This article discusses why some work boot wearers experience painful feet - but it’s also going to explain why this is pain they don’t need to put up with! 

Safety boots should be durable, but that doesn't mean they have to hurt your feet. The right boots with the right features can provide both comfort and protection. 

So why do work boots cause foot pain - and what are the solutions? 

1. STRAIN FROM WEIGHT 

Safety boots are heavier than everyday footwear because of their protective components. In fact, some safety boots have been known to weigh over 2.5 kgs – double the weight of an average shoe! 

While components in safety boots are getting lighter, if a boot contains items like toecaps, midsoles or metatarsal guards, it is going to weigh more, and that can cause strain on the foot. 

Did you know? 

You expend over 5 times more energy carrying weight on your feet than carrying that same weight on your back. 

Given this, it’s not surprising that if your boot is packing heavy safety features, your feet are going to feel it.   

The solution 

For lighter boots, many are choosing composite over the more traditional steel toecap and anti-penetration option. Composite is just as strong, and many feel its benefits outweigh steel. Find out more here. 

2. LACK OF FLEXIBILITY 

Work boots should be tough and somewhat rigid. But if they’re too stiff and inflexible, feet can start to hurt from the joints becoming restricted, and it can also cause pinching and rubbing, leading to potentially nasty blistering.  

The solution 

For flexibility in work boots, detail in design is crucial. V12 ensure its boots are more supple by using a flexible Kevlar anti-penetration midsole, and additionally, we enhance comfort by using innovative Exotechnology in the construction of our outsoles, optimising the boots’ flexibility. Head to this article to learn more. 

3. LACK OF SUPPORT 

A lot of work boot wearers complain about their feet hurting particularly in the heel. The average safety boot wearer walks up to 6 miles per day, often on hard surfaces like concrete and steel grating, so it’s not surprising this type of foot pain is common. But don’t be too quick to blame the boot! 

Discomfort in the bottom of the foot around the heel area known as Plantar Fasciitis isn’t just incredibly painful – it's incredibly common. 

Did you know? 

1 in 10 people will experience Plantar Fasciitis in their lifetime. 

The solution 

A bespoke arch-supporting insole in your boot can make a huge difference in reducing pain. Interested? Check out Dynamic Arch.      

4. THE WRONG SIZE 

If you finish a shift and your feet are in pain, it’s easy to blame a boot. But many don’t realise the problem might be that they’re simply wearing the wrong size.  

Did you know? 

In a recent assessment, V12 discovered 88% of a workforce were wearing the wrong-sized footwear. 

THE SOLUTION

A lot of people find themselves putting up with serious foot discomfort simply because they’re walking around all day in heavy boots which are the wrong size for their feet. Find out why and what you can do about it in this blog.  

5. THE WRONG FIT 

Your boot could be full of padding, cushioned insoles and flexible, lightweight components, but if they’re built on a generic last that hasn’t taken your foot shape into account, your feet could end up hurting just as badly as if these comfort features weren't there. 

A huge amount of the world’s footwear is made in Asia on a generic last, and this can cause big comfort issues for Western wearers. Why? We reveal all here. 

THE SOLUTION 

V12’s expertly crafted last provides the highest levels of comfort because it’s contoured to correctly cradle and support feet. And when we say 'feet,' we mean all of them. Many wearers complain their boots pinch the sides of their feet because they’re narrow, but it’s a pain they shouldn’t be putting up with.

Because we designed our last to reflect the wider Western foot shape as well as the narrower Asian foot size, this pain point is a thing of the past, as our boots have a wider, more generous fit. Look at the image - note how the V12 last (left) is so much more contoured and crafted than the shapeless generic last on the right. And this makes all the difference when it comes to footwear and comfort.

DID YOU KNOW?

The average female foot isn't simply smaller than a man's - it's anatomically different in shape and structure.

V12 have a specifically crafted last for its men’s range and one for the female range. Women working in safety critical industries have often had to make do with wearing a smaller size men’s work boot – and this can be a source of serious discomfort. Why? Read this to know more.       

COMFORT SHOULDN’T BE A COMPROMISE

So, there are plenty of reasons you could have ended up with painful feet at the end of your shift, but if you’ve got: 

• a correctly fitting boot 
• that’s designed and built in the right way 
• and includes the right comfort features and accessories 

you can have both comfort and strength, and you certainly don’t need to accept uncomfortable feet just because you need them to be protected. 

So now you know how we design and build our boots to give our wearers full strength safety along with cloud-like comfort, you’ll be wanting to find the right boot for your job. 

Click below, enter a few details and our new boot finder will take care of it for you.