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Garments
- TOP 5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN THE WARMEST JACKETS
- WHY DO YOU NEED COLD WEATHER BIB OVERALLS?
- 5 ALL WEATHER JACKETS YOU CAN WEAR IN ANY SEASON
- 5 WORK SWEATSHIRTS AND HOODIES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR FALL TEMPERATURES
- 7 OF THE BEST WORK JACKETS FOR MEN
- 8 BEST HIGH-VISIBILITY JACKETS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
- COVERALLS vs. BIBS: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
- HOW AND WHY TO CHOOSE A PUFFER JACKET
- HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST INSULATED BIB OVERALLS
- HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FLEECE JACKET
- BEST INSULATED GEAR FOR WOMEN
- OUTWORK ANY WEATHER WITH PREMIUM JACKETS
- THE BEST PANTS FOR COLD WEATHER
- TOP 7 FEATURES OF A SUBZERO SWEATSHIRT
- WHAT ARE THE BEST SWEATSHIRTS TO WEAR FOR COLD WEATHER?
- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOWN JACKET AND A PUFFER JACKET?
- WHY AND WHEN TO WEAR A VEST FOR WARMTH
- TOP 4 OPTIONS FOR SPRING AND FALL GEAR
- 3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIVIS WORKWEAR
- TOP 5 MUST-HAVE FEATURES FOR RAINWEAR
- WHY DO YOU NEED A FREEZER SUIT IN THE GROCERY BUSINESS?
- WHY YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR BREATHABILITY AND WICKABILITY IN COLD WEATHER WORKWEAR
- CUSTOMER STORIES: BEST INSULATED BIB OVERALLS FOR WOMEN
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Footwear
- 6 MOST DURABLE COLD WEATHER WORK BOOTS FOR MEN
- CASE STUDY: KEEPING CREWS ON THEIR FEET WITH PROPER FOOTWEAR
- HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE WORKBOOT
- HOW TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR WORK BOOTS
- HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT WORK BOOTS FOR LANDSCAPING
- THE SCIENCE BEHIND MOISTURE-WICKING SOCKS
- YOUR FEET WILL THANK YOU FOR WEARING THESE WORK BOOTS
- 5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST WORK BOOT
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Gloves
- TOP 5 WATERPROOF WORK GLOVES
- 5 UTILITY GLOVES THAT KEEP YOU WARM IN EXTREME COLD
- GIVE COLD THE FINGER: TOP 5 FEATURES OF PREMIUM GLOVES
- HOW TO USE GLOVE LINERS
- TOP 3 ADVANTAGES OF PERFORMANCE GLOVES
- 3 WAYS TOUCHSCREEN GLOVES MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER
- TOP 4 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN WATERPROOF GLOVES
- HOW TO WEAR GLOVE LINERS ON THE JOB
- 9 WORK GLOVES BUILT FOR SERIOUS PROTECTION AND PERFORMANCE
- 9 MUST-HAVE FEATURES FOR WAREHOUSE WORK GLOVES
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Garments
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RefrigiWear Knowledge
- 10 ESSENTIAL PIECES OF COLD WEATHER GEAR FOR FARMERS
- 10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY IN COLD WEATHER
- 3 REASONS WHY FREEZER SUITS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR WORKING IN THE COLD
- A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO WORKING OUTSIDE
- ADVANTAGES OF SYNTHETIC INSULATION
- COLD WEATHER GEAR FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
- HOW TO AVOID DRAFTS IN COLD WEATHER WORK CLOTHES
- HOW TO STAY WARM FROM HEAD TO TOE IN COLD WEATHER
- HOW TO STAY WARM ON THE JOB SITE
- HOW TO STORE WINTER WORKWEAR FOR THE SUMMER
- HOW TO USE REFRIGIWEAR COMFORT RATINGS TO CHOOSE INSULATED GEAR
- THE HEALTH RISKS OF WEARING TOO MUCH COLD WEATHER GEAR
- THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER FOOT CARE WHEN WORKING IN THE COLD
- THE ULTIMATE SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN COLD CONDITIONS
- WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR SNOWMOBILING?
- WHAT’S THE TOUGHEST GEAR FOR COLD WEATHER?
- WHICH TYPE OF SLEEVE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR WINTER ACTIVITY?
