As women continue to raise their voices on issues from sexual harassment to job discrimination, don’t be surprised if they not only start assuming more CEO roles, but roll up their sleeves and step into a pair of workboots.
According to industry insider Yahn Lebo, product line director for Wolverine, the women’s construction and manufacturing segments are receiving increased attention, including the skills concern. With nearly 400,000 manufacturing jobs unfilled and 200,000 construction jobs unfilled, he said, there’s an opportunity for women to occupy new roles in both industries.
Like their male counterparts, women need the right safety gear — and that starts from the bottom up with a pair of safety-toe workboots. While women have often been forced to wear smaller size men’s styles, a range of workboot brands offer women’s specific styles for a better fit and more enhanced comfort.
The performance requirements of workboots can vary from industry to industry, but safety toes are a common feature regardless of the line of work. While traditional steel is a common choice, lighter weight, composite-toe styless — those made of non-metal materials such as Kevlar, plastic, fiberglass and carbon fiber — are gaining momentum since they do not conduct electricity, while also regulating the temperature inside the boot.
Watch on FN
Here, FN offers a guide to women’s composite-toe looks that come packed with additional safety features.
1. Dr. Martens Work Alsea Composite Toe SD 5-Eye Shoe
This sporty athletic-inspired oxford features a breathable nylon upper, slip-resistant and heat-resistant GripTax rubber compound outsole, and cushioned heel pad.
2. Wolverine Jetstream Composite Toe Shoe
A mesh oxford featuring a moisture-wicking lining, removable memory foam footbed, and slip-resistant lug outsole.
3. Merrell Work Moab 2 Vent Mid Waterproof Composite Toe
A hiker style with M Select DRY waterproof membrane, air cushioned heel for shock absorption, heat-resistant outsole, and waterproof leather-and-textile upper.
4. Timberland PRO 6” Hightower Alloy Toe Waterproof Boot
This classic hiker style features a polyurethane footbed with Anti-Fatigue technology, fiberglass shank for support, and antimicrobial-treated lining.
5. Ariat Tracey Pull-On Composite Toe
A Western pull-on style in full-grain leather with oil- and-slip-resistant Duratread outsole.
6. Skechers Work Relaxed Fit Radford Ligonier Comp Toe Boot
Electrical hazard boot with rubber shell upper, padded collar and tongue, 400 gram Thinsulate lining, and memory foam cushioned footbed.
7. Moxie Trades Betsy Xtreme Boot
Nubuck upper, Goodyear welt construction, and antibacterial removable dual-density insole.
Want more?
How Sam & Libby Edelman Are Supporting Women in Need
Workers on Cleaning Up the World Trade Center After 9/11, and Braving an Ice Storm — in Red Wing Boots
More Than ‘White Dudes Up In the Mountains; — This Is How Outdoor Brands Plan to Promote Diversity
