the job site, and investment in preventative measures is vital in eliminating accidents and maintaining job site efficiency. In 2013, there were 52,590 reported foot injuries that required an average of nine days away from work (Ref. 2). Today’s work and safety footwear feature a variety of constructions, comfort features, and performance enhancements that bring a new dimension to the idea of work boots. It’s important to remember, however, that not all work boots are created equal. They can vary by quality of materials, construction, and how they are assembled. Additionally, certain boot constructions are better suited for specific jobs. Take a welted boot, for example. (A welt is a strip of material such as leather that runs along the perimeter of a shoe outsole.) This is an excellent choice for environments with uneven, rocky, or unstable terrain thanks to a solid, underfoot platform from the rigid welt and solid lug sole. The result is a sole that provides high torsional stability and helps to keep the feet THE AMERICAN WELDER from tiring out from too much bending, contracting, and flexing. Choosing the wrong boot for the job can often lead to early foot fatigue and pain, often limiting the amount of time a worker can perform optimally on the job (see lead photo). Those with very task-specific jobs, like welders, also have unique requirements, so research prior to purchase in terms of needs or safety requirements is important. For example, because welding exposes workers to sparks, embers, and heat, looking for footwear that features an external met guard, or choosing a silhouette that is lace-free like a Wellington, will help reduce the concern of igniting flammable materials on a boot. Before purchasing your next pair of boots, it’s important to understand what goes into making a work style and how to select the best tool for you. Wearing the right work boot in specific job conditions allows you to get the job done efficiently and, most importantly, safely. Construction Methods Direct Attach Direct attach construction typically offers flexibility and comfort right out of the box. During the direct attach process, the sole of the boot is fused to the fibers of the upper, producing a watertight bond — Fig. 1. Direct attach work boots provide good forefoot torsion control and help to minimize leg and foot fatique. This type of construction also allows for more cushion to be included, providing a more athletic fit and feel. Following are the steps for the direct attach method: 1) Rubber outsole is inserted into mold. 2) Upper pattern is lowered, positioned, and locked into mold. 3) Midsole material is injected into mold, bonding the outsole and upper together. Cement Construction Cement construction is lightweight and extremely flexible and is well suited for safety footwear dedicated to light-duty work such as warehouse operations. This construction is the least expensive, fastest, and most common DECEMBER 2015 / WELDING JOURNAL 81 Fig. 1 — Diagram showing the direct attach construction method. Fig. 2 — Diagram showing the cement construction method.
Welding Journal | December 2015
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