If you are a delivery driver, you probably don’t think about your feet very much. You spend most of your time on the road, after all. As long as your feet hit the gas and brake pedals when they’re supposed to, that’s probably as much thought as you give them. But you can bet your employer is thinking of your shoes! When you deliver a package, you are also delivering the image of the company responsible for the package.
That is why a delivery driver needs to look sharp and be well-spoken, kind and courteous to the customer. What’s more, when you are on your feet, you are carrying a package and usually walking on pavement, which may become slippery from ice or rain. If the package is over a certain size, you got to kick the dolly into gear. You need boots for that!
Some drivers want to thumb their noses at boots and just wear a pair of sneakers with decent traction. However, many companies have a dress code requiring delivery drivers to wear boots of a certain color, preferably polished. You might be spending most of your time unsupervised, but when you are in another’s presence it is the most important person to your company, the customer! Full-grain boots are both fashionable and functional.
UPS requires their drivers to wear sturdy, slip-resistant boots in polished black or brown leather. Like the rest of the uniform, the boots must be in very good condition. Other companies may have similar requirements. If your employer says it’s got to be boots, at least wear the best you can find.
How to Choose the Best Boots
Being on your feet for any length of time can lead to some serious discomfort. A decent pair of shoes can make all the difference. When selecting footwear for work, keep the following things in mind:
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- Fit – If your shoes or boots are too big or too small that can make your life very difficult. There should be around half an inch between the tip of your longest toe and the front of your shoe. It should not be much more or less than that.
- Breathability – Sweaty feet are what lead to the majority of foot ailments. Stinky, wet feet are the cause of blisters, athlete’s foot, and a bad mood that you can’t show to your customers. Save your rain boots for when the weather is extra nasty. Avoid boots made with impermeable waterproof membranes. Purchase shoes that allow the moisture to escape. Do not forget to air your shoes out between usages.
- Shock Absorption – Get the proper balance of cushioning and support from the outsoles on your shoes. Sneakers are comfortable yet frequently too soft for stability. Work boots with hard soles send too much shock back to your legs. The perfect shoe would have a firm rubber or crepe outsole that would absorb shock without feeling too squishy.
- Durability – Keep in mind that where shoes are concerned you usually get what you pay for. Cheap shoes that wear down in a short amount of time will, in the long run, cost you more than quality footwear would. Be attentive to the possible lifespan of your shoes. When durability counts, be willing to pay for durability. Some companies will at least partially reimburse the cost of your boots. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
- Support – Insoles make all the difference in the world. A lightweight shoe can provide optimum support if the insole is correct. The insoles that your boots come with do not do a lot where comfort is concerned. The thin gel insoles that you may get from the drugstore offer scant relief and wear out in no time. Now is the right time to get yourself some high-quality insoles. An electrician buys a good screwdriver, a writer buys a good computer. Your footwear is vital towards both your comfort and job satisfaction.
The Reviews:
Here are the five boots that we believe are best suited for your driving needs. Go through the reviews and choose the one that you feel will be durable, comfortable and help you through your long trips.
1. Timberland PRO Men’s Direct Attach Six-Inch Soft-Toe Boot
Timberland is a boot company lauded for ruggedness. Of late, they have managed to blend sophistication in with their ruggedness. These are boots that will get the job done and look good while doing it. The finish and stitching are always of the highest quality. Accept no substitutions!
The Timberland Pro Direct Attach is particularly adapted to the job site. It has unbeatable waterproof protection plus long-lasting performance that will stand up to the most demanding of environments.
Features and Benefits:
The premium waterproof leather with seam-sealed direct-inject manufacture and patented Thinsulate insulation will keep the wearer’s feet warm and dry. The traditional lace-up system with sturdy metal eyelets makes for a secure fit. The padded collar offers comfort and keeps debris from entering.
The mesh lining with antimicrobial treatment is for better odor control. The boot has an open-cell polyurethane footbed with antimicrobial treatment to provide breathable comfort and odor control. The lightweight blown-thermal plastic midsole is extremely flexible.
A contoured nylon shock-diffusion plate is there for support. The non-marking rubber lug outsole is oil-resistant and offers sturdy traction. The soft toe meets ASTM F2412-11, ASTM F2413-11, and ASTM F2892-11 electrical hazard standards to guard against electrical shock.
What We Like:
- The padded collar is comfortable.
- The boots repel water and are waterproof
- They are insulated with Thermolite.
- The traction is durable.
- The odor control is a real plus.
- The outsoles are oil resistant.
What We Don’t:
- The sole could be more durable.
2. Skechers Men’s Verdict Men’s Boot
Skechers is a shoe brand best known for memory foam in the cushioned footbed. And people just can’t get enough of that cool athletic design. To think it all started in Manhattan Beach, California with a simple father and son team. They started with skate shoes and utility boots and branched out into every conceivable style of shoe for men, women, and children. The wearer is sure to find the Verdict Men’s Boot to be comfortable and rugged with great traction. It is a heavy-duty type of work boot and yet it somehow manages to be stylish.
Features and Benefits:
This ankle boot has a leather upper that is rugged yet comfortable. The lace-up front with metal eyelets makes an adjustable fit possible. The padded collar makes for additional comfort. A lightly padded insole makes the shoe comfortable yet lightweight. The outsole is made with a synthetic lug. The rugged soles provide good traction on all sorts of terrain.
What We Like:
- The boots are comfortable and well-cushioned.
- The boots are waterproof.
- The boots are sturdy and durable.
- The boots are warm.
What We Don’t:
- They run half a size small.
- They are a little on the heavy side.
