We want to provide our customers with the highest quality Canadian-made leather work boots. We also want to provide you with the knowledge to understand why our boots are designed the way they are and what features are available to you. So, let’s breakdown the features of a BUCKS® CSA certified leather work boot together.
What are the different parts of a leather work boot?
NOTE: This is a general list of features available across the BUCKS® line of leather work boots. Different styles have a different combination of these features so be sure to read the boot description carefully. This way you can be confident you’re purchasing a boot that meets your exact needs. If you don’t see a work boot style that meets your exact needs then consider contacting our sales team to inquire about a custom pair of work boots. Because we perform the entire manufacturing process in-house we have the ability to customize our boots to your particular needs.
What are the Benefits of Each Different Work Boot Feature?
1. Full-grain Leather Upper
Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather available because it is made from the outermost layers of a hide. Hence all BUCKS® footwear is made exclusively with full-grain leather.
Full-grain leather has superior water-resistance to other types of leather because it is made up of the outer layers of the hide. If you pair this with a leather conditioning routine to replenish the oils in this natural material you’ll have yourself a durable pair of boots that can shed water and snow on the job site with ease.
In order to learn more about leather consider reading our article: A Bit About Leather.
2. Metatarsal Protection
Metatarsal refers to a set of bones in the top of the foot. Although not all work environments demand the use of metatarsal protection, there are many industries that have an increased likelihood of heavy falling objects that make metatarsal protection necessary. Metatarsal protection is a composite plate that covers the top of the foot to protect that area from injury. Certified metatarsal protection is indicated with a black patch with a capital “M” on it.
BUCKS® work boots are available with two types of proprietary metatarsal protection:
Flexguard™ – Patented internal metatarsal protection for a streamlined look on the outside.
Metguard™ – Patented external metatarsal protection for the most advanced metatarsal protection.
3. Steel-toe Protection
Grade 1 CSA Certification is the highest level of toe protection set out by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). This means that the steel-toe resists impacts of 125 joules. For example, that would be like a 22.7kg (50lbs) object falling from a height of 56cm (22in).
4. Toe Cover
The toe cover is a layer of abrasion-resistant fabric sewn over the toe of the boot in order to prevent premature wear on the part of the boot that receives the most scuffing.
5. Padded Tongue and Collar
Most BUCKS® work boots come standard with a padded tongue and collar to improve comfort and fit. They are lined with abrasion-resistant material to improve durability.
6. Dri-Brelle® Lining
Dri-Brelle® is a non-woven synthetic lining characterized by an exclusive diamond pattern, durability, and moisture management properties. It is breathable and abrasion-resistant.
7. Polyurethane Insole
The polyurethane insole feature provides several unexpected benefits. Firstly it provides extra cushion and comfort for your foot. Secondly it is removable so that you can properly air it out or clean it between uses. It is important to do this with your insoles to prevent the build-up of odor-causing bacteria. Additionally, the insole can be added or removed to accommodate in-between foot sizes.
8. Polyurethane Midsole
The polyurethane midsole offers lateral support for your foot and an layer of protection from punctures. We manufacture the insole from polyurethane because it is very durable and it has excellent shock absorption properties.
All BUCKS® work boots have a solid midsole to properly protect and support your foot. It is injection-molded to bond the rubber sole to the leather upper.
9. Dual-density Nitrile Rubber Outsole
While the steel-toe of a is the obvious layer of protection on a work boot it only protects against just one type of workplace accident. The nitrile rubber outsole however offers protection from a myriad of workplace hazards. It has:
- Anti-slip properties to prevent slips and falls
- Anti-static properties and resistance to electric shock
- Heat-resistance
- Puncture-resistance
In addition, it has superior resistance to common workplace chemicals, oils, and acids and abrasion-resistance to keep your soles serving you longer.
Now that we’ve broken down the features and benefits of a leather work boot you can be confident in your buying decision.