Footwear fit clinics could save you time and money

Safety footwear may meet the required protection standard, but that does not automatically mean it is right for every wearer.

Safety footwear may meet the required protection standard, but that does not automatically mean it is right for every wearer. uvex is encouraging engineering and manufacturing businesses to look beyond shoe size and consider fit, comfort and wearability when specifying safety footwear.

Two employees who wear the same shoe size can have very different requirements. Foot width, shape, internal volume and the position of arch support can all influence how footwear feels and performs. Poorly fitting footwear can lead to pressure, discomfort and fatigue, particularly for employees spending long shifts standing or walking.

A uvex footwear fit clinic brings the fitting process into the workplace, assessing employees’ foot length, width and shape alongside recurring comfort concerns, underlying conditions and potential fit-related risks. Suitable footwear models and insole options can then be recommended according to individual requirements and working conditions.

Five reasons to consider a fit clinic
Improve wearer comfort by identifying individual fit requirements and pressure points.
Support PPE compliance, as uncomfortable footwear can result in employees adjusting, avoiding or inconsistently wearing their designated PPE.
Support natural movement by ensuring footwear and arch support are correctly positioned.
Reduce trial and error associated with repeated returns, exchanges and unsuitable sizing.
Simplify footwear selection by taking a more consistent, informed approach across the workforce.

For engineering businesses, where employees may spend prolonged periods standing, walking or working on hard surfaces, getting the fit right can make an important difference to day-to-day wearability.

By considering the wearer as well as the workplace risk, organisations can move from simply issuing safety footwear towards selecting PPE that employees are comfortable wearing consistently.