There are few things in this world that give us that little burst of joy quite like a new pair of shoes. The fit, the style, the comfort, it all makes us feel like we are literally walking on a cloud.
So why isn’t this the case when it comes to work boots? It seems no matter what make or style you choose, there is that initial period of discomfort when your new work boots and your feet get to know each other.
While there is no way to eliminate the breaking-in process, there are proven ways to speed it along considerably. The following are tips to help you break in your new pair of work boots in a way that will not damage them.
Make sure you have the right fit. Earlier this month, we posted a blog article outlining steps to find the right shoe size. Too often, we don’t take into account that our feet are constantly changing shape and size over the course of our lives. When buying new work boots, be sure to have your feet measured in the store. Also, wear the same thickness of sock you will be wearing at your work place. Be aware of any pinches or tight spots you feel as you walk around the store. These are most likely going to become pain points in the first few days of regular wear.
Soften the material. This is especially important if you just purchased a pair of leather covered work boots. There are a variety of liquids, creams, and oils that can soften the material although the most popular is mink oil. You can apply mink oil to the entire surface of the boot or just the areas that are giving your problems. Apply the oil at night, leave it on the boot overnight, then wipe off with a damp cloth in the morning. If you repeat this process for 3-4 days, you will notice a huge difference in the fit and comfort of the work boot. The oil will moisturize the leather, which, in turn makes it softer and more pliable.
Gradually wear the boot before full use. The old adage “dig your well before you’re thirsty” is especially apt when it comes to replacing work boots. You should avoid buying them the day before you need them if at all possible. You want to allow yourself the time to not only soften the material but also to gradually wear them around the house. Just wearing them for two or three hours at a time will allow the boot to slowly conform to the contours of your foot.
Avoid the “recommended” quick fixes. There is no shortage of myths on how to instantly break in a pair of new work boots. These may be successful in the short term but they run a high risk of damaging the material in the longer term. Among these quick fixes to avoid are:
Soaking them in water
Applying direct heat
Filling them with water and freezing them
Shoevariety.com has a tremendous selection of work boots that provide both great comfort and protection. By following these few easy steps, you can reduce the breaking-in period for your new pair of work boots from a month to less than a week.
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Working in a warehouse or on a construction site makes you an expert, actually more of a connoisseur, of workplace footwear. You get to know the nice features of the boot, the little irritations, almost where every stitch in the boot is placed. If you break the boot in properly, it will conform to your foot nicely. But what if you don’t like to wear work boots? I happen to like the freedom shoes give me, but are work shoes as safe as work boots?
I think they can be. Caterpillar, the premier maker of workplace shoes, in my opinion, makes four types of work shoes under the Brode line sold on ShoeVariety.com. All look like sneakers and all but one have steel toe protection. All have slip resistant rubber outsoles and are breathable with the nylon mesh lining. Ratings on the internet run from 4 stars to 4 ½ stars, with most of the comments saying the shoes are extremely comfortable and lighter than expected with the same protection of a heavier boot. Many customers say that they would buy them again.
When I wore them, I experienced the same reactions, except mine were a little too narrow for my foot making the steel feel a bit uncomfortable for my toes. Exchanging them for a one half size bigger solved the problem. I love the fact that they are stylish as well as protective. I can go from the worksite to dinner and only have to change my clothes. They are comfortable enough to wear all day, Two of the styles come as hi-tops, and the other’s look like regular lo-top sneakers.
While reading the other reviews of this shoe, I came across one in which someone wore them for the first time while working a job in Guatemala. He liked the shoes because of their “ruggedness and usability.” I don’t think I could say it any better than that.
If you like the style of this shoe, I also recommend you check out the Caterpillar Concave which are in the same Cat Footwear family of work shoes and have been getting rave reviews from our customers.
]]>This is the shoe to wear in warm weather. You can use these shoes to go on a three month hiking tour of South American and still come back looking great! I wasn’t fortunate enough to do this trip, but a friend of mine was. He found them light and cool, and great for the climates he went through.
The Neder has 4 ½ stars in online ratings and is our highest selling spring/summer shoe. Most of our customers that purchase the Caterpillar Neder say that it is an “excellent quality shoe that is both durable and good looking.”
