What are the working conditions in concrete construction?
Construction workers have been experiencing a hard way of life ever since the appearance of their profession. By nature, concrete construction is a completely outdoors activity making yourself vulnerable to the external weather conditions. The shoes that are adequate for this activity should have special features to support the user during the concrete building.
Concrete is a special material that begins its life in semi-liquid phase and in a matter of hours it takes its final stiffness becoming hard as rock. This particular ability of the concrete makes it hard for shoes manufacturers to create the right shoes to wear in such a versatile environment.
First, the shoes for concrete need to have a greater outsole being resistant to external corrosive factors. This is important for the protection of the user since the extra grip provided by the larger lugs is giving enhanced safety while walking on the concrete surface.
Moreover, while concrete is in its liquid phase can easily stick to the outsoles and make them lose their natural shape and color. This can be easily overturned by providing outsoles that can be easily rinsed and cleaned using soap and water well before the concrete takes its final solid shape.
Walking on concrete may be challenging for your feet.
When the concrete finally reaches the solid shape, it gains the ability to become stiff and produce enough friction to walk on it. Construction workers that are constantly standing and walking on concrete floors may easily feel extreme pain in their feet. This is caused by the adverse powers exerted to the footbed due to the long hours of interaction with the concrete.
This material is among the hardest on earth and can destroy the natural anatomy of the foot curve and arch in both feet. Shoes that have a softer insole can absorb the tensions coming from the concrete floor and give you a more comfort look when working in construction sites.
In addition, concrete shoes should have extra cushioning to the heel area giving it more space to move and be more supportive to it while in action. Many of the most common foot problems derive from the extreme pressure felt in the heel area by the concrete floor. That is why the strategically positioned cushioning is of crucial importance for the success of your new footwear.
The concrete vibrators are an extra threat for your feet.
It is well known that concrete must be processed with special vibrators after is has been formed in the desired shape. This vibration process gives the concrete a smooth and continuous inner structure to withstand all adverse powers coming from the environment. People that use the concrete vibrators are facing special health issues related to the rate of vibration coming through their bodies.
The right shoes for walking on concrete should have an extra absorbing midsole to eradicate all vibrations to the feet coming from the newly formed concrete floor. This midsole is usually made of quality foamy material which is specific in taking the shape of the footbed and provide extra comfort when walking or standing.
Final thoughts on concrete shoes.
The concrete compatible shoes all share the same features: durability, comfort and safety. This triangle is essential to be apparent in all concrete shoes to be successful in the market. The durability is provided by the technologically evolved materials used to manufacture the specific pair of shoes.
Special rubber alloys are used for the outsole to make it less reactive to external chemicals and adverse weather conditions. On the other hand, the outer layers should be made of quality leather making the shoes waterproof and enhancing the ability of the user to work in rainy conditions. Finally, the upper mesh and tongue are usually meant to be lightweight and flexible to improve the comfort levels and support the foot arch.
The comfort is another critical component of the concrete work boots. Extra cushioning can make the heel area pain-free no matter how adverse the pressures exerted may be. Besides, the breathability of the upper mesh can be another reason for adoption of a certain pair of concrete shoes since it ensures the proper ventilation of the inner foot area.
Safety keeps on being the number one reason signing the success of the concrete shoes. The lacing system can be simple but must be apparent in order for workers to bend firmly the shoes to the foot and ankle areas. This will aid them to avoid unnecessary injuries that may impose barriers to their productivity rates.
Now that you have checked on the majority of factors making a pair of shoes capable for walking on concrete you can make your final decision according to your individual needs and tastes.