Seriously, can diabetics wear steel toed shoes? The first thing that comes to mind is that working in certain industries, like construction and heavy machinery environment, will require that you wear steel-toed boots. Some diabetics do work in these specialist industries, and therefore, may be required by law to wear steel capped boots. If they can’t wear steel toed boots because of foot ulcers or other complications then an alternative solution will have to be agreed upon.
We have to consider a number of factors to clarify whether steel toed boots are suitable for diabetics. Before we dive into the core details we have to first share with you what are are steel toed boots?
What are steel toed boots? Can Diabetics Wear Steel Toed Shoes
Steel-toed work boots are durable boots made with a protective reinforced cap designed to protect the toes from falling objects. It is normally build with a mid sole plate to protect the under foot from puncture. These days, not all work boots are made with steel caps and metal plates but instead uses a composite materials like thermoplastic polyurethane.
Steel toe boots are especially important in the construction industry and in other industries where heavy machinery or tools are used. Steel toe boots are known by other names like safety boots, steel capped boots, or work man boots. Every one within certain settings, including diabetics must wear steel toed shoes or similar footwear.
Who should wear steel toed boots?
Can diabetics wear steel toed shoes? Under the OSH Act, employers are required to protect their employees from hazards in the workplace but the protection afforded must not cause the employee harm. Everyone that works in certain industries are required to use personal protective equipment. These equipments include shoes, gloves, goggles and others that are specifically designed to keep employees safe from injuries. As a result, every that works in these industries must wear them.
Legal requirements to wear steel toed boots
Why wear steel-toed shoes? Adherence to OSHA safety and health guidelines. In certain industries, like construction, oil and gas, manufacturing you are required by law to wear personal protective equipment for your own safety. Steel-toed boots protects the foot and it is a requirement set out by OSHA. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations.
These are important for diabetics to follow because they are susceptible to injuries. When diabetics injure themself the injury takes a very long time to heal. The steel toed boot is especially useful because it protects the foot from being injured by nails or other sharp instrument puncturing the boot and hurting the foot.
Should diabetics wear steel toed boots
The simple answer is yes. Diabetics should consider wearing personal protective equipment like steel toed shoes and so on, if it is required by the job to do so. A more important consideration is to practice proper foot hygiene to keep the foot safe. Work safety boots can be very tough so it is a good idea to change the work boot when you are not at work into something a bit more comfortable. See the article on how to relieve foot pain if you have to stand all day for different then you can do to relieve foot pain.
What if they cannot wear steel toed boots?
Safety-toe protective footwear is manufactured in a wide variety of styles and in a wide variety of materials. Some of the shoes have advanced styling for better comfort and extra wide fitting steel toe caps and non-metallic toe caps for a non-interference fit around the toes of a diabetic worker. This makes life easier, at the workplace, and much safer for the person with diabetes. If there are ulcers on the foot and the diabetic person cannot wear the personal protective boot then that person may have to work from the admin office instead of on the site for their own safety.
How to choose the best steel toed boots?
Thinking of work boots? Heavy and uncomfortable always comes to mind but you are required by law to wear them if you work on a construction site. With steel toed boots you have to get the size that you need because they will not stretch to fit or fit more comfortable later on. It is important that the boot does not rub your foot because it will lead to ulcers forming. We cannot avoid wearing these boots because there are always hazards on the job site like falling projectiles, wires, nails and screws on the ground. The only choice you have is to choose a steel toed boot that will suit your needs.
What must diabetics consider when choosing a steel-toed shoe?
There are many manufacturers of steel toed shoes on the market. With different options comes the difficulty of choosing the best. I put together a few ideas that you may consider when choosing you own steel capped boots. There are certain things I look for when selecting a work boot. These criteria are safety, durability, fit and comfort. Durability on how long the shoe will last, in this section I look at the type of material the shoe is made of. Safety the special features, some shoes have anti puncture. The fit, you want the shoes to fit you properly, too big and it will cause your feet to slide around in the boot and case blisters, too tight and you may cause calluses. Finally, comfort, you want to boot to support your foot.
Durability
Your work boots should last a very long time. When I am buying I choose the best materials. I purchase work shoes that are 100 percent leather. Leather is more breathable and at the same time water resistant. You do not want moisture on your foot for fungus to grow. You also want the sole of your shoe to be made of durable rubber so that it may last a very long time. It is better to buy a more expensive, good quality boot than a cheap poor quality one. The more expensive ones tend to be better value in the long run.
Fit
Measure your feet and make sure you purchase the right size shoes. It is recommended that you buy one size bigger. These are because these shoes are made of heavy duty material and will not stretch to fit. This simple means that you have to get the size that fits you perfectly. If it is too big then you can use a soft insole. A soft insole will improve the comfort of your feet.
Comfort
Steel toed boots tend to be very heavy. The simple fact is that then are made out of heavy duty material so that they can offer you the necessary protection. For these boots to be comfortable, you want to choose one that is as light and as flexible as possible. Consider getting one with soft interior lining – not because it is a work boot meet that the interior have to be rough. Choose one with soft interior lining or put in a soft insole in the boot for added comfort. You also want this boot to be water resistant. Keeping moisture out of the boot will increase comfort and reduce the risk of developing fungus on your feet.
Conclusion
It is very easy for you to realise that the answer to the question of can diabetics wear steel toed shoes is an easy one. We are required to do so by law. If we are not able to wear the steel capped boots then it is not allowable for us to be on an active site and may have to be relocated to the admin office until we can wear the right type of shoe. I bought the Caterpillar Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boot for myself to work on the construction site because it is comfortable, made of leather and is water resistant.
