Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Can Puncture-Resistant Work Boots Be Comfortable?


Stepping on nails and sharp objects happens when you least expect it, and it will ruin your day. You pull the nail out of your boot, head to the Emergency Room, get the wound treated, get a tetanus shot, and you're done for the day, barring any complications. Nail punctures can lead to infection, soft tissue and nerve damage, and can cause fractures to the fragile bones in our feet. Puncture wounds are especially dangerous if you are diabetic, since your ability to heal can be compromised. The best way to avoid nail punctures is to wear safety boots with 100% sole protection against punctures from nails and sharp objects.


Most safety boots have a steel shank that protects our feet up to the balls of the feet. Since our feet flex at the balls of our feet, our forefeet and toes are left unprotected against nail punctures. Steel adds weight to the boot, and can make them stiff and uncomfortable. Some manufacturers make insoles with a thin metal plate that address full puncture protection, but they also add weight and stiffness to the boot.

COFRA has a unique solution for puncture-resistance. Almost all of their workboots have COFRA's built-in "Anti-Perforation Textile" (APT) plate attached to the midsole of their boots. The APT plate is a tri-density weave of polycarbonate microspheres, that provide an aggressive barrier against nails, wires, thorns and other sharp objects. The APT plate is lightweight and extremely flexible, and moves very well with the foot. If a nail penetrates the rugged outsole of COFRA work boots, the worker will feel a "bump" in the shoe. The nail can be quickly removed and the wearer can resume working. Since the APT plate provides 100% surface protection against nail punctures, the need for steel is eliminated. COFRA boots have a fiberglass shank for stability.

Besides being light and flexible, COFRA work boots are exceptionally comfortable. They have high quality leather uppers and a generous, rounded composite toe safety cap, with a built-in, soft silicon ring that prevents the foot from rubbing against the toe cap. Plenty of room for toes to wiggle, instead of feeling "crimped" inside the safety toe. There's plenty of depth inside the COFRA boots to accept arch supports or custom orthotics for those suffering from chronic foot pain.

Best of all, COFRA boots are affordable. Most models range in price between $130 - $160. They are extremely rugged, and last significantly longer than many other comparable work boots. For more information or a price quotation, call us at (512) 996-0002 from 10am-6pm Central Standard Time.

Video: COFRA Footwear Explained

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Thorlo Experia Running Socks Review


If you enjoy running, walking, cycling or exercise in light socks, but need protection, there is no better choice of socks than the new Experia socks from Thorlo.

Thorlo Experia socks are highly breathable, feather light, and provide excellent cushioning around the heel and ball-of-foot areas, preventing friction and shear forces and protecting the foot against blistering. The Coolmax fibers wick moisture away from the foot , keeping the foot cool and dry.

The new Experia socks have just arrived at Total Relief Footwear, and they feel great in running shoes. As I wear the socks, I can actually feel the air conditioning in the store through the mesh of my running shoes and against my skin.

Runner's World magazine reviewed the Thorlos Experia socks, saying "The pads are thick and cushy, while the rest of the sock is thin and smooth—the best of both worlds," according to a marathoner.

Thorlo socks have long been known for their superior comfort and foot protection, but some customers found their traditional running and walking socks to be too thick in running shoes. Experia could be the answer for these individuals.


Video: Experia Socks Explained

Experia : The Designer's Vision from Thorlos Videos on Vimeo.