My name is Preston. I’ve been a security professional for approximately 14 years in all types of security and all type of companies.
My current contract is a supervisor for a state wide security company at a private college. I’m on my feet for approximately 75% of my shift and go through footwear about once a year. In my years of doing security I have worn everything from oxfords to nursing shoes and here is what I have come up with.
Lightweight footwear. Be it lightweight boots or meshed shoes it is imperative during the summer to have a shoe that breaths or you will end up with athlete’s foot or other stinky gross feet issues.
Composite toe. Composite Toes are very popular because they are lightweight, but typically composite toes are more bulbous than the Steel Toe types. Having said that, Composite Toes are constantly improving and the new Carbon Fiber safety toe is thinner and less bulbous. The bulbous nature of Composite Toe Shoes is necessary to make them test to the same ASTM standard that Steel Toes do. Because composite materials of Composite Toe Shoes are not quite as strong as the steel used in Steel Toes Shoes.*information gathered from https://safeshoes.com/safety-shoe-news/composite-toe-vs-steel-toe/
Grip. It’s important that the shoes have some type of grip if you do any patrol at all. So if you’re required to wear oxfords, do your research first and make sure that you have adequate grip. Always look for kicks that have some type of anti-slip.
Ankle support. If you patrol for long hours or stand constantly you need ankle support. Most tactical footwear come in ankle, 6+ and 8+. To me anything above 10 seams pointless and is more for a look than it is for any other reason in the security industry.
Soles. So as I started reviewing soles and types and what they are made of I was not expecting so much info, that being said most tactical style soles are polyurethane, so yeah there is that. If you are curious on more info check out https://howtoshoes.blogspot.com/2014/05/basic-of-shoes-bottom-parts.html
Waterproof: If you live in an area where it rains a lot (like I do) waterproof is very important. But again comes up with the issue of the footwear not being breathable so it’s a gamble on what you are comfortable with.
Insoles. Now here is an important item to add to your footwear. There are so many types of insoles I didn’t want to get into a big debate over what is what and how to do the thing. I’m just going to give my recommendation on the Dr. Scholl’s “custom fit”. Now they say custom but they are not custom made for you. Here is the kicker, they are expensive. At approximately $50 a pair they will last you for a while. I’m currently getting ready to buy a second pair when my new shoes get here. That being said they almost lasted me for 3 years and 2 pairs of boots. Go to this website and see if they have a kiosk near you and get your feet checked out because man did it help me a ton. https://www.drscholls.com/custom-fit-orthotics-kiosk-locator/
In conclusion. It is recommended that you change your shoes around every 500 walking miles as a general rule. I know for most of us that means replacing your shoes like 2-3 times a year and with security pay that could be quite the issue. If you have a cobbler in your area that is willing to re-sole your footwear it could run you around $30 - $75 so if that is an option you might want to look into it.
Ok so I feel like that covered the basics. Add and discuss what you want. The more people talk about footwear the better your life will be because your feet are literally the life blood of your job.