be deep and roomy to accommodate wide and deep feet.

Deep toe box work boot: 4e fitting deep toe box Ergonx Boots — Deep toe box work boots: 2e fitting deep toe box Ergonx Work Boots

Wide toe box work boots: 4e fitting wide work boots with arch support — Wide toe box work boots: 2e fitting wide work boots with arch support. You should be able to wiggle you toes in your work boot if they are the correct fit.

5. Length of the work boots

The boot should be a thumb width longer than the longest toe. You can check this against the length of the insole in the boot. If your toes touch the end of the insole then the boot is too small.

Showing that Work boots should be a thumb width longer than the longest toe. — How long/size should my work boots be? A thumb width longer than the longest toe. Check by taking the arch support insole out and standing on it.

6. How is the safety boot fastened to the foot

Ideally, the boot should be able to be fastened to the foot by a buckle, belt, strap, elastic, or laces. Our preference is for laces and zip as you can have the benefits of a slip-on (zip-on) and then as the boot leather stretches over time, the boot can be tightened with the laces to fit the foot.

Laces on a work boot are the best. — Laces are our preferred method of fastening an arch support boot to the foot.

7. Heel Height in safety boots

A small raise helps to relieve some of the pressure on the calves and Achilles when working. It will also help to limit over-pronation in workers with tight calves. Limiting pronation will help to prevent wear and tear on the joints ligaments and muscles of the feet.

The Work Boot heel raise should be not to big and not to small. — Work boots heel height: The heel raise should be not to big and not to small…..Just right

8. Shape of the work boot matches the foot

The shape of the boot should match the foot (curved last for a curved foot). If the shape of the boot does not match the foot, the boot can be uncomfortable.

Showing that the shape of the work boot matches the foot. — The Work boots shape should match the shape of the boot to your foot.

9. Midsole of the safety boot and work boots

The midsole of the boot should be solid/firm yet shock absorbing. When the midsole is shock-absorbing the boot cushions more of the impact and so it is not transferred to your feet and knees leading to wear and tear.

Only the best work boots have the ideal mix of a midsole that is soft but not too soft for shock-absorbing, and firm but not too firm so the shoe will wear well. The midsole does need to be an all-rounder when it comes to function.

Showing the Ergonx work boot midsole is solid yet shock absorbing. — The midsole should be solid but still shock absorbing in work boots. This should complement the harder wearing sole.

10. Flat Outsole Forefoot to Rearfoot

Is the shape of the outsole flat on the forefoot with respect to the rearfoot? This keeps the foot aligned and will keep the stress and strain on the midfoot and heels to a minimum.

The rearfoot and forefoot of the work boot should be on the same plane (flat and not twisted). — The rearfoot and forefoot should be on the same plane (flat and not twisted). Check this on the sole of the boot.

11. Arch support

Adding supportive soft arch support to a work boot will help to limit overpronation, reduce foot fatigue and make for a more comfortable work day. The Ergonx boots support the medial arch, lateral arch, and transverse arch of the foot. This limits abnormal movements so your feet are more comfortable on any job site.

Arch support work boots: A cushioned PU insole helps to support and cushion the feet. Pu is also water resistant and will not soak up moisture.

12. Durable, Lightweight, and protection

In addition to the above, the shoe should be durable and lightweight and offer protection to the foot and toe area of the wearer (using a steel cap/fiber cap). How rugged the boot is will depend on the quality and type of construction. The weight will also depend on what features are included in the boot.

Durability Features of the Ergonx elements work boots: Hard wearing sole, scuff protector, full grain leather and reinforced eyelets. Full grain leather is also water resistant.

Turn the checklist into a shortlist

Confirm required protection. Check your employer’s specification before comparing comfort features.
Try your normal setup. Wear your usual work socks and bring any prescribed orthotics. Check both feet and assess heel hold, toe space and movement.
Compare the complete boot. Record which checks work for your foot rather than choosing solely on softness, price or a “podiatrist recommended” label.

Compare widths, fit and features · Choose around your job · Read about foot discomfort at work

For current safety specifications, available sizes and prices, open the exact product in our work boot range. Women can compare the dedicated women’s fit and standard wider options in the women’s work boot guide.

About the original author

Kent Elliot, Podiatrist — B App. Sc. Pod (Hons), B.Sc (HMS), M.A. Pod. A.

Kent has worked as a podiatrist since 2003. He graduated from the University of Queensland in Human Movement Studies and studied podiatry at QUT. His original guide explains the design considerations behind the Ergonx work boot range.

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