- There is a bit of a break-in period.
3. Wolverine Men’s Steel Toe Raider Work Boot
Wolverine was established in Rockford, Michigan in 1883 and has continued to be an iconic American brand that blends premium materials with classic craftsmanship. Wolverine boots are constructed to stand up to the harshest of environments and offer long-lasting comfort throughout the whole day.
These days, Wolverine is out in front of the industry with an unstoppable commitment to new ideas and patented technologies. It is these many technologies that can keep you going on the longest and hardest of days.
Features and Benefits:
The upper is made of full-grain leather. The moisture-managing mesh lining will keep the foot good and dry. The Wolverine MultiShox full-cushion insole is both comfortable and removable. The midsole is advanced comfort PU.
The patented Wolverine MultiShox rubber lug outsole is slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant. The Wolverine ContourWelt manufacture is designed for better flexibility. The boots are ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH rated steel toe for added safety.
What We Like:
- Extremely comfortable
- The fit is true to size.
- The boots are very good looking.
- The rubber sole absorbs shock.
- The boots are shock-resistant, impact-resistant and oil-resistant.
- The footbed is cushiony and removable.
What We Don’t:
- They are not durable enough for construction work. (Delivery work should be just fine.)
- They don’t seem to have much traction.
4. EVER BOOTS “Ultra Dry” Men’s Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots
The Ultra Dry is fabricated out of top quality materials that guarantee that this boot is to be completely waterproof. Every element from the leather all the way down to the stitching is waterproof to guard your feet from rain, snow, mud, and ice.
As these boots are among the most versatile boots ever to be put together, the UltraDry is specially formed to overcome the coldest of weather, seeing to it that your feet are dry at all times.
Features and Benefits:
The upper is made of waterproof full-grain leather. The lining is a waterproof yet breathable membrane. The midsole is made up of shock-absorbent polyurethane to better battle foot fatigue. The outsole is a durable and water-resistant rubber.
The laces make for a customizable fit and even they are waterproof. The mesh insulated liner wicks sweat and moisture away to make sure that your feet stay dry while allowing room to breathe. The tread is lightweight and flexible.
What We Like:
- The boots are not only waterproof but durable.
- They are lightweight.
- The traction is great.
- The insulation on these boots makes them very warm in cold weather.
What We Don’t:
- There’s a bit of a break-in period
5. Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot
Ever since 1889, Carhartt has constructed high-quality workwear renowned for remarkable durability. The same standards and quality are installed into their industrious footwear products. Whether you require extra protection for your toes or supreme comfort for your feet, these tough boots come in safety-toe and non-safety toe to further your working conditions.
These boots also come in a panoramic range of styles and materials to support your arches and get you what you want out of a work boot. The Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot is designed for everyday usage and is built to keep your feet safe without compromising on comfort.
Features and Benefits:
Extra polyurethane layers that lay under the insole optimize the cushion you need for the long days ahead. The breathable membrane sees to it that your feet remain cool and dry by allowing airflow and circulation. The abrasion-resistant heel bumpers offer lengthy wear for where it is most needed.
The abrasion-resistant rubber outsole comes with gripping lugs and ladder lock channels. The composite toe is extra wide to provide the toes with ample room to move about. The cushioning is Strobel comfort. The footbed is Dual-density with an OrthoLite top layer to lessen foot fatigue. The boots come with a full-length EVA insert with steel shank. They are electrical hazard protection certified.
What We Like:
- The boots are very durable.
- They are waterproof.
- The electrical resistance is a nice plus.
- The arch support is great.
- The traction is good.
- They are lightweight.
What We Don’t:
- The toe box is a little too roomy.
- They need time to break in.
More Tips on How to Keep Your Feet Comfortable
Taking care of your feet is your top priority. If you have ankle problems, for instance, wear something that laces up above the ankle for added support. Besides what to seek out in the ideal shoes for truckers and delivery drivers, here are a few pointers to aid in making your feet stay as comfortable as possible:
- Great Socks – Those cotton socks have got to go. Throw the nylons out with them. Try something made with one of the new soft wool brands available, no matter the season. Wool wicks moisture away better than cotton and it does not smell bad. Get socks made of thicker wool in the winter. In the summer you can get lighter wool. When the temperatures rise some people look to synthetics such as polyester for their wicking ability. You can find these at inexpensive prices at any department store.
- Rotate Your Shoes – Your footwear will be longer-lasting and your feet will be more content if you do not wear the same pair of shoes every day. If you have a favorite style, purchase two pairs. Alternating between these two will allow you more days than if you wore one pair at a time.
- Understand Support – Comfort that lasts all day stems from well-designed support. Human beings did not evolve to walk on asphalt and concrete, yet here we are. Humanity is nothing if not adaptable and is quicker to change the environment than to adapt to it. That means concrete everywhere. The simple act of placing arch support in your footwear keeps your feet from feeling sore at the end of the day. High-quality insoles do not come cheap. Use your money where it most benefits you. Is your comfort worth a few extra dollars?
Conclusion
The delivery driver is responsible for much of the world’s commerce and transportation of goods. With more and more people turning to the internet for their shopping needs, delivery drivers will have more work than ever. Technologies such as GPS and electronic devices that replace the old fashioned clipboard have made the modern driver’s job much easier.
However, one should not neglect the little things such as a good, comfortable pair of boots. It may be only a short walk down the sidewalk and back, but many stops in a day can make them add up. And if there’s an icy patch on that sidewalk, a good pair of boots may save your life! Keep informed, comparison shop and you are sure to find the perfect boots for you!
