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Types of Safety Shoes

Last updated on Mar 28, 2025

Safety shoes are a crucial component of personal protective equipment (PPE) in various industries. Designed to protect against workplace hazards, safety shoes come in a variety of styles to suit different job requirements. From steel-toed boots for construction workers to slip-resistant shoes for restaurant employees, choosing the right safety footwear is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of workers in commercial settings.


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What Are Safety Shoes?

Safety shoes are essential protective footwear designed to provide safety and comfort in various work environments. They are equipped with features such as reinforced toe caps to protect against impact and compression, slip-resistant soles for improved traction, and electrical hazard protection to prevent shocks. Safety shoes are commonly used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare to reduce the risk of foot injuries and ensure workplace safety compliance. To comply with federal regulations enforced by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), protective footwear is often a requirement for workers in industrial settings.

Different Types of Safety Footwear

Some safety shoes may protect against one hazard while others are designed to protect against multiple. The following are the most common types of work shoes and how they can keep you safe.

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1. Safety Toe Shoes

Safety toe shoes are designed with reinforced toe caps to protect against impact from falling objects. Some are also designed to protect against compression, punctures, and cuts. They are a popular choice for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and construction sites where foot injuries are a risk. There are three main types of safety toe shoes: 

  • Composite Toe Work Shoes: Composite toe work shoes are made from a combination of durable, non-metal materials such as Kevlar®, carbon fiber, and plastic. They are light weight, breathable, and great for use in extreme temperatures because they do not heat up or cool down like metal. They won't interfere with metal detectors in the workplace, making them ideal for security guards and law enforcement. As poor conductor of electricity, they are optimal for electrical hazard-prone environments.
  • Steel Toe Work Shoes: Steel toe work shoes feature a steel capping over the toe area to provide protection against falling objects. One of the most popular and reliable choices for protective footwear, steel toe shoes are ideal for warehouses, manufacturing plants, and other industrial sites working with heavy machinery and objects.
  • Alloy Toe Work Shoes: Alloy toe shoes are made up of durable yet light weight materials like aluminum and titanium. The thinner material makes these shoes ideal for industrial work environments where comfort and moveability are just as important as impact resistance.

     

Restaurant Equipment

2. Electrical Hazard Protection Shoes

Electrical hazard protection shoes are essential for workers in industries where they are at risk of exposure to electrical currents. These shoes are designed with non-conductive materials to prevent the flow of electricity through the footwear, protecting the wearer from electrical shocks and hazards. They are ideal for electricians, engineers, and construction workers who work in environments with live wires or electrical equipment. Electrical hazard protection shoes are a crucial safety measure to ensure the well-being of workers in high-risk environments.

  • Non-conductive and will prevent the wearers' feet from completing an electrical circuit to the ground
  • Can withstand up to 18,000 volts or 60 Hertz for an entire minute with no current flow or leakage of more than a milliampere
  • Ideal for those who work with electricity, circuits, wiring, and high-voltage machines

 

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3. Moisture-Resistant Shoes

Moisture-resistant shoes are designed to keep feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions, making them ideal for commercial kitchens, food processing facilities, and other workplaces where liquids are present. These shoes are made with water-resistant materials such as rubber or synthetic uppers to repel water and prevent moisture from seeping in. By resisting moisture, they protect against mold, rot, and fungus growth.

  • Water-Resistant Work Shoes: Water-resistant shoes are best for conditions where you may need protection from infrequent splashes of water. They are usually breathable, light weight, and easy to clean. They will eventually let water inside the shoe and are not ideal for harsh weather environments.
  • Waterproof Work Shoes: Waterproof shoes have a special membrane coating that will cause water to bead up and roll off the shoe to keep water out and your feet completely dry. They provide protection from moisture and cold air and are ideal for environments with harsh weather conditions and/or where water is frequently present.

     

 

Restaurant Equipment

4. Non-Slip Shoes

Non-slip shoes are designed to provide traction and stability in slippery work environments, reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. These shoes feature specialized outsoles with slip-resistant properties, such as tread patterns and materials that increase grip on wet or oily surfaces. Non-slip shoes are essential for employees working in kitchens, hospitals, warehouses, and other high-risk areas where safety is paramount. By investing in non-slip shoes, businesses can prioritize employee safety and minimize workplace accidents.

  • Materials such as rubber or synthetic compounds that offer flexibility and resistance to wear and tear
  • Cushioned insoles and supportive features to provide comfort during long hours of standing or walking
  • Help ensure compliance with workplace safety standards
Restaurant Equipment

5. Chemical-Resistant Shoes

Chemical-resistant safety shoes are designed to protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals, acids, and other potentially harmful substances in commercial environments. These shoes are constructed with specialized materials such as neoprene, PVC, or rubber that provide a barrier against chemical penetration. They feature reinforced toe caps and soles to prevent spills and splashes from causing injury, making them essential for employees working in laboratories, chemical plants, and industrial settings where chemical hazards are present.

  • Commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, laboratories, and agriculture
  • Often required by regulatory agencies such as OSHA to minimize the risk of chemical exposure and promote workplace safety
  • May come with additional features such as steel toe caps, slip-resistant soles, and anti-static properties to provide comprehensive protection in hazardous environments

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Work Shoes

When considering the type of safety shoes you need for the job, it is important to look at the hazards that may be present at your worksite. If your workplace has any of the following hazards, then you will need to require protective footwear:

man lacing work shoes on a high up scaffold at a work site
  • Electrical hazards
  • Hot substances and/or corrosive or poisonous chemicals
  • Hot, wet, or slippery surfaces
  • Heavy objects, such as barrels or drums, that could roll and/or fall onto feet
  • Sharp objects, such as nails or glass, that could puncture the foot
  • Molten metal that could splash onto feet or legs
  • Static electricity that could cause an explosion

Here are some other questions to consider when looking for the correct safety shoe:

  • Will your employees be on their feet for long periods of time? A cushioned insole or midsole will help absorb shock to provide support and prevent foot pain and back aches.

  • Will your employees be working in cold conditions? Insulated work boots are a must if you work outside or are exposed to other cold conditions.

  • What width will you need? Safety shoes come in various widths to accommodate different foot sizes and shapes, ranging from narrow to extra wide options. Proper shoe width is crucial to prevent discomfort, blisters, and potential foot injuries, making it important to select the right width for optimal safety and comfort.

Safety Shoe Styles

When it comes to safety shoes, there are various styles available to cater to the diverse needs of different industries and work environments. Each style offers unique features and benefits to ensure the safety and comfort of the wearer. Here are some common types of safety shoe styles:

  • Boots: A popular choice for workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, safety boots provide excellent ankle support and protection against impact, punctures, and electrical hazards.
  • Clogs: Safety clogs are commonly used in healthcare facilities, kitchens, and other workplaces where hygiene and comfort are essential. These shoes are often equipped with slip-resistant soles to prevent accidents in wet or oily environments.
  • Slip-On: Slip-on shoes are easy to put on and take off, making them convenient