“Standardization is the process of implementing and developing technical standards based on the consensus of different parties that include firms, users, interest groups, standards organizations, and governments,” this according to the definition posted on Wikipedia’s website. In layman’s terms, standardization is a system put in place to protect all parties involved, as this applies to a particular product and/or place.

For example, let’s say I am interested in the manufacturing of shoes. Furthermore, my interests fall into the category of basketball shoes. To produce the best basketball shoes possible, I would, first, need to gain an understanding of how a basic shoe is constructed (e.g. footbed, outsole, insole, upper, etc.). Second, I would need to expand my knowledge to produce an appropriate pair of basketball shoes (e.g. shock-absorbent midsole, ankle support, arch layout, etc.).

Now, the best way to accomplish all of this is to gather a group of other basketball shoe manufacturers. In addition, I would need to gather a group of consumers (testers and feedback personnel). But it does not stop there. There, also, needs to be a group of professionals (e.g. sports medicine, basketball authorities, etc.).

And after all of this, in order to produce a pair of the best basketball shoes possible, I would need to implement all of the answers gained from the groups gathered. The good and the bad would need to be weighed; thereby, eliminating the bad and putting into practice the good.

ANSI
Thankfully, we have ANSI (American National Standards Institute). This is a non-profit organization who oversees the set standards put into practice for any particular product and/or place. We can look at them like they are the queen bee of a hive (e.g. the monitoring of sub-overseers). The worker bees would then be the sub-overseers for standardization processes (e.g. overseeing by testing footbed construction, insole construction, etc.).

ASTM International
For the best work boots, we have ASTM International. Their primary focus is to monitor and produce the set standards for children’s outerwear and protective footwear; “covering the procedures for testing and classification of materials of every sort.” (2018). In addition, these set standards are implemented and agreed upon with ANSI in mind; a family of sorts with ANSI at the head.

Now, here is the best part concerning all of this: You, the consumers, are what matters above all else; as far as, ANSI and ASTM are concerned. Furthermore, a pair of legitimate boots will have a tag/stamp placed on and/or within them which signifies they are, indeed, approved by ASTM and ANSI within the realm of work-related gear. This tag helps us to differentiate the footwear which is considered to be working boots versus shoes that are made to appear like comfy work boots. In other words, an ANSI tag/stamp is a great thing to have when considering these boots.

The ASTM International Stamp of Approval
For the standardization of work boots, “ASTM footwear standards define minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and classification of protective footwear. These standards are intended to protect users from electrical shock, puncture, abrasion, and more,” (2018) this according to ANSI.

Furthermore, in order for a manufacturer to gain an ASTM marking for their working boots, certification must be acquired from an independent third-party laboratory responsible for testing. This ensures the manufacturer is not cutting corners, as it were. More importantly, this ensures you are well protected in the realm of safety protocols, as this applies to a pair of boots like these. Your safety matters and both ANSI (queen bee) and ASTM International (worker bee) agree, as do we.

ANSI Specifications for Soft-Toe (Non-Safety / Non-Protective Toe) Work Boots
ASTM F2892-17: This standardization entails that the best working boots have the following qualities associated with them:

ANSI Specifications for Safety (Toe Cap) Work Boots
In addition to the previous standardization, ASTM F2892-17, the following must, also, be present for a pair of boots to be eligible for the ASTM F2412 / ASTM F2413 – Foot Protection and Performance Package:

The Correct Protection for the Job

At the end of the day, when you are mulling over which pair to consider in combination with an ASTM label, you must, first, consider the type of work environment you will be in. If working with heavy iron, you will need working boots with a toe cap; thus, reducing the risk of injury associated with a heavy item falling on your feet. If, however, you are working in a garden setting and installing lighting components, there is no reason to endure the added weight associated with the toe caps. In this scenario, you may want to choose a work boot without a toe cap but still labeled with the ASTM stamp of approval. In this, you will be better guarded against hazards such as an electrical mishap.