During my test trial, I found them comfortable as the cushioned footbed provides great arch support. They are light and breathable, with a soft upper canvas. What I found most interesting about the Neder was the protected toe and heel. When I use these shoes for hiking this feature comes in handy as I am always stubbing my toe or sliding my heel down a rock. It also helps that the shoe is slip resistant with a T8aa Molded Rubber Outsole. The specs say that the soles are also vulcanized construction, which after a little bit of research I found out is a process of heating the rubber so that it bonds together and makes it tough, but stretchable and easy to wear.
I guess my biggest complaint about the shoe is it sometimes runs big. I purchased one that was true to fit, but for my second pair I had to go a size down. Each pair was equally comfortable. ShoeVariety.com carries two colors of this remarkable shoe.
We’re all familiar with the gender stereotypes – women buy shoes based on fashion while men are driven by a comfortable fit. While there can be no question fashion is a major factor in women’s shoe sales, you might be surprised to learn that in a UK study of more than 2000 adults, more than a third of men were found to be walking around in ill-fitting shoes. In most cases, it has little to do with a preference for fashion and more to do with an inability to select the right size at the point of sale.
The price you pay for wearing shoes that don’t fit can be severe and long lasting. Often a poor shoe-fit will exacerbate existing foot pain and, in many cases, is the primary cause of it. Fortunately, this can all be avoided by following a few simple steps in finding the right shoe size for your feet.
1. Always be measured each time you buy new shoes – Perhaps the biggest misconception about the human foot is that it stops growing when we reach our maximum height. The fact is, our feet will continually change in size through our entire lifespan. So if the last time you measured your feet was when your parents had to drive you to the shoe store, there’s an excellent chance you’re mistaken about your current shoe size. To ensure the best possible fit, it’s recommended you measure your feet at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
2. Always measure to the larger foot – Another common foot folly is that our feet are perfectly symmetrical. In actual fact, it would be a rarity to find two feet on the same person exactly the same size. The degree to which they differ varies from person to person from marginal to as much as half a shoe size. The reason for the difference in size could be from right/left dominance, injury affecting growth, or the psoas muscle which can tighten and condense the bone structure in one foot. Be sure to measure both and fit to the largest. Adjustments can be made to make the smaller foot fit better in the shoe.
3. Try on the shoes and walk around the house before taking them outside – This is less about “breaking in” the shoes and more about identifying any potential fit problems that might have slipped by initially. If, for example, there are pressure points on the seams, this will lead to blisters and serious discomfort if worn for a full day outside the house.
4. Toes shouldn’t touch the tip of the shoe – The rule of thumb is there should be 3/8” to 1/2” of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. In this case, ‘rule of thumb’ can be taken literally. This equals the approximate width of an adult human thumb. For a quick test, slide your foot to the front of the shoe and try to slip your thumb between your heel and the back of the shoe. If this is too difficult, the shoe is too small; if it’s too easy, the shoe is too big.
5. Shoes don’t always stretch, so don’t expect that they will – Too many shoe buyers make the mistake of assuming tight fitting shoes will stretch to a comfort level once the shoes are broken in. If they aren’t comfortable walking around the store, they won’t become so later.
6. Pay attention to the soles of the shoe – While it’s the outer body of the shoe that will draw all the compliments, it’s the sole that will have a significant say in fit and comfort. The sole suffers the wear and tear, not to mention the full body weight. Be sure your foot does not feel pinched or cramped when pressed against the sole of the shoe.
By following these simple steps, you’ll notice a huge difference in comfort and fit and your feet will thank you for it. When shopping online, use our online sizing chart to serve as a guide to find out your respective US, Euro, and UK shoe sizes
]]>Are you looking for a versatile casual boot that is both hardy and looks good? Look no further than the Caterpillar Colorado. You can take this boot from work to play with no problem. They will look great and they come in lots of colors, too! My favorite is the Caterpillar Colorado Jeans 6” boot.
It has both leather and denim construction, so you can wear jeans and maybe a dressy shirt and not have to worry about changing your shoes.
All the Cat Colorado’s are durable and stable because they are made with welt construction. This is important to me as I’m on my feet most of the day and don’t want to buy new boots every 5 months. These boots are also made with suede or full grain leather uppers and fit true to size, so they need to be broken in just like every other work boot. The coolest thing about them, though, is that they are both breathable and waterproof!
The traction on the shoes works well. You can use them at work or even take them hiking. The soles are thick with wide and deep treads, so they grip the surface of what you’re walking on without you having to worry if you are going to slip. They work fantastic walking up and down icy roads or slippery rocks if you are hiking.
