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Are Steel Toe Boots Required for Asphalt Paving?

Steel Toe Boots
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An asphalt paver is construction equipment that is used for laying asphalt on roads and highways, bridges, and many other places. Paver lays the asphalt flat on the surface and does some minor compaction before it’s fully compacted with a roller. Doing asphalt paving is a very risky and dangerous job because of its sticky, messy, and hot characteristics.

Like other construction work, wearing personal protective equipment is compulsory, and steel toe boot is one of them. Therefore, it’s needless to ask, are steel toe boots required for asphalt paving? Below in this article, we’re going to show you why you’ll need a pair of steel-toe boots while working with asphalt paving.

Timberland PRO mens Pit 6 Inch Steel Safety Toe Industrial Work Boot, Brown/Brown, 10.5 US

Are Steel Toe Boots Required for Asphalt Paving?

The straightforward answer to this question is yes because you must need boots for working on asphalt, and steel toe boots are the best option. Steel toe boots are perfect for many reasons. They are solid and durable and capable of resisting extreme temperatures to guard your feet from the scorching heat while dealing with the asphalt.

In addition, they are very comfortable and supportive, which is crucial for this occupation as you have to stand for a long period of time. Usually, the heat of the asphalt reaches 350°F/150°C, and you must cover your feet thoroughly to protect yourself from the excessive heat.

Carhartt Men's Traditional Welt 6" Steel Toe Work Boot Construction, Crazy Horse Brown Oil Tanned, 15 Wide

Remember, asphalt is a very risky material for humans when freshly applied. Workers need to stand and walk on the hot surface all day long. And, it’s pretty impossible to work without the proper boots for working on asphalt. When you walk on the freshly poured tar, your feet get quickly hot, and to protect your feet in such a situation, you’ll require steel toe boots for asphalt paving.

Why Do You Need Steel Toe Boots For Asphalt Paving?

You’ll need a steel toe boot for asphalt paving to ensure your safety from the hazards. Below, we will mention some certain risks of asphalt paving that you can quickly deal with steel toe boots.

  • Gravel and uneven terrain
  • Pavement and hard surfaces
  • Hot surfaces and molten asphalt tar
  • Pointed sharp objects that may injure your feet

What You Should Look for in Asphalt Paving Boots?

Working with heated asphalt by standing the whole day isn’t as easy as we think. It’s a very challenging profession that puts stress on your body, plus hard-hitting on the feet. But when you choose the proper boots for working on asphalt, your work becomes easier and smoother.

Now the question is, how do you select the proper boots for asphalt paving if you don’t have any previous idea. Have a look at the below section to know what are those things that you should focus on while choosing the best asphalt boot.

WOLVERINE mens Floorhand Waterproof 6" Steel Toe Work Boot, Dark Brown, 9 US

Flat Bottom

When you look for an asphalt boot, you should go for flat bottom boots. And, you should strictly follow this as it’s one of the fundamental aspects of an asphalt boot. Let us tell you, why? If your boot is the flat bottom, it won’t trap any rock or other material.

Whereas, clogged soles boots are very inconvenient as they could fall you in danger if they get jammed with mud. Besides, the best thing about the flat bottom is they don’t include any heel or tread. Therefore, they won’t leave any tread traces on the soft asphalt.

Heat Resistance

The temperature of asphalt reaches 300°F or more. So, when you work on an asphalt project, your feet must have to deal with this excessive heat. It means you have to go for a particular boot that is made of heat-resistant material. And, also have the features of reducing heat transfer from the boot to your feet.

Most asphalt boots are made of polyurethane material that can absorb 212°F heat temperature for up to 8-hours. Moreover, the outsoles of most asphalt boots are made of nitrile rubber that can withstand above 500°F heat temperature. So, when you are going to choose a pair of asphalt boots, it’s essential to check the heat resistance capability at your first glance.

Wolverine

Fit

Proper fitting is vital while choosing your asphalt boot; otherwise, your foot will slide inside the boot and cause sores on your heel. Remember, your asphalt boot will expand slightly because of heat, so keep this thing in your mind while choosing your boot.

Waterproof

You might be thinking about why your asphalt boot needs to be waterproof while asphalt work isn’t undertaken in the rain. Well, there are many other ways to get wet without rain. That’s why it’s crucial to be prepared for everything so that when you step on the fresh asphalt, the excessive heat doesn’t turn your wet foot into a small sauna.

Steel Toe Cap

It’s always a better idea to go for an asphalt boot that comes with a steel toe cap. They offer the same benefit that heat-resistant outsoles do. Most importantly, steel toe caps are usually temperature insensitive, lightweight. Therefore you won’t get tired easily at the end of the day.

Impacto TTUS Turbotoe Steel Toe Cap, Black,Small

Breathable Mesh Lining

While purchasing an asphalt boot, it’s wise to go for a boot that has breathable mesh lining. As it helps to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the boots instead of making sweaty and boiling temperature. If you work on an asphalt project in the summertime, the heat temperature gets double and creates an unpleasant work environment for your feet.

However, choosing an asphalt boot with breathable mesh lining offers you cool airflow inside the boot. It prevents your feet from overheating and allows you to complete your job comfortably with dry feet.

Cofra Work Shoes - Heat Resistant Asphalt Footwear with Composite Safety Toe & Heat Defender Nitrile Rubber Outsole - Black

Conclusion

Now that you’re at the end of this article, you already have the answer to why steel toe boots are required for asphalt paving? Steel toe boots have significant benefits and safety features for asphalt paving.

As we mentioned earlier, these boots come with heat resistance features, outstanding exterior design, flat bottom, high-quality material, etc. However, steel toe boots are perfect for asphalt jobs as they come with a flat and tread-free outsole that ensures no mark in the fresh asphalt.

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