Asphalt Boots that Don't Give You "Hot Foot"

Asphalt and hot mix workers have a grueling job. With surface temperatures exceeding 300 degrees fahrenheit, paving crews are exposed to extreme temperatures. Frequent breaks are required for feet to cool down, and heat blisters are common. We have talked with asphalt contractors that wear "double socks" and do everything possible to insulate their feet from extreme temperatures.

We discovered COFRA boots at the National Safety Show in Chicago a couple of years ago, and we were instantly impressed with their products. Although COFRA is not very well known in the United States, they are one of Europe's top safety boot manufacturers. We were especially impressed with the "feel" of the boots, and their ability to accept arch supports or custom orthotics, if needed. There is generous toe room in these composite toe boots, and you 're not even aware that you are wearing a safety toe boot. They are comfortable, and feel completely "broken-in" as soon as you put them on your feet.

The COFRA Asphalt Boot, pictured above, is the perfect work boot for asphalt/hot mix crews.
The outsole is heat-resistant to 572 degrees fahrenheit. The boot is lined with a flexible "Anti-Perforation Textile" (APT) plate which is impervious to nail punctures and sharp objects. No stepping on nails and going to the Emergency Room. Finally, the boot has a rugged, but soft Cambrelle leather upper that moves nicely with the foot. The outsole is completely flat with no tread pattern. No picking up asphalt bits as you walk.

But perhaps the best feature of the COFRA Asphalt Boot is the heat-reflective, "Thermic" insole, which re-directs the heat coming up from the asphalt. To test the "Thermic" insole, a COFRA boot was placed in a bed of sand heated to 212 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours. A thermometer was placed inside the boot and the ambient (internal) temperature of the boot did not change significantly.

The COFRA Asphalt boot is rapidly gaining fans in Austin and Central Texas among paving contractors. Workers feel better, and are far more productive, because they require fewer breaks to cool off their feet. The COFRA Asphalt boot costs $110 and is extremely durable. For more information about COFRA workboots click here.

Buying COFRA Boots Online

Please note COFRA Asphalt workboots can be very difficult to find in the United States. They can now be purchased online from The Shoe Shoppe. For questions, call The Shoe Shoppe at 505-325-5050.

Running with Shin Splints?

Shin Splints are a very common injury among runners and the pain can be debilitating. Shin splints can come from poor running technique, over-training, poor footwear, hill work and other causes. There are also a wide variety of treatment options. For a better understanding of shin splints, I recommend visiting Dr. Pribut's page on shin splints.

Footwear considerations

Selecting the proper footwear for your foot type can help significantly. If you have a higher-arched foot, you will want a shoe that provides better heel and forefoot cushioning and a semi-curved last. Aetrex, Brooks, and Somnio have excellent shoes for this foot type. If you have a low-arched foot, you will want a shoe with better motion control and a straight-lasted shoe. Arch support and medial (varus) wedges can be added for over-pronation. Over pronation and over supination can also aggravate shin splint pain. The Somnio shoe, pictured above can be "tuned" to the individual needs of the runner. The 2010 Somnio shoes are due to arrive at the end of April, but numerous runners have commented that they have experienced immediate relief from shin splints and other injuries in runner's forums and blogs.

Could your big toe joint be the problem?

We have seen numerous runners and fitness enthusiasts over the past years complaining of anterior shin splints on the outside of their shins. When I watch them walk and run, I see their feet pointed outwards slightly, and can see an outward rotation as they toe-off. When we observe this, we do a quick test for big-toe-joint function. If the big toe joint "locks" when the ball of the foot strikes the ground, the runner will naturally compensate by rolling outward as they toe-off. This compensation places additional stress on the outside of the shins, and can also aggravate knee pain, hip and back pain. Essentially you are running like a car out of alignment.

The Cluffy Wedge is a simple wedge-shaped pad, placed underneath the big toe, that provides sufficient clearance to overcome a locking big-toe joint. When the foot is restored to normal function, your running stride is naturally aligned to a more neutral gait and there is fare less stress on the shins, knee, hip and back joints. Several runners have remarked that their shin splint pain disappeared once the Cluffy Wedge was installed in their shoes. To be clear, nothing works 100 percent of the time, but our results with this device has far exceeded our expectations.

All About Rocker Sole Shoes

Rocker sole shoes have become the latest trend in active walking, comfort footwear. Almost every manufacturer of comfort shoes is entering the marketplace with a rocker sole shoe. With so many options to choose from, and millions spent in advertising these brands, there will no doubt be some confusion about which brand to buy. The purpose of this discussion is to provide a better understanding of the rocker sole footwear category.

Rocker sole shoes have long been known for their therapeutic benefits. They can protect the heels and the balls of the feet from repetitive impact with concrete and hard surfaces. They can be helpful for those suffering from heel and arch pain. They can also be helpful for those suffering from arthritis in the big-toe-joint (hallux rigidus).They promote good posture and can improve circulation. Rocker soles tend to engage core muscles and can improve proprioception. But rocker sole shoes are not for everyone. If you have problems with balance, vertigo or dizziness, for example, a rocker sole shoe may not be appropriate for you.

To make more sense out of this category of footwear, and to cut through the marketing hype and confusion, I wrote an article and produced a short video on this subject:

Article: All About Rocker Sole Shoes

Welcome to Walk Without Pain

Walk Without Pain is dedicated to sharing information about solutions for people suffering from foot, leg and back pain.

Since 2003, we have dedicated our lives to helping people with pain issues. Along the way, we have amassed a wealth of information, and we continue to research current trends for helping people lead more active and productive lives - with far less pain. Whether it's shoes, socks or inserts - there are many new and exciting technologies that can help us lead healthier lifestyles.

Walk Without Pain will provide product reviews, current treatment options and tips for helping ease the pain associated with a wide variety of common ailments, including plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuromas, bunions, hammertoes, shin splints, knee pain, hip pain and back pain.

As we post information on this site, we encourage responsible feedback. Negative or abusive comments, blatant advertising and spam will be removed.

to your health,

Cam White & Celia Tellez, owners
Total Relief Footwear
Austin, TX