When it comes to choosing the best work boots, nowadays we have a lot of options on the market: rubber boots, PVC boots, neoprene shaft boots and of course, PU boots.
But, do you know the difference between them?
In this article, we are going to emphasize the advantages of PU Boots material among others. Let’s start with the definition of PU:
What is PU? – PU Boots material
PU – also known as Polyurethane - is a thermoplastic polymer that results from the chemical reactions of 2 materials; Isocyanates and polyols. PU is widely used in multiple industries for applications such as adhesives, textiles, varnishes, vehicle coatings, cables, floorings, walls, and roads… among others and, of course, footwear.
The Dikamar’s PU design and formula are composed of millions of air bubbles allowing the air to flow easily between them.
But why is this material replacing other well-known materials in the safety work footwear industry? Mostly because of the benefits it provides to the feet of the wearer ensuring safer conditions while working hours, in order to reduce the risk of work accidents.
PU versus PVC
PU Boots have several advantages over PVC boots. We are going to name a few:
Lighter than PVC: PU Work Boots are up to 30% Lighter than PVC. This is due to the air bubbles on the formula that allows the material to be less dense.
PU Boots are more flexible than PVC Boots.
Breathable: Polyurethane work boots are breathable due to the formula that allows the air to flow easily through them. In this way, the foot can breathe, avoiding odors and foot health problems.
Comfort: Considering all these features mentioned above (the lightness, flexibility and breathable characteristics) we can arguably verify that PU boots are more comfortable than PVC boots, facilitating long working hours for the wearers.
Up to 3 times more durables: When well maintained, PU boots can have a life service up to 3 times more durable than PVC Boots, making PU boots more sustainable and cheaper than PVC boots, you won’t have to be replaced often.
Thermal Insulation: Thermal insulation is one of the most prominent features when it comes to working footwear. PU boots have the property to keep the feet warm while in cold ambiences and to keep the feet fresh when in warm temperatures. Dikamar work boots have excellent thermal insulation down to -4ºF, -40Fº, and -94ºF.
Antistatic outsole.
Dikamar PU Work Boots are hydrolysis resistant.
Polyurethane safety boots have higher Slip Resistance - SR rated.
Higher abrasion resistance.
PU vs Rubber
Rubber boots are commonly mistaken as common work boots. While some rubber boots can be work boots due to their features and specifications, some differences must be taken into account.
In terms of differences and features between PU boots and Rubber Boots, we can mention the same features listed above for PVC with some differences:
Polyurethane work boots are up to 40% lighter than rubber boots.
When in cold environments, rubber boots tend to get very rigid, therefore, PU boots are more flexible.
PU boots have a longer service life than common Rubber Boots.
Rubber Boots don’t have thermal insulation, although they perform well at high temperatures.
PU Work Boots are easier to clean than Rubber boots.
PU vs Neoprene
Neoprene is a material made of synthetic rubber that has become very popular in protective footwear over the years due to its application on the boot shaft, allowing the leg to have more flexibility but remaining waterproof. Nevertheless, when it comes to safety, neoprene is very malleable and it also has thermal insulation, but this feature could not be always a plus, because its resistance to perforation is lower than that of the PU. However, Neoprene is not an easy material to clean, which facilitates bacterial growth.
Choose the right fit for your feet! Choose Dikamar® work boots!