Got safety shoes on your mind? Here are four questions you need to ask

We all want to make sure we're making the right call when buying shoes, but if your job depends on keeping your feet safe and sound, functionality is the name of the game.

Of course, having safety-certified footwear is a must, but there are other things to think about, too. Here are some questions you might've pondered (or not) when picking out your safety shoes from Yaffy's footwear range.

Are safety shoes comfortable?

Well, the truth is, safety and comfort should both be a must. When it comes to safety shoes, they're designed to keep you comfy while you're on the move, throughout the whole lifespan of the shoe. 

You see, when you're wearing safety footwear, you're usually on your feet a lot. So, they've got to be cozy from the get-go. Wearing shoes that don't fit right isn't just a pain in the foot, it can lead to all sorts of trouble like blisters, messed-up toenails, and even that fancy-sounding plantar fasciitis, which can seriously cramp your work style.

Now, we've got a bunch of waterproof options in the Yaffy safety footwear range that'll keep your feet dry, no matter what you're doing. And if you're one of those folks who spend hours standing and strolling around, like our blue light community, including Blackrock safety shoes with EaziStep insoles. Trust us, those insoles are like a little pillow for your feet.

But here's the deal, breaking in new shoes is kinda like breaking in a new pet. You've got to give them a bit of time before the big day on the job. Walk around a bit, let them get to know your feet. It'll be worth it!

Are slip resistant shoes considered PPE?

Yes, slip resistance is considered a basic requirement of all PPE footwear. 

The 2021/22 HSE Workplace Health and Safety Report has got some eye-opening stats. Slips, trips, and falls made up a whopping 30% of all workplace injuries. That's a little jump from the previous year. This kind of non-fatal mishap is the top dog when it comes to workplace accidents, and that's why having top-notch PPE and safety footwear in this department is a big deal.

Now, the HSE (that's the Health and Safety Executive, by the way) came up with a nifty rating system called GRIP. It's like a guide to finding the right slip-resistant shoes to keep you from turning into a cartoon character on a banana peel.

Yaffy's footwear range includes Blackrock, who have been all about that GRIP. In fact, Blackrock have been awarded a 4-star GRIP rating. Their secret sauce? The HexaGrip sole. It's got a bunch of tiny hexagons all over it. Now, hexagons are like the superheroes of shapes – strong, efficient, and great at spreading out the pressure. That means you'll have some serious traction, and you won't be doing any unexpected slip 'n' slides at work.

Whats the difference between safety shoes and occupational shoes?

Let's get right to it: when it comes to occupational footwear, we're talking about EN20347 standards, not the heavy-duty EN20345 safety ones. The main difference? No steel toe cap in the occupational shoes.

But there's more to Yaffy's footwear range than that. We've got some styles and suppliers with features that might make a real difference, especially if you're in the emergency services industry.

Ever heard of bloodborne pathogens? They're nasty bugs you can find in human blood that can make you sick. You can get them from things like used needles or sharp things poking your skin, or even just cuts and scrapes.

Now, if you work in a hospital or ride the ambulance, you're probably no stranger to blood spills. But even for other emergency service personnel, the risk is there. That's where some styles in our footwear range come in, like the Blackrock Semtinel Composite Boot, the Defender Compsoite Boot, Tactical Officer Shoe and the Tactical Commander Boot. They're bloodborne pathogen resistant. It's like having a shield against those germs. So why not give yourself that extra layer of protection?

Who needs protective footwear?

Occupational and protective footwear isn't just for the police force, although they definitely need it to perform at their best and maintain public safety. Check out the Blackrock Sentinel Composite Boot, part of the Yaffy range - it's metal-free, and has a tough-as-nails midsole, which is a big win for our law enforcement community.

Now, let's talk about paramedics. They're in a league of their own when it comes to fast-paced, high-pressure challenges. They need extra stability, no doubt about it.

But it's not just paramedics who are on their feet all day. Think about delivery drivers, postal workers, and people in the transport business. They need that solid foundation.

Wearing technical shoes in these industries isn't just about getting the job done right. It's also like having a protective shield for your feet, giving you some extra peace of mind.

Conquer your day with confidence and comfort

Yaffy's technical footwear range has been carefully curated with hardworking emergency service heroes in mind. Featuring high-performance tested and certified footwear for blue light personnel who are on their feet for long periods. Browse Yaffy's footwear range and trust every step you take.