Your feet carry you through thousands of steps every shift, supporting your body weight across whatever terrain your job throws at them. It's no wonder foot problems are among the most common health complaints among workers who spend their days in work boots.

The good news is that most foot problems are preventable with the right footwear choices and basic care. This guide covers the most common issues workers face, how to prevent them, and when to seek professional help.

Blisters: The Most Common Complaint

Nearly every worker has experienced blisters at some point. These fluid-filled pockets form when friction causes layers of skin to separate. While not serious, blisters are painful and can become infected if not cared for properly.

What Causes Blisters

Blisters develop from repeated friction in the same spot. Common causes include boots that are too loose (allowing sliding), boots that are too tight (creating pressure points), moisture that softens skin, and new boots that haven't been broken in.

Prevention Strategies

  • Get the right fit: Boots should feel snug without pinching. Your heel should stay in place when you walk.
  • Break in boots properly: Gradually increase wearing time with new boots. See our break-in guide for detailed advice.
  • Keep feet dry: Moisture increases friction dramatically. Change socks if they become damp.
  • Wear quality socks: Moisture-wicking materials like merino wool reduce friction better than cotton.
  • Apply protection to hot spots: At the first sign of rubbing, apply moleskin, blister plasters, or tape to prevent full blisters forming.
Treating Blisters

Small blisters are best left intact—the fluid protects healing skin underneath. Cover with a blister plaster to reduce further friction. Only drain large, painful blisters with a sterile needle, and keep the skin covering in place. If a blister becomes infected (increased redness, pus, fever), see a doctor.

Plantar Fasciitis: The Arch Enemy

Plantar fasciitis causes sharp heel pain, particularly noticeable with the first steps of the morning or after sitting. It occurs when the plantar fascia—the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot—becomes inflamed from repeated stress.

Risk Factors for Workers

Workers who stand or walk on hard surfaces for extended periods are particularly vulnerable. Other risk factors include flat feet, high arches, obesity, tight calf muscles, and boots with poor arch support. The condition often develops gradually, becoming more painful over time if not addressed.

Prevention Strategies

  • Choose boots with good arch support: Or add quality aftermarket insoles with structured arch support
  • Stretch regularly: Calf stretches and plantar fascia stretches before and after work can help
  • Maintain healthy weight: Extra weight increases strain on the plantar fascia
  • Replace worn boots: Compressed insoles and worn soles no longer provide adequate support
  • Rotate footwear: Alternating between different boots gives your feet variety

Treatment

If you develop plantar fasciitis, early intervention is key. Rest when possible, ice the heel, and take anti-inflammatory medication. Supportive insoles or orthotics often help significantly. Persistent cases may need physical therapy or, rarely, medical procedures.

Bunions and Toe Problems

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle toward the smaller toes. While partly genetic, tight footwear can accelerate bunion development and make existing bunions more painful.

Prevention

Choose boots with adequate toe box width—your toes should be able to move freely without pressing against each other or the boot walls. If you have existing bunions, look for boots designed with wider toe boxes or consider brands that offer wide fittings.

Hammertoes and Claw Toes

These conditions cause toes to curl or bend at abnormal angles, often from wearing boots with insufficient toe room. Once developed, they can make finding comfortable footwear challenging. Prevention is the same as for bunions—ensure adequate toe space.

Key Takeaway
Most toe problems develop gradually from years of wearing tight footwear. Even if your boots feel acceptable now, ensure your toes have room to move. Future you will thank you.

Fungal Infections

Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and fungal nail infections thrive in the warm, moist environment inside work boots. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracked skin between toes, and thickened or discoloured nails.

Prevention

  • Keep feet dry: Change socks daily and during the day if they become damp
  • Let boots dry: Alternate between two pairs of boots when possible, giving each 24 hours to dry out
  • Use antifungal powder: Sprinkle in boots and on feet, especially if you're prone to infections
  • Maintain foot hygiene: Wash feet daily and dry thoroughly, especially between toes
  • Don't share footwear: Fungal infections spread easily between people

Treatment

Most fungal skin infections respond to over-the-counter antifungal creams. Apply as directed and continue treatment for a week after symptoms resolve to prevent recurrence. Fungal nail infections are harder to treat and may require prescription oral medication.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. While trimming technique plays a role, tight boots that press on toes contribute significantly.

Prevention

  • Trim toenails straight across, not curved at the corners
  • Don't trim too short—leave a small edge visible
  • Ensure adequate toe room in boots
  • Keep feet clean and dry

Treatment

Mild ingrown toenails can be treated by soaking feet in warm water and gently lifting the nail edge away from the skin. If infection develops or the problem persists, see a podiatrist—they can perform a minor procedure to address the issue properly.

Diabetes Warning

If you have diabetes, foot problems require immediate professional attention. Reduced sensation can mean you don't notice injuries, and poor circulation slows healing. Never ignore foot issues—consult your doctor or podiatrist promptly.

General Foot Fatigue and Pain

Even without specific conditions, many workers experience general foot pain and fatigue by shift end. This can result from inadequate support, poor shock absorption, or simply the cumulative stress of being on your feet all day.

Strategies for Reducing Fatigue

  • Upgrade insoles: Quality aftermarket insoles with good cushioning and support make a significant difference. See our insoles guide for recommendations.
  • Choose lighter boots: Composite toe caps and modern materials reduce the weight your legs carry all day
  • Stretch breaks: Brief stretching during breaks helps prevent muscle tightness
  • Elevate feet during breaks: Getting feet up, even briefly, aids circulation and reduces swelling
  • Strengthen feet: Simple exercises like toe curls and ankle circles build foot strength over time

When to See a Professional

While many foot issues can be managed with proper footwear and self-care, some warrant professional attention. See a podiatrist or doctor if you experience:

  • Persistent pain that doesn't improve with rest and basic treatment
  • Signs of infection—increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever
  • Numbness or tingling that doesn't resolve
  • Wounds that won't heal
  • Sudden changes in foot shape or colour
  • Pain that affects your ability to work

Early intervention typically results in faster recovery and less time away from work. Don't suffer through ongoing foot problems when solutions are available.

SC

Sarah Chen

Safety Standards Editor

Sarah's background in workplace health and safety includes extensive research into occupational injuries and prevention strategies. She's passionate about helping workers maintain their health throughout their careers.