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BUILDING A
STRONGER MAINE
FOR OVER 20 YEARS

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Beat
The Heat

Check the CDC's site for the signs of heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and how to treat them.

 

Working Gear
Resources

Women Unlimited does not endorse any of the companies or resources listed here - we are simply posting them as a starting point for your search for clothing and gear. Use your own best judgement when shopping at any store or website - common sense should rule when it comes to your safety and comfort.
Let us know if you find an outstanding company or store so we can spread the word!

Ace

You might be surprised at the number of Ace stores that sell good-quality gear. Nothing available on-line, but look in the stores: Locations

Bergeron's A Maine business. Carolina, Chippewa, Dunham, Georgia Boot, Red Wing and Wolverine - they may not have women's sizes in stock, but they will get whatever you need. Experts in fitting you properly, including orthotics. 911 Main Street in Sanford; call 1-800-327-3674.

Cabela's Although primarily a hunting/fishing supply company, Cabela's carries clothing and boots for working women. On-line, or at their Scarborough store off Exit 42. Call local 883-7400.

Duluth Trading Established company launching a women's line in 2005. Their motto: "Seriously usable stuff for women". Also available are shop and safety supplies, and an apothecary section - all served up with a sense of humor.

Gempler's Wolverine and Carhartt work boots and work clothes. Up-to-date inventory. Good selection of general work items and tools, as well as a wide selection of safety gear and supplies.

Georgia Small selection of boots on-line; store locator.

Lamey Wellehan A Maine-based business - they don't carry women's boots on-line, but you shouldn't buy your first pair on-line anyway. Fitting experts carrying quality foot wear. Pedorthic assistance is available. Find a store.

Lehigh Outfitters Excellent collection of women's Carhartt work clothes, from sleeveless tees to heavy-duty winter coats, plus gloves. Timberland boots. More can be found at Lehigh Safety Shoes.

Red Wing In South Portland - you must go in for your first fitting and purchase (smart); after that, you can order replacements on-line.

Reny's Of course! They will very often transfer merchandise if your local store is out of stock. Multiple sites in Maine.

Sears Carries some items; site is less than user-friendly when trying to locate work gear.

Timberland Small selection of women's boots on-line; factory outlet store in Freeport - call local 865-4665

Tractor Supply Storefronts carry more items than available on-line. Schmidt, Carhartt, Walls, and Georgia. Multiple stores in Maine.

Working Persons' Store Wolverine, Timberland PRO, Caterpillar, Doc Martens boots; Carhartt and Dickies clothing. General work items: tools and safety gear.

 

 
   
   
Pauline's boots

Boots

Question: Which of your “tools” is the most important? Which tool will have the longest-lasting effect, even if it only lasts a year or two itself? Answer: a great pair of work boots! This tool can make the difference between ending the work day just tired or tired and in pain. They can keep you focused on your job instead of on your aching feet. They can protect against injury, not only to your feet, but to your legs and lower back as well.

Buy your first pair of good work boots in person, not on the web or by mail. Have your foot measured for width as well as length – don’t assume you’ll wear the same size that you normally do in “street shoes”. Once you find the brand and style that’s right for you, you can shop around for the best price, knowing exactly what you need.

The up-front costs for good boots can take your breath away, but stop and think about it: let's say you spend $150 for a pair of good boots at the beginning of the season. Let's also say you're going to put in fifty hours a week for twenty weeks - the cost of your boots breaks down to fifteen cents an hour. If you work sixty hours a week for thirty weeks, it will cost you only a little over eight cents an hour to keep your feet comfortable and protected.

And some good news: you can usually get quality boots for less than $150 even during the season, and if you shop the sales in fall, you can get some seriously good bargains.

 


Women Unlimited improves the financial independence of Maine women, minorities, and disadvantaged workers by providing
training and access to jobs with livable wages for careers in trades, construction, technical, and transportation industries.
Women Unlimited is an equal opportunity training and service provider.

103 Winthrop Street, Augusta, Maine 04330
(800) 281-5259 or (207) 623-7576 Fax (207) 623-7299

The "Wrench" logo and all other contents copyright Women Unlimited 1988-2009 unless otherwise credited.

 
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