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Slippery slope of quality of safety boots

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By *tealthbomber2024 OP   Man
1 week ago

southend-on-sea

So, at my workplace, I find it easier to use a well known brand of "insulated" s3 type safety boots. They are plastic toe, kevlar midsole. Debatable on the actual reality of science testing standards. Anyway, I used to last one year on boots. Then, my favourite brand (£40 is a good compromise LOL) is now a soft, comformable material with a very thin outer coating. They are bad quality andlast about 8 months now.

I expect I can get better but the next tier of effectiveness may be £140 which is about 3.3x cost. However, I expect the interior would be well worn within about 1.5 years so it doesn't really add up.

I wear these boots for up to 16 hours per day and they do work reasonably well (however I wear a thin, toe seam-free pair and a very thick pair of socks and a size bigger, works very nicely)

Does your safety footwear work well or is low quality now?

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By *ixed_ManMan
1 week ago

tadworth

We get ours supplied at work and they thankfully spend good money on them, I’ve got some Jelas ones with the disc you twist to tighten them rather than laces, when I checked who they were as I’d never heard of them, they were £160 to buy so I’m assuming they are decent as they have to meet strict safety requirements for us

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By *tealthbomber2024 OP   Man
1 week ago

southend-on-sea

My main concern with my low grade ones, is that when I push hard, a pallet truck, my soles may slip off my boots. They are not quite that bad, but I did have to go to the insulated model of my brand as it contained another layer which, as I theorised, helped to stabilise them a bit.

I looked at Jelas twist lock, looks nice but out of my range currently.

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By *oo..Woman
1 week ago

Boo's World

My Nan always says you should invest in these three things in life:

Good quality shoes/boots, as they will help you walk for miles in comfort.

A good coat, to keep you warm on your travels.

And good underwear, so they never ride up your arse.

She speaks sense 🤭🤣

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By *ixed_ManMan
1 week ago

tadworth

I can’t argue against any of those points so yes- wise lady!

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By *tealthbomber2024 OP   Man
1 week ago

southend-on-sea


"My Nan always says you should invest in these three things in life:

Good quality shoes/boots, as they will help you walk for miles in comfort.

A good coat, to keep you warm on your travels.

And good underwear, so they never ride up your arse.

She speaks sense 🤭🤣"

I use a nice insole which absorbs shock, so I expect this amoleriates the quality issues of walking around. I can do a straight 3 miles in them without problems.

Lidl had some great boxers - livergy brand. A lady needs good underwear. I have bought my fair share, not for me of course.

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By *erry bull1Man
1 week ago

doncaster

I buy caterpillar work boots , they’re well proven and last years , I work outdoors and need good quality boots

It’s also worthwhile investing in quality work socks that keep you comfortable when working

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By (user no longer on site)
1 week ago

I HATEEEE my work safety boots, luckily I don’t have to wear them but they legally have to provide them (or maybe that’s just what my colleagues say lol) but I do need a good decent pair tbf, especially now it’s winter

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By *tealthbomber2024 OP   Man
1 week ago

southend-on-sea

I have the thickest socks on planet earth, made for boots and a good price, however, suffering from 3rd world size crunch... Im hoping the next ones will still fit. I suppose I need to order more if they do.

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By *tealthbomber2024 OP   Man
1 week ago

southend-on-sea

Well, seeing as we are mentioning brands. I used portwest thor s3, compositelite, originally without "fur lining", then with "fur lining" simply because it made them fall apart less quickly... Around £45 delivered. Don't get if you have average warm feet, they will probably cook you. I will actually follow up when i receive my next pair in a few days, to check the quality (checks to see if he did click the order button...)

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By *UGGYBEAR2015Man
1 week ago

BRIDPORT

I buy BuckBootz Nubuckz, they are S3 HRO/SRC rated very comfortable, usually get 12 months out of them with heavy usage in a harsh environment. I buy them of the shelf in a local supplier for about 60 to 65 quid.

