The human foot is a biomechanical marvel: built to balance, absorb shock, carry us for miles at a time - all the while supporting the full weight of the body. But for workers in physically demanding jobs who wear safety footwear for long hours, the stresses and strains on feet can be even more substantial.

Key Foot Health Facts: 

• 25% of the bones in the body are in the feet 
• Each foot contains up to 200,000 nerve endings 
• Feet absorb over 25,000 pounds of pressure daily 
• Safety boot wearers can take up to 12,500 steps in a single shift 

This guide outlines four common issues caused by poor or inappropriate safety footwear, and what to look for when choosing work boots that support and promote health and productivity. Because with the level of daily impact outlined in the stats above, it's clear that feet need proper safety footwear for comfort, long-term foot health and ongoing workplace well-being.

ISSUE 1

Safety Boots That Don’t Fit Correctly

Footwear that's too tight, too loose, inappropriate in shape or is poorly designed can cause big physical issues and negatively impact workplace safety. 

Foot Health Impact: 

• Blisters and ingrown toenails
• Corns and calluses
  
• Reduced blood circulation
  

Well-Being Impact: 

• Ongoing discomfort and fatigue
  
• Loss of focus in a safety-critical environment
  
• Joint misalignment and back pain
  

Foot-Friendly Tip: 

Choose safety boots designed with lasts that accommodate a range of foot widths and shapes. Proper fit is the foundation of footwear, and boots should be based on lasts that reflect anatomical foot shapes - male and female - not built on a generic foot form.

Issue 2

Inadequate Arch Support

Safety shoes without appropriate arch-supporting insoles put a lot of strain on the foot’s structure, especially during long shifts, where safety boot wearers regularly take up to 12,500 steps per day. 

Foot Health Impact: 

• Plantar fasciitis and other heel and arch pain
• Arch collapse 
• Muscle and tendon strain
  

Well-Being Impact: 

• Chronic and acute discomfort
  
• Reduced mobility and injury recovery time
• Worsening of musculoskeletal disorders
  

What to Look For: 

Choose work boots with properly contoured, bespoke arch height support. This helps reduce strain on the foot’s plantar fascia and distributes pressure more evenly across the foot. Want to find out more about arch-supporting insoles? Click here.

Issue 3

Non-Breathable Footwear

Safety boots that trap heat and moisture can lead to hygiene problems and worsen existing skin or nerve conditions. 

Foot Health Impact: 

• Sweating and maceration (skin softening) 
• Blisters and fungal infections such as Athlete’s foot 
• Increased risk for people with diabetic neuropathy 

Well-Being Impact: 

• Itchiness, discomfort and distraction 
• Higher foot infection risk and absenteeism 
• Worsening of existing foot conditions
• Negative impact on well-being 

Smart Solution: 

Look for breathable safety footwear with mesh uppers, moisture-wicking linings and insoles designed with ventilation channels. These features reduce heat and moisture build-up, helping to maintain a healthier foot environment.

Issue 4

Heavy Safety Footwear

Overly heavy protective footwear can cause fatigue, tendon pain and reduced workplace focus - especially in high-activity roles.

Foot Health Impact: 

• Tendon inflammation 
• Leg fatigue and shin pain 
• Pain in the hips and lower back 

Well-Being Impact: 

• Decreased comfort and productivity 
• Increased risk of slips and trips 
• Greater chance of soft-tissue injuries
  
  

The Better Choice: 

Select lightweight safety boots that use metal-free components (e.g. fibreglass toecaps, composite midsoles) and modern sole materials - such as ETPU instead of the traditionally heavier rubber. These adaptations can reduce weight, and so decrease strain and foot fatigue - without compromising protection. Click here to see some industry-leading examples. 

Why Smart Safety Footwear Choices Matter 

Safety footwear isn’t just about preventing impacts or slips - it's about preventing long-term joint and musculoskeletal problems by enhancing comfort, and in doing so, boosting arguably the most important thing: long-term well-being. And as this article shows, the physical impact on feet and mental health is significant if boots don't give you the right fit, weight, temperature or support. 

To find out how V12 Footwear lead the way in comfort innovation for the highest levels of foot health, view our boots below – they’re built for safety, designed for comfort and foot health. And after all, what good is safety if you don't have health?