Reduce foot strain and injury with the Steel Blue Lacing Guide

Correctly lacing work boots to the top of the boot provides more support to help reduce strain injury and avoid common issues such as blisters.

Our feet help us get from A to B but with every step, they’re also absorbing up to twice your bodyweight in force. Any foot related issues can throw your entire body out of alignment, causing pain and discomfort. That’s why it’s important to have fit-for-purpose, supportive and comfortable work boots for your overall wellbeing.

Steel Blue work boots are an important piece of personal protective equipment in many industries, including mining and construction. Work boot fit and function is impacted by foot type, foot biomechanics, socks and also lacing. Lacing techniques are often overlooked when it comes to footwear but can improve work boot fit, support, function and reduce pain and risk of injury.

Australian Physiotherapy Association

Steel Blue boots are the only work boots in Australia endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). The APA has found that any abnormal loading or undesirable movement of the feet can lead to increases or misbalances of pressure in the foot. Studies have shown that foot biomechanics can influence the joints of the lower limbs and spine including the ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Shoes alter foot loading and movement and therefore play a significant role in the loading and movement of the ankles, knees, hips and lower back during walking and standing. Feet that are difficult to fit, for example narrow heels, high and low arches, narrow and wide feet can be accommodated by changing the way in which work boots are laced. Lacing techniques can be used to alter the pressure distribution within the foot and can deliver a secure, comfortable, and supportive fit when used correctly.

Correct Fitting Tips:

• All work boots should be laced to the top of the boot.
• It is recommended you check your laces and boot fit before every shift.
• This lacing guide may help with common foot problems, ensuring a better fit to provide the best protection against foot related injuries.

Small changes to work boot lacing can make a significant difference in performance and comfort. See our guide below for a range of solutions for wide feet, those with a high or shallow instep or a narrow heel.

Lacing Tip 1:

Wide forefoot

For those with a wide forefoot, this technique of lacing your Steel Blue boots gives the forefoot more space and eases pressure on the sides of the foot.

Lacing Tip 2:

High instep / Midfoot tightness

For all day comfort, lacing your work boots this way gives the midfoot more space in the boot and reduces pressure through the arch and midfoot. It can reduce pins and needles if they are being experienced in the instep.

Lacing Tip 3:

Heel slipping / Blisters

If you are suffering from blisters or heel slip, we recommend tightening the laces at the top of the work boot. Lacing your safety boots this way helps to keep the heel in place, increasing stability and reducing slipping which can cause blisters.

Lacing Tip 4:

Toe pain

Lacing your boots this way creates more space for the big toe which reduces pressure and can assist to ease toe pain by relieving pressure.

Lacing Tip 5:

Shallow instep

For those with a lower or flat arch, we suggest that you lace your safety boots this way to provide more support to this part of the foot.

Lacing Tip 6:

Shallow instep and narrow heel

Lacing your work boots this way creates a supportive fit for the heel and ankle, with the midfoot and the arch held firmly down.

Lacing Tip 7:

Zip sided boots

To ensure 100% comfort, fasten the zip first, ensuring the zip is done all the way to the top, with the zip pull tab secured under the boot Velcro tab, then lace to the top of the boot.  

To find the best pair of Steel Blue safety boots suitable for your working environment, please contact the team at Industree Group – 1800 276 872.