Many times patients come to podiatrists’ offices with foot discomfort that they attribute to safety footwear. However, it is essential to wear safety footwear when the activity requires it.
The term first came into use in the United States in 1904 to protect feet from high temperatures in foundries. Subsequently, safety footwear became more important to prevent foot trauma.
Fiber-reinforced tips were the first to be used, later replaced by steel tips. Finally, the use of other safety elements such as rigid elements inserted in the shank of the boots to avoid possible cuts or anti-puncture soles began to be used.
The benefits of safety footwear are well known, but unfortunately there are still patients who refuse to use this type of footwear, arguing that the weight of the shoe is excessive, causing muscle fatigue at the end of the working day, less perspiration that generates sweating problems (hyperhidrosis), little flexibility of the shoe shank or simply difficulty to fit in patients with cavus feet.
Which safety footwear to choose?
The first thing to note is that in recent years, safety footwear has improved significantly thanks to materials such as very lightweight steel.
It should also be taken into account that there are safety shoes with different types of lasts that adapt to the needs of the job. This type of footwear has the possibility of adapting customized orthopedic insoles in order to achieve a balanced weight relief. These insoles must be made by a specialist podiatrist.
The podiatrist should assess the type of work activity as well as perform a study of the footprint and an examination of the foot before making orthopedic insoles.
If you are required to wear this type of footwear, think of it as special protection that can save you from an accident at work.
The consultation with the podiatrist is important to go as comfortable as possible, contact Clínica San Román for more information.
Article prepared by Clínica San Román
Date of publication: 16-05-2018
Date of revision: 10-02-2020