The only thing I don’t like about the Colorado is they don’t come in a steel-toed version, so if you are doing construction or anything else that requires steel toe boots, check out one of the other Caterpillar safety work boots. But they still look amazing and worth having in your closet. I’ve convinced several of my friends to look at the boots and most have purchased at least one pair.
Take a look at the variety of selection that we have at ShoeVariety.com. We have 5 different styles to choose from. We can certainly find a style for you. If you have a Caterpillar Colorado boot already, great! Shoot us an email and let us know what you think of it.
]]>Everyone knows Adidas. One of the most popular athletic footwear companies, Adidas is known as a great shoe with amazing colors. You can find a color that makes you stand out in a crowd! Adidas has three types of Vigor athletic shoes, the Vigor 4, Vigor 5 and Vigor 6.
Vigor 4 rates about 4.5 online with most people finding them comfortable, high quality, supportive and having great traction. I find them a great workout shoe, since the tread grips really well and I can run on the road or trail. These sneakers are very light so they don’t weigh me down. Be careful with indoor surfaces as it can get slippery. After a run in the morning, after night time showers, the shoes were slightly wet. Walking inside, I almost slipped.
Vigor 5 is a comfortable shoe and great for working out at the gym. I even know people that wear them when they play softball and love them. I found that they are extremely slippery, both inside and out. They do however run a bit small. They were very comfortable when I found a size that fit. They are the right choice for many people but I just don’t think that they work as well for me.
Vigor 6, on the other hand, are both comfortable and stylish. Made of a lightweight, breathable material, and a tread that grips, I found them a great running shoe. Like most Adidas shoes, they can run a little narrow, but this is my favorite of the three. The ratings online give this shoe 4.5 stars and I agree. I would recommend getting the right size for your foot, because the material can wear out quickly if not properly fitted.
Each of these shoes have pros and cons, but the fit mostly depends on your foot shape and size. As long as you find the right shoe for you, I believe that you won’t want to wear anything else.
]]>Harley Davidson. What do those two words mean to you? When I think of them, I think of the open road, a great bike and freedom to go anywhere. And that is what makes Harley Davidson the brand it is. Just a little (ok, more than a little) rebellious. It symbolizes the freedom that Americans treasure so much.
Harley has expanded out of just the motorcycle. They have a line of clothing and a line of boots. Today, I would like to review The Vincent Boot by Harley Davidson is a boot originally made for motorcycle riding. It is a leather, pull-on boot with a rounded toe and a rubber outsole. The shaft runs about 10 inches. They come in both brown and black.
I think the boot is extremely well made, but it does run about one half a size large and is a bit narrow. For example, if you wear a size 10 ½, you may want to order a size 10. If your foot tends to be on the wide side, order a wider or larger size. The boots will stretch because they’re leather, but better safe than sorry.
I have heard that the boot can put pressure on the top of the foot below the buckle. I think this has more to do with the make up and shape of the foot inside, rather than the boot, so these boots may not be for everyone. However, those that have worn them around the office have found them very comfortable.
Just like every manufacturer, there are a few duds that slip through the quality process. These seem to be very few. Amazon ratings put this boot at 3.5 out of 5 stars. As I researched, the majority of the reviews were 3 stars and higher.
Personally, I found the Harley Davidson Vincent boots work well for me. They fit my foot well and are comfortable when I ride. I would recommend these boots without hesitation. And the best thing is you can order them here at ShoeVariety.com.
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Caterpillar Diffuse ST/EHIt is easy to see why this shoe is our #1 best seller! Don’t let the fact that this shoe is comfortable and stylish fool you. This steel toe shoe was made to work. The steel safety toe and the extremely slip-resistant sole would be enough, but this shoe goes further. From the leather nubuck upper that makes the shoe resistant to wear to the nylon mesh lining which easily dries out, the Caterpillar Diffuse ST/EH is a worker’s best friend. The durable Strobel construction, along with a molded EVA midsole make it comfortable so you can wear it all day without fatigue. Check out the choice of so many that trust the Caterpillar Diffuse and see what makes the difference. |
Caterpillar Track STWant a heavy-duty boot that keeps your feet dry? The Caterpillar Track ST was built for safety and durability, but doesn’t leave out comfort. This heavy-duty black-leather work boot is easy-to-wear, and has all of the same safety features of our other two best sellers. What makes this boot different is that it is truly an all-work boot. Sturdy, steel-toed, and waterproof, this boot was made to work in all conditions. It is rated slip resistant and electrical hazard safe. The full grain leather upper makes it easy to wipe off and clean. Visit our store for more details on the Caterpillar Track steel-toed boot today. |
Caterpillar Whiston STAre you looking for a work boot that you can work in all day? Want something safe and durable, but comfortable as well? Not only is the Caterpillar Whiston ST all this, but it is waterproof too. This reliable, brown leather boot has hardy Strobel construction, a molded EVA midsole for comfort, and is oil resistant. Ruggedly built for all kinds of conditions, this lace-up boot is the boot that is tough enough to get you through your day and it has a removable sock liner that allows for quick drying and cool comfort. . The Caterpillar Whiston is one of the most comfortable work boots on the market. |
It is important to understand the different features of your work boots. By the end of this article we hope you will have enough information to decide for yourself, which boot is right for you.
