In high-risk industries like Construction, Energy or Engineering, wearing safety footwear isn’t just a recommendation - it’s a legal requirement. If your employer has issued you safety boots, it’s because a risk assessment identified them as necessary PPE.

Yet despite this, sadly some workers still choose not to wear their issued footwear, opting instead for an older, comfier pair - or even non-safety trainers. But, if you’ve ever found yourself doing this, you’re not alone, and there is a solution!

This article will answer key questions like:

• Do I have to wear the safety boots my employer gives me?

• What can I do if my safety boots are uncomfortable or don’t fit well?

So let's get started.

Why Workers MAY Avoid Wearing THEIR Issued WORK boots

Here are common complaints workers have about safety boots - and what to do about them:

• Boots feel too heavy

• Boots are too hot

• Boots are stiff and inflexible

• Lack of support or cushioning

• Poor fit

What Can I Do If My Safety Footwear Is Uncomfortable?

You don’t have to suffer through foot pain - many modern safety boots offer top-level comfort innovation. Here's what to look for:

If your boots are too heavy, look for models with:

• A lightweight composite toe cap and midsole

• EVA or PU outsoles (lighter than traditional rubber)

If your boots are too hot, look for:

• Moisture-wicking linings

• Breathable or air-cooling insoles

If your boots are stiff or inflexible, try:

• Microfibre uppers (generally more flexible than leather)

• A composite midsole, which flexes more than steel

If you lack support or cushioning, upgrade to:

• Arch-specific insoles

• Cushioned, anti-fatigue footbeds

If the fit is poor, check for:

• Boots designed for the foot anatomy of the wearer's gender, such as V12’s men’s and women’s-specific lasts

• 
  

  Wider-fit boot brands to accommodate narrow and wider foot shapes

SO, Do I Have to Wear the Boots My Employer Provides?

Yes.

Because safety is a two-way street. The HSE reminds us that regulation 4 of the 1992 PPE at Work Regulation states:

"Employers should provide appropriate PPE and training in its usage to their employees wherever there is a risk to health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled by other means."

"Employees must have the equipment readily available, or ... have clear instructions on where they can obtain it."

So, your employer has responsibilities for your safety. But, so do you!

If you're issued safety footwear, you're legally required to wear it, to protect you against the dangers identified in your role, like slips, ankle twists, impact hazards or even static shock - and wearing different or non-safety footwear can leave you unprotected.

And you could be left legally unprotected. Most employer insurance policies require proper PPE use, so if you wear the wrong boots when injured, any compensation claims could be denied, and you could be held responsible for failing to follow PPE policy.

The Wider Impact: Non-Compliance Hurts Everyone

Not wearing your issued safety footwear isn’t just a personal risk - it can damage your future employment and earning power, as it can impact your company's reputation in a very negative way.

When an accident occurs or an injury results from inadequate PPE, it can lead to:

• Attention and inspection from regulatory bodies
• Declining trust from customers and insurers
• Financial consequences (e.g. lost contracts, legal fees and penalties)

What Should I Do If My Boots Are Uncomfortable?

Don’t ignore the problem. Safety footwear from brands like V12 Footwear is designed with cushioning material, plus heat, weight and fatigue-reducing innovation, so they deliver top-level comfort. So don’t compromise - get the right footwear.

Report issues

If your boots are ill-fitting because they are damaged, worn-out, or just unfit for purpose, they must be replaced by your employer.

Speak up

Tell your line manager or Health and Safety representative. Remember, your employer is obligated to address any issues of discomfort or pain at work, because you have the right to safe and comfy PPE!

And when it comes to comfort, V12 Footwear are the specialists. Ready to find your perfect pair of boots? Click below: