Steps for the perfect ladies' fit

‘It's a man's world' is about as dated as a Humphrey Bogart movie. These days women have shattered the stereotypes of the past and become a powerful force in the workplace. It hasn't been easy though, with plenty of resistance from the old school. However, with determination and resolve they have earned the respect that is so rightly deserved.

Despite having come a long way in the workplace, there are still many obstacles to womens' progress. Take the construction industry for example, safety footwear is a requirement to perform on site. Women operating in this field were forced to wear bulky men's cut shoes in order to access their work sites and conduct their business. This is not only uncomfortable and unflattering, but adds stress to an already loaded scenario of a woman trying to make it in a previously male-dominated industry.

Confidence is Empowering In 2008, the Sisi Safety Footwear range was introduced to cater for the increasing number of women working in high risk environments. This ladies' range of safety footwear took into consideration the contours of women's feet. This meant a safety boot that catered for women's smaller and narrower feet increasing overall comfort to the wearer.

Essential steps to get the right ladies' fit To ensure optimum performance and comfort there are some very helpful tips for getting that perfect Sisi fit: •	Always have both feet measured, because although narrower, they may not always be the same size •	Always try on both shoes •	Make sure there is enough room at the front of the shoes to allow for natural movement of your toes when walking - your toes should be able to wiggle •	Make sure there is around 1cm space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe •	Always take time to test them out and walk around to ensure maximum comfort •	Don't break in new shoes - shoes that fit well should feel comfortable •	As you get older, your feet tend to get larger, so get them measured periodically •	Make sure the shoes are able to pair with your work outfits and make you feel good Follow these simple guidelines when choosing that Sisi pair that works best for you and you'll be well equipped to deliver outstanding results.

For more information on the Sisi range, please visit our website, www.beiersafety.co.za.