Steel toe boots are durable work boots that have a protective steel reinforcement built into the toe of the boot that protects your toes from potential hazards. Although steel toe boots were, at one time, always made from steel, the reinforced toe has also been known to be made from aluminum. In some steel toe boots, they also have a steel plate along the bottom of the sole to protect your foot from punctures.
The best protective boots provide the wearer with the reassurance that if something were to happen, their feet would be protected, while also taking into account the comfort level of the boot and prolonging the amount of time the wearer can be standing for. Steel toe boots are a member of a larger category of footwear, commonly referred to as Occupational or Work & Safety shoes. These safety shoes come in a variety of types and styles, and some are made with a composite substance. Composite toe boots are especially valuable for the individuals who work long hours in less industrial areas.
Steel toes are good safety shoes; however in some specific situations, it is better to choose a composite depending on its intended use. There are a few ways of distinguishing between these types of shoes:
In comparison, composite toed boots are lighter, offer vastly improved electrical protection, don’t set off metal detectors and offer considerably better protection in harsh weather conditions. Be that as it may, their cut resistance isn't as high as steel, and they cost more.
To put it plainly, the composite vs steel toe face off does not have a clear victor. The right choice for the job depends on the use for which you require reinforced safety boots.
The steel toe boots you select must have most, if not all, of the elements specified below for them to be the most solid and useful steel toe boots for your profession:
Do you want to glide confidently across the trail with the wind at your back and your spirits high? The right hiking boots can help you do that, and finding the right ones for your adventure can be a challenging prospect. The best boots are made from the best material and are designed for high durability, light weight, and water resistance.
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There are different types of boots, and their function varies. Although, you may decide to choose a particular boot because you just like it, it may be difficult to make the right selection. Many people like to find boots they are used to, and stick with the same model every year. But finding something new would be nicer! What you choose to do with any pair depends on you. You could try any of these categories: hiking boots, hiking shoes, backpacking boots, and mountaineering boots.
Hiking shoes are the lightest form within the hiking boot family; they are light in weight making them great for running the trail and they are also strong and have great durability. Hiking shoes most often have an aggressive tread pattern, similar to regular trail shoes, but feature a more durable construction and usually rubber soles. Hiking shoes are built to support the ankle with low-cut designs, and have less flexibility in the outer shell. Rubber toe-caps are built into the hiking shoe to protect your toes and give you a more enjoyable feeling across rocky terrain. Different models of hiking shoes are made in both waterproof and non-waterproof options. A waterproof option may not be needed, (depending on climate and conditions) and it may not be wanted as the material for waterproofing will add weight making them slightly more cumbersome. Waterproofing also means reduced breathability which isn’t always fun, especially on the longer hikes. Hiking shoes do not require the same break-in period as other members of the hiking boot family and they will last longer than trail running shoes. This is the reason why they are much better than some of the other options. In addition to the many benefits mentioned above, hiking shoes are also adequate for both short and long distance backpacking trips. In fact, some travelers prefer hiking shoes over hiking boots because of their light weight design and durability.
Hiking boots are the most suitable for walking through longer hikes, most especially over rougher terrain, carrying a moderately heavy load, and they will help beginner or occasional hikers support their ankles. Hiking boots are very protective and they sometimes feature a slightly stiffer construction. The major trade-off with hiking boots is that they are heavier, but they will stand the test of time. Hiking boots are best for day hiking, backpacking with heavier loads, hiking off-trail or rough terrain, and spring or summer hiking where there will be snow.
These are used for long, multi-day treks and are also very suitable for carrying heavy loads. Backpacking Boots are very rugged and can cope with any kind of weather conditions and terrain. They are stiffer and taller than hiking boots, and can support the ankle and foot better. They are also made of thicker and more aggressive outsoles with firm protection on the exterior. The trade-off for this toughness is increase in weight, but the boots will stand the test of time. Backpackers must remember that you can’t move the same way you will move freely in a hiking shoe. Using backpacking boots means you must have a long break-in period compared to some of the other types.
These are weightier boots designed for very heavy load carriage. They accept crampons and glacier travel, and are very tough, durable, and supportive. They are made with full-grain leather uppers, excellent traction, minimal seams, and sometimes a bit of insulation. They are designed to protect the ankles and give full support. Mountaineering boots are made of full-length shanks, and thus usually too rigid for comfortable full-stride hiking. Due to the weight, it is necessary for these boots to be well broken in before trying a long distance mileage hike. Mountaineering boots aren’t specifically designed for climbers, but some designs do take climbing into account and most will provide room for some type of climbing accessory. Mountaineering boots are most applicable for high alpine travel, winter hiking, and general mountaineering.
When you find the right hiking boots, make sure you check our shoe sizing charts before order. When you receive your shoes, follow these three simple steps:
Ultimately, the decision is yours and hopefully you can now see the benefits of each type of boot and the scenarios where each type might be the most supportive. Have you decided which type of hiker you are or where you want to go? You could always play it safe and buy one of each!
]]>Easygoing footwear is essential - a part of each man's way of life. You shouldn’t be in the workplace constantly! When you're unwinding during the weekend, odds are you decide on an incredibly comfortable pair of pants and a sweatshirt. When you are embracing this relaxed feeling, you need some relaxed sneakers to match. These shoes can be worn with a skinny pant, displaying your shoe-confidence by bringing more attention to the shoe, or they can be worn with any pair of jeans – cuffed or straight leg. These are the shoes you should be wearing to watch the big game at your best friend’s house, going to the local pub for trivia night, or on a trip to Home Depot to browse your future honey-do lists.
Sometimes a skate or tennis shoe is too casual for your so-called casual event. These are the relaxed but somewhat formal evenings where you need to impress. Its Saturday night and you have a first date planned. You need a shoe that says “I’m a proper stylish gentlemen, but I don’t take myself too seriously to the point that it’s going to annoy you.” This is that shoe. This shoe should look flawless combined with a straight jean. In fact anything with a thin understated sole in muted colours will do. You may be tempted to go with a bit of colour here, but don’t overdo it. Better to err on the side of caution with this type of shoe, or it will be bumped into the category above.
For those high-forehead formal events, or for a standard day at work, the dark dress shoe is an exemplary piece of footwear to possess. There are no special cases to this guideline. There are numerous styles of dress shoe you can claim to blend and coordinate with your slacks and suits. The only rules about dress shoes that seem to be holding any sway is the importance of a thin sole. The days of clunky doc martins are thankfully behind us.
In today’s design world, brown dress shoes are a must. It starts with the lighter brown belt to go with the lighter blue suit, and all of a sudden you need a pair of brown shoes. Having brown shoes lets people know that you’re not a one trick pony or a one suit wonder. You have depth, and you’re not afraid to show it. While black shoes are still great and still the most appropriate option for ultra-formal events, brown shows have turned into a worthy option for events that are less formal, yet still legitimate — like the board room or meeting her parents for the first time. Brown dress can also be worn with clothes other than the typical blue suit. Try them with coloured chinos, or ‘really blue’ blue jeans. As mentioned above, make sure you have a matching brown belt to go with the shoes. If you’re really dedicated to pulling off the brown shoed outfit, you can also go with a brown leather watch and call it 100% complete.
The low cut boot is an essential shoe to add to your collection — particularly for the fall. It's a utilitarian piece because you can wear it in many different ways. For example, you can wear it with a matching suit or just about any pants and it will supplement your look effectively. A dark leather, square-toed boot is a prime example of a modern shoe that you can combine with just about any jeans.
In the event that you feel somewhat lost with regards to building a closet that you can dip into for any event, adding these five shoes to your attire will be a great way to start. Having these shoes on hand and easily accessible will mean you’re able to promptly finish any outfit for any event that should arise – planned or otherwise. Once you have the major building block to your shoe wardrobe in place, you can start building from there and fill in the blanks. Happy shoe shopping!
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