How to Choose the Right Safety Footwear
Safety footwear allows you to work safely while remaining comfortable. Yet, there are so many types of safety footwear on the market that it can be difficult to know which is the best for your needs. Thus, we have put together a guide to help you choose the right footwear for your job.
Types of Safety Footwear
Safety Boots
This is perhaps the most common type of safety footwear. Safety boots are ideal for most industries and will ensure your safety and well-being. Furthermore, they typically include protective reinforcement at the front, making them more durable. Important features to look for in safety boots include:
- Protective steel toe caps
- Slip-resistant soles
- Penetration resistant midsoles
- Compression protection
- Padded collar
- Heat resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Insulation
Timberland Pro Ballast Safety Boots
Puma Safety Cascades Mid S3 Safety Boots
Caterpillar Excavator Safety Boots
Safety Shoes
The difference between safety shoes and safety boots is that safety shoes are available with “metal-free” protective toe caps and cushioned soles, making them lighter and more comfortable. Thus, safety shoes are ideal for those who work in shops, warehouses, healthcare, and office settings and may need to enter high-risk areas.
Amblers Safety 66 Classic Safety Shoes (Black)
Amblers Safety FS65 Gibson Lace Safety Shoes
Amblers Safety AS607 Brigitte Ladies Safety Court Shoes
Safety Trainers
Safety trainers have a more casual appearance, making them ideal for those who prefer not to wear traditional safety shoes. Their relaxed and comfortable style makes them ideal for tradespeople and delivery drivers. Some of the most important features you must look for in safety trainers include the following:
- Toe cap – made from steel or composite
- Penetration-resistant midsole
- Penetration-resistant outsole
- Slip-resistant soles
- Padded collar
- Cushioned heel
- Compression protection
Puma Safety Xelerate Knit Low Safety Trainers (Grey)
Timberland Pro Reaxion Composite Safety Trainers
Caterpillar Streamline CT S1P HRO SRC Blue Nite
Wellington Boots
If you are looking for a waterproof solution or simply a pair of shoes to work in the garden, then wellington boots are the perfect choice for you. Wellington boots should be durable and comfortable, but most importantly, they should keep water out and your feet dry. Features to look for:
- Outer material – They are usually made from plastic polymer polyurethane or natural rubber. Plastic polymer polyurethane is cheaper, but natural rubber is the better option as it can mould to your feet’s shape and is extremely durable.
- Sole design – On a hard surface, a narrow sole tread will provide better traction. In soft, muddy conditions, a wider tread is preferable. A boot with both tread types will provide you with the most security on any terrain.
- Lining – There are three main materials used for lining: neoprene, leather and jersey. Neoprene is good for cold weather, while leather is more breathable and can also be used in warm weather. Jersey is a good alternative as it can be light and comfortable even on warm days.
Dunlop BBG Pricemaster Non-Safety Wellington (Green)
Amblers Safety FS100 Construction Safety Wellington
Amblers Safety FS98 Steel Toe Food Safety Wellington (White)
Protective Shoe Norms
Safety Footwear in the UK and Europe must comply with the EN ISO 20345:2011 regulation. This means that all safety footwear (safety boots, wellington boots, safety shoes, safety trainers, etc.) must protect the toes against a 200-joule impact.
What do EN ISO 20345:2011 stands for?
EN – Applicable standard across Europe
ISO – Meets the minimum safety standards defined by the International Organization for Standardization.
20345 – Legislation number.
2011 – The year the safety standard around was updated.
Safety Footwear Abbreviations
A – Anti-static
AN – Ankle Protection
C – Conductive
CI – Cold Insulation
CR – Cut Resistant Upper
E – Energy Absorption
FO – Fuel/Oil Resistant Outsole
HI – Heat Insulation
HRO – Outsole is Resistant to Hot Contact
I – Electricity Insulated
M – Metatarsal Protection
P – Penetration Resistance
WR – Water Resistance
WRU – Water Penetration and Water Absorption Resistant Upper
ESD – Electro-Static Discharge Resistant
Safety Footwear Ratings
SB – Safety Basic – This is the basic safety footwear standard, and it must have toe protection that can withstand a 200 Joule impact.
SBP – Same as the basic safety footwear standard, but with a midsole plate to protect the foot from penetration.
S1 – Anti-static, oil-resistant, and has energy absorption at the heel.
S1P – The same as S1 footwear, but with a steel or composite plate in the midsole to protect against underfoot penetration.
S2 – Has all of the features of S1 footwear, but adds water absorption prevention for the upper.
S3 – The same safety features as the S2, plus a penetration-resistant midsole.
S4 – An S4 boot provides the same level of protection as an S1, but it is made of a polymer or rubber, making it completely waterproof and leak-proof. S4 is the minimum safety code for wellington boots, and other codes can be added if the boot meets other safety standards.
S5 – The S5 adds midsole penetration resistance to the S4’s safety footwear features.
Slip-Resistance Ratings
SRA – Slip resistance tested on a ceramic tile which has been soaked with Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (the main ingredient in soap)
SRB – Slip resistance is tested on a steel plate which has been soaked with Glycerol
SRC – Slip resistance is tested and approved against the same circumstances as SRA and SRB
Knowing the safety standards and your workplace conditions is the first step in selecting the best safety boots, shoes, or trainers for you. However, choosing the right fit for you is also essential, as you will spend most of your day wearing these shoes. As we all know, productivity requires comfortable footwear