Safety Joggers - Are they a Better Shoe for You?
When choosing a shoe for work there are standards. They may be annoying standards, but they're still there...
That doesn't necessarily mean that you need to choose a bulky boot though! Over the past few years 'safety joggers' or 'safety sneakers' have been developed - and they're changing the face of safety footwear! So, can you make the switch to safety joggers on your worksite?
Can I Wear My Joggers to Work?
Maybe... maybe not. It's best to check with your employer. Safety joggers are a great option if you want to be quick on your feet - and safe. If you're clocking up those steps in the tens of thousands at work every day, chances are safety joggers will suit you well.
They're not like your old pair of Adidas or New Balance sitting at the back of your wardrobe. While a typical pair of jogging shoes are a great option for pounding the pavement or hitting the gym, with incredible arch support, they are lacking when it comes to what's required on a worksite. (Having said that, you may decide you want safety sneakers for the gym too if you've ever dropped a weight or barbell on your foot.)
What Do You Need on the Worksite?
- Toe Protection. Most safety joggers have composite toe caps. Composite toes are lightweight compared to steel toes but still offer a high level of protection.
- Australian Standards. Safety joggers should meet Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2210.3:2009. This means the toe cap should withstand at least 200 joules of impact.
Safety Jogger vs Safety Boot
Both safety joggers and safety boots can meet Australian safety standards, so why choose a jogger over a traditional safety boot?
Safety joggers are designed for jobs where agility matters or where you're on your feet all day. They provide heel and arch support similar to a running shoe without the weight and bulk of a boot. They're a popular choice for factory and warehouse environments.
That said, safety joggers aren't suitable for every workplace. Industries such as security and policing often require additional ankle support and protection. Always check with your employer before wearing safety joggers on site.
Good footwear also helps keep your body properly aligned while you work. Safety boots generally use less ventilated materials that provide better protection against chemical spills and harsh weather, while safety joggers are typically much more breathable.
Shop Safety Joggers
There are plenty of options available. At Allingtons, we stock a wide range of safety joggers from leading brands to help keep you comfortable at work.
Choose from slip-ons and lace-up styles from Blundstone, FXD, Puma and more. Visit us in-store to try on a few pairs and get professionally fitted.
Already wearing safety joggers? Let us know what you love about them in the comments below.