- TOP 5 COLDEST AMERICAN CITIES AND HOW TO STAY WARM
- TOP 4 TIPS FOR WORKING IN THE RAIN
- 5 TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLING IN WINTER
- HOW TO DRESS FOR THE COLD IN 4 EASY STEPS
- A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO STAYING WARM WHILE WORKING IN THE COLD
- HOW TO STAY WARM WHEN WORKING IN THE COLD
- Stories
HOW TO PICK THE BEST LEATHER WORK BOOT: A BUYER’S GUIDE TO INSULATED LEATHER WORK BOOTS
Selecting the best leather work boots for frozen or extreme-cold environments can seem like a daunting task, but RefrigiWear has the expertise to guide you. First, remember that an insulated leather work boot being worn on -30°F freezer floors needs to be constructed differently than a boot used to walk through snow or a hiking boot for cold-weather trailblazing.
The main reason for this specialized construction is because of conduction. Conduction is essentially heat lost through contact with a cold surface. As you can imagine, walking on freezing floors all day requires special soles, insulation and other features that you may not find in a regular insulated hiking boot.
Here are 5 important things to look for when you’re looking for the best leather work boots:
Insulation
RefrigiWear boots offer a variety of insulation packages from non-insulated to 1,000g insulation. Each boot is assigned a Comfort Rating that serves as a guide to choosing the insulated work boot that best matches your working conditions. You should also consider the comfort and moisture-wicking abilities of the lining, because moisture is a natural enemy of warmth.
Slip-Resistant Soles
Slip-resistant leather work boots offer increased resistance to sliding or skidding on slick surfaces, so soles should be a major consideration if you work in cold temperatures. All RefrigiWear boots are tested against the ASTM F1677 slip-resistance standard. Soles, mid-soles and the insulation layers on the bottom of the boot also play a key role in keeping feet warm and protected. Our outsoles are formulated not to crack from the exposure to extreme cold temps – something other work boots can't handle.
Composite Safety Toes
RefrigiWear leather work boots have ASTM composite safety toes. These safety toes meet the ASTM F2413-05 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Foot Protection. Composite-toed work boots use materials like carbon fiber, plastic, Kevlar or fiberglass and are ideal for people who must go through metal detectors. In addition, composite toes are up to 30% lighter, resulting in less foot fatigue. Plus, they don't conduct cold like metal, so your feet stay warmer.
Construction
The construction of your leather work boots can help determine whether they are waterproof, resistant to chemicals or even more durable than other boots. A boot's upper half can be attached to the sole by adhesive, through stitching or by welting.
Ankle Support & Padding
Ankle support improves stability and helps reduce fatigue when you’re on your feet all day. A taller boot provides more support, but a snug fit is also important. Lace-up styles often are more supportive if you are very active. Padded ankle collars also add greater stability.
There are also many other features such as rubber toe guards, electrical shock resistance and waterproof barriers that you should keep in mind when choosing footwear.
Size Matters
Choosing the correct size for your insulated leather work boots is important to getting footwear that is comfortable and safe. Footwear should fit appropriately, be supportive for your activity and not cause damage or pain to your feet in any way.
Follow these quick tips when trying on insulated leather work boots:
- Try on your boots with the type of socks or insoles you’ll wear on the job
- Your feet should have plenty of room in the boot and your toes should not touch the end of your shoes (toes should be about 1/2" from the front)
- Shoes should be broad enough to allow a little wiggle room, but fit securely enough that your foot doesn't slide around
- They should be comfortable immediately without feeling any need for "breaking in"
For more information on getting the right fit, check out this guide to selecting the right size work boot.
Get Moisture-Wicking Socks
In order to wick away moisture and keep your feet dry and comfortable, you need to wear the right socks. Cotton is one of the worst fibers to use to keep feet warm in cold environments because they will absorb and retain moisture, like sweat. That moisture against your foot will cause friction and create blisters on your feet in addition to losing warmth. RefrigiWear socks are blends with materials such as wool, nylon, acrylic and polyester, which will wick moisture away from your feet.
Shop Insulated Leather Work Boots
Now that you know what to look for in the best leather work boots, check out these popular insulated boots from RefrigiWear:
Shopping for a Team?
Shopping for a team? If you need help selecting work boots or insulated workwear for your employees, please contact RefrigiWear Customer Service.