Step Smart at Work

Keeping productive starts from the ground up. When you spend eight‑plus hours on concrete, good workplace foot health is the difference between powering through a shift and hobbling home. Your feet absorb the force of several hundred tonnes every day—treat them like specialized equipment.

Choose Job‑Smart Footwear

Supportive, well-cushioned shoes or CSA-approved boots that keep feet dry and comfortable help reduce fatigue and injury risk. Leather uppers last longer, and composite toes keep your feet warm in winter.

Look for:

• A roomy, protective toe box

• Slip‑resistant, shock‑absorbing soles

• Breathable linings that wick away moisture

• Replaceable insoles for hygiene

Fit & Function Matter

Ill‑fitting footwear, especially rigid work boots, can trigger corns, calluses and painful ingrown toenails. A chiropodist can help you pick the right pair and treat problems early. Tight boots also cut circulation.

Quick fit check:

• Stand; ensure one thumb width at the toe

• Lace firmly but not too tightly across the instep

• Bend forward—boots should flex where your big toe bends

• Retire boots every 12‑18 months or when midsoles compress

Support from Within

Hard floors can cause pain in the arches, knees, and backs. Custom orthotics worn inside work shoes align joints, absorb shock and keep muscles firing efficiently. They’re custom moulded to your feet, unlike off‑the‑shelf insoles.

Good candidates include construction labourers, retail staff, factory assemblers, and busy nurses, all of whom probably log 10,000+ steps daily.

Daily Foot Care Routine

Small habits preserve workplace foot health:

• Wash and dry thoroughly, especially between toes

• Moisturize heels, but skip lotion in interdigital spaces

• Stretch calves and plantar fascia before and after shifts

• Elevate your feet for 10 minutes during breaks

• Inspect skin and nails; book chiropody if redness, numbness or swelling appears

When to Call the Clinic

Persistent pain, repetitive blisters, or any minor break in the skin that doesn’t heal within three days warrants professional assessment. Werkman, Boven & Associates can customize solutions—from surgical nail care to custom orthotics—so you can step back on site with confidence.

Prioritize these tips, and your workplace foot health will carry you safely through every shift.