A good pair must have longevity. The average lifespan of a pair of boots, used every day, can be from 8 months to a year. If you had to spend over $100 for a pair of boots, the assumption is that they can last long enough to match the purchase price. There are, however, times (and only a few of them, fortunately) that you’ll get a pair of boots which has been improperly manufactured; improper sewing here, lack of glue there, or quality control wasn’t doing the job at that time. This is not so much ‘buyer beware,’ as it is, ‘you should keep your receipt.’ You can get a pair of working boots that fit well and are tough. Just be prepared for those unfortunate mishaps when something goes wrong (manufacturer-wise).

Durability and toughness is a requirement when examining the best work boots. After all, they are going to be utilized in extreme situations. Well, more extreme than the usual trip to the mailbox, per se. In addition, these are going to be worn day-in and day-out; that is if you are wearing them for an everyday job. As such, although the style may come into play, it should not be the qualifying factor when considering your safety; nor, should it be considered above the importance of toughness and durability.

Abrasion resistance is another key element, as this applies to durability and toughness. Although we are discussing footwear which will be pushed to the very limits, there is no reason to have a pair which will look horrible after only a couple of days of wear. Abrasion-resistant uppers and the outsole design can and will directly impact whether or not your boots will still look good after a month’s work, per se. If the outsole protrudes beyond the toe box area, then this an attribute which is a good thing, in terms of abrasion resistance. The outsole will take the hit, first, if or when you brush the front of your footwear against something which can, otherwise, cause scarring.

Also, the material makeup of the upper and outsoles are equally important. Key materials to look for are treated leather, rubber, and polyurethane. In other words, the tougher the material, the less likely your boots will break down too quickly. After all, durability and toughness matters.

There’s been an effort to replace the steel within the work boots with a composite material (the mixture of plastic, Kevlar aramid fiber, fiberglass, and carbon fiber). While the material is lighter, it’s supposed to give your feet the same protection as steel. There are probably reasons for this. Steel is not something you want to wear when you’re working around electricity and, especially, near water.

With that being said, there’s, also, the weight in the rubber soles; as well as, the material to make the shoe to consider. For those of us without cars, it’s a chore to lug these sometimes heavy work boots in a place such as your backpack; especially, for distances amounting to about an hour to and from home. Additionally, by default, oiled leather will be heavier than boots without. However, non-oiled may not last quite as long, due to scuffing and wear-and-tear.

Your job will dictate what you will need, in the realm of features. There is no reason for a safety toe if you are going to be walking the lakeshore and picking up trash, so to speak. A lighter weight boot will work just fine in this scenario. Furthermore, a work day can be long and the idea is to get home and still feel good, as your feet are concerned. A plethora of unnecessary features could have you feeling completely exhausted, and your footwear would be the blame.

It’s a no-brainer that these boots are required when working outside during severe weather conditions. Keeping your feet, along with the rest of your body, warm and dry is highly important. Otherwise, environmental conditions such as extreme cold will physically impair you. So, wearing steel in your boots is out of the question. Furthermore, having the required amount of insulation in your boots is important. Making sure the outsoles are not flat; that they have enough of a grip to walk through the snow with enough stability is, also, highly important. The same can be said when traveling through the desert in the extreme heat.

Protection against the elements requires your working boots to be made for the environment in which you may find yourself in. Will you be in the snow? Maybe, you will be working near a waterfall? Try and consider environmental elements when choosing the top rated work boots for you. Also, consider the surface on which you may be standing upon. Is the surface slick, oily, or dry? Surface types can be considered part of the elements. All in all, the correct footwear can withstand the elements; allowing you to concentrate on your work.

The people, who work in the industries dealing with projects such as concrete, flooring, and roofing, choose boots that can minimize any damage done to the projects they work on. Idealistically, it’s best to walk around and avoid the work that had just been done. But sometimes, what needs to be done is unavoidable.
Outsoles with flat surfaces (i.e. wedges) are the best choice because they can be easy to clean. They must, also, fit tightly and comfortably with laces tied properly.