Safety shoes are special shoes that offer protection, thereby increasing safety. This protection can vary greatly, from protection of the feet against sharp objects to protection from the wet.
For more information, please visit T-Safety.
Safety shoes are an example of personal protection equipment (PPE). There are more types of equipment, such as hearing protection, hand protection and face protection.
Tip 1: Determine against what your safety shoes have to protect.
The choice of safety shoes depends on the purpose: against what do the shoes have to protect? If you know that, you can choose from various safety norms and safety features.
Safety norms
- SB (Safety Base): These shoes meet the minimum requirement and have a steel, composite or aluminium toe cap. These also provide sufficient protection against falling objects and have a dent resistance of at least 200 Joules. The shock absorption of the heel is at least 200 Joules.
- S1 class: The shoe is antistatic and absorbs energy in the heel.
- S2 class: The shoe has the same properties as the S1 norm and offers higher waterproofing.
- S3 class: The shoe has the same properties as the S2 norm and has a hardened midsole and an antislip tread.
- S1P class: The shoe has the same properties as the S1 norm and has a steel or steel-free midsole. This is to prevent nails and other sharp objects from being able to penetrate the shoe to your feet.
- S4 class: The shoe has the same properties as the S3 norm. They are all made from plastic, making them waterproof.
- S5 class: The shoe has the same properties as the S4 norm and has a hard midsole and an antislip tread.
Safety features
In addition to the guidelines of various safety classes, there are also safety features. This allows you to see at a glance the protection offered by the safety shoes:
- P puncture resistance
- C electrical resistance (non-conductive)
- A electrical resistance (anti-static)
- E energy-absorbing heel
- HI heat insulation (degree to which the feet remain cool in the shoe)
- CI cold insulation (degree to which the feet remain warm in the shoe)
- WRU water repellent uppers
- HRO heat-resistant outsole (300 °C)
Tip 2: Decide whether you need a high-cut or low-cut safety shoe
If you know the safety norms and safety features the shoe must meet, then you can choose between a high-cut or low-cut model of safety shoe.
A high-cut model of safety shoe provides more support around the ankle and achilles tendon than a low-cut model.
A low-cut model of safety shoe is more comfortable if you have to kneel down a lot during your work, as the ankles are easier to move. The low-cut shoe model, however, offers less protection to the achilles tendon.
Tip 3: Ensure that the shoe fits well.
It is important that your safety shoes are comfortable to wear. After all, you will often have to wear them intensively and for long periods of time. The shoes must be of the right size; if the shoes are a little tight or too loose, it is wise to try another size. Along with the unisex models, there are also male and female models.
Tip 4: Dont forget to maintain your safety shoes.
The life of safety shoes can easily be lengthen by looking after them properly. Shoes often get wet. If the shoes have been brushed and well smeared with grease, they will keep in good condition for a long time.
How often safety shoes are replaced
On average, people need new safety shoes each year. If the shoes are broken or worn, they will have to be replaced sooner. This depends of course on the person; the use to which safety shoes are put varies from person to person. The replacement of safety shoes depends on the environment, the frequency of use and the maintenance. Look at the following to see whether your safety shoes need to be replaced:
- Do they have any cracks or tears?
- Do they have any holes?
- Has the sole come loose. Is it broken or perforated?
- Is the anti-slip tread worn out?
- Are the steel toe caps dented?
- Is the lining around the steel toe caps still compete?
If the safety shoes have one or more of the above defects, they need to be replaced.
Buying new safety shoes
Is it time for you to buy new safety shoes, or do you want advice on which shoes to buy? Look at our collection in the digital catalogue (Dutch) or contact us.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website ppe safety shoes.
Read our guide to learn all about the importance of protecting your feet at work.
Did you know that 7% of all wounds caused by workplace accidents are foot injuries? In the US alone, foot injuries keep at least 60,000 people from work every year. Our feet are exposed to a wide range of hazards in the work environment, so its essential that you make sure that your footwear offers sufficient protection.
How to Find the Right Footwear for Your Needs
If you work in an industry that requires protective garments, you must also ensure that your feet are adequately protected. Before setting foot in your workplace, learn about the specific dangers you will face and find out which kind of footwear will offer the most suitable protection. For example, mechanics will require oil resistant soles, whereas those who work in a foundry will need protection against extreme heat. To find out what kind of footwear or foot protection you will need in your workplace, your employer should be your first port of call.
Find the Right Fit
No matter what kind of shoes you are looking for, you will still need to check for the same things. When trying on shoes, be sure to check the material, comfort, support, and flexibility. It is worth enlisting the expert help of a shop assistant so you can ensure that the sizing and fit are just right.
Discover More
This helpful infographic from Walsh Brothers Shoes looks at the most common foot injuries in the workplace and outlines some of the most common risks to our feet in the workplace. It then goes on to offer advice on how to choose a pair of safety shoes that will give your feet the protection they need at work.
Scroll down to the infographic to learn more about safety footwear in the workplace.
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