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When you are shopping for work boots, the vast selection of styles and features can be overwhelming. Finding the right safety footwear can be difficult and Kodiak wants to assist you in this very important decision.

Level of Protection Required | Metatarsal Protection | Boot Height | Closure | Eyelets | Tongues and Collars | Sole Materials | Sole Designs | Sole Tread Pattern | Toe Bumpers + External Heel Guards | Linings | Insulation | Water Resistance | Regular Maintenance | Fitting Tips | Canadian Standard Association

How do you know which style is right for you?

You must consider all the boot features available to you when making your choice and never settle for an "almost good fit". Your footwear needs to fit from the moment you purchase them. Don't buy work boots or safety shoes that will "break-in" later. Depending on what job you are doing and in what environment you are doing it in, your safety footwear must have the features and benefits that allow you to do your job safely, efficiently and comfortably.

Consider all features when selecting your safety footwear:

  • Level of Protection Required
    What are the minimum safety standards and requirements required by your employer with regards to your safety footwear?
  • Boot Height
    Safety footwear comes in a variety of styles and heights. In general, the higher up the leg the footwear goes, the more support and protection it provides. Many will choose footwear that is a lower cut as it provides more free movement and is generally light and cooler. Your employer or the job site you are working on may pre-determine a specified height of boot required.
  • Closure
    Some safety footwear is available in “pull-on” styles though the vast majority is secured to your foot by a variety of closure methods. The most common, and still the more secure, adjustable and supportive method is by lacing. Keep in mind, boots that lace down closer to the toes allow for easier access and better accommodate a wider foot and increased support around your foot.
  • Eyelets
    The more eyelets you have means the more adjustability and support you will get from your footwear.
  • Tongues and Collars
    Consider footwear that provides tongues and collars. The extra padding will enhance the comfort of your footwear around your leg and ankle as well as aid in the prevention of “lace bite” which is agitation to the top of your foot from the laces after an extended period of wear. A “Gusset Tongue” is stitched into the footwear to help keep out rocks and debris. This is a particularly value feature if you work in an area of loose rock and gravel.
  • Sole Materials
    There are many common materials used in sole construction. “Lightweight boots” are a very common requirement by those required to wear safety footwear. The soles are the biggest single factor that contributes to the overall weight of the safety footwear. Sip resistant soles and soles resistant to chemicals are other concerns for workers. Most soles that are slip/oil/acid resistant will have marking on the soles that clearly indicate they possess that feature. Generally, if it doesn’t say that they are oil/acid and slip resistant – they are not.
    Common materials used on outsoles and midsoles:
    • TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is extremely abrasion resistant, lightweight and flexible.
    • PU (Polyurethane) is a lightweight material that can be injected in a liquid from directly onto a leather upper. This creates a waterproof bond between the upper and the sole. The material is extremely abrasion resistant, good slip resistance, flexible and chemical resistant. Different densities of PU can be achieve by varying the amount of air bubbles in the compound. PU is a very durable material that offers great shock absorption. Dual density PU can also be achieved by combining two different densities of PU. (The absorbent layer on the inside).
    • EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) is a very lightweight shock absorbing material used as cushioning in the midsole area.
  • Sole Tread Pattern
    The depth, direction, placement and quantity of lugs on the bottom of your footwear all play a role in the amount of traction your footwear will provide. Keep in mind that for smooth indoor surfaces, you will want to choose footwear with numerous, small flat lugs that provide maximum surface contact. (Softer materials like rubber always provide the best traction).
  • Toe Bumpers + External Heel Guards
    Many boots features toe bumpers and heel guards made of durable abrasion resistant materials such as rubber that prolong the life of boot and prevent pre-mature wearing of the leather. These features are particularly important to those who bend and kneel a lot on their job.
  • Insulation
    Thermolite® and Thinsulate® are two of the most popular insulating materials and are usually added in the standard amount of 200g. This amount is widely considered adequate for year round wear.
  • Regular Maintenance
    • Check your footwear on a regular basis. If there are crack/chips/holes in the outsole, your footwear needs to be replaced.
    • Do not dry your footwear over heat. This will cause the leather to dry out, crack and cause premature wear.
    • Clean your footwear on a regular basis; this not only protects the boot/shoe from deterioration but also aids in detecting and possible signs of physical damage.
    • Do not store your footwear for long periods of time if the outsoles are made from Polyurethane. Polyurethane can break down due to little or no wear over extended periods of time due to hydrolis.
    • The life span of safety footwear is determined upon the application and environment that they are worn in and will vary significantly from person to person.

Fitting Tips

  • The life span of safety footwear is determined upon the application and environment that they are worn in and will vary significantly from person to person.
  • Allow for the use of multiple pairs of socks, as you may want to adjust for colder weather. Buy good quality socks, as they are as important as the footwear when it comes to determining the overall comfort of your feet. Look for socks made of quality wool, polypropylene and acrylics which act as wick moisture and keep your feet dry and comfortable. ** Damp cotton sock are the main cause of blisters.
  • If you intend on using extra insoles, arch supports, orthotics, etc., make sure you try on your footwear with such additions. Depending upon what you add to your footwear, it may cause the footwear to no long be CSA approved. Example: adding a regular insole into a static dissipative shoe, adding an orthotic that changes the toe clearance of your footwear.

Canadian Standard Association

CSA Certification Mark for Canada