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By *tealthbomber2024 OP   Man
1 week ago

southend-on-sea

Looks like lots of real stitching there, thanks for your replies, guys

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By *orphia2003Woman
1 week ago

Tonypandy.

Dickies or Cats usually. Custom insoles, thick cotton boot socks.

If just indoors, I have karrimore ortho trainers.

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By *iker JackMan
1 week ago

Wolverhampton

My understanding is that any PPE should be provided by the company.

Firstly so you don’t have to buy it yourself and secondly if you have an accident wearing it then it is approved by them

If what you have is not suitable for the job you do speak to them and ask for an upgrade or different option

It is incredibly hard to refuse any reasonable health and safety request

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By *litlicker77Man
1 week ago

dirty old town

I’ve tried all kinds over the years. I’m finding redbacks to be the best by far. The pair I’m wearing now I have been wearing daily for 12 months and still as good as new. Boots in the 30-70 pounds range seem to last me 3-4 months

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By *opinovMan
1 week ago

Point Nemo, Cumbria

I wear Apache, JSP and Aboutblu high ankle, zip sided and composite toecap safety boots - very good, especially the Apaches.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
1 week ago

Central

Apart from the extra cost, would they last longer if not worn every day, so had a chance to air etc?

Also, can you claim against tax for them?

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By *rthur30Man
1 week ago

Warrington

An employer is legally obliged to provide appropriate PPE for the job you do. They can ask for a contribution if it can and is used outside of work. So leave them at work if you can!

There are many standards that can be applied to PPE. Look for items marked with the appropriate BS EN standards for your application e.g. anti-static, toe and mid-sole protection, water resistance etc.

If you are self-employed, then they should be tax-deductible as necessary items for your business.

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By *issolvedOrdersMan
1 week ago

Bristol

Ex service German para boots from a surplus, swear by them

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By *opinovMan
1 week ago

Point Nemo, Cumbria


"Ex service German para boots from a surplus, swear by them "

Most German para boots don't have toe caps, so definitely not a good choice for factory or site wear. There are some with steel toe caps but, since they're not composite, also not really suitable. Sorry.

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By *hesblokeMan
1 week ago

Derbyshire village

I go by the Vimes boot theory, and would always go for the best I could afford.

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By *cotlad178Man
1 week ago

falkirk

As a guy currently using my chainsaw boots looking for ideas for long lasting boots that don't brake the bank. Walk on railway ballast alot so sturdy is the name of the game.

Tend to split within a year 😑

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By *rAitchMan
1 week ago

Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe

I wear BuckBootz Kez Safety Trainers, as most of my work day is in the office but I occasionally have to venture out into the yard where safety footwear is mandatory. They're lightweight and very comfortable.

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By *he AmbassadorMan
1 week ago

IRLANDA. / Prague. / Cil Dara

I've only ever worn CAT, we get free safety footwear at work but I buy my own as they don't supply CAT, the new Diadora range looks decent OP.

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By *tealthbomber2024 OP   Man
1 week ago

southend-on-sea

Thanks for your advice, good people

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By *oah VailMan
1 week ago

Dover


"Apart from the extra cost, would they last longer if not worn every day, so had a chance to air etc?

"

Yes, they will last significantly longer, so the extra cost is only the initial outlay; over time it works out much cheaper.

I have three pairs of identical boots that I cycle through wearing them a day, then two days to air and dry out.

It makes the boots last between half as long and double than if they were worn daily, but more importantly it’s better for my feet and has reduced outbreaks of athlete’s foot to zero.

I previously used to get through a pair of work boots in about two years. I am into my ninth year now with the three pairs that I currently have, and I expect to get at least two more years from them.

The only problem is that the boots I currently have are no longer available, so I will have to find an alternative when the time comes.

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By *orksguy1965Man
1 week ago

Howden

[Removed by poster at 12/11/24 00:18:54]

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By *vaRose43Woman
1 week ago

Forest of Dean


"I go by the Vimes boot theory, and would always go for the best I could afford."

I came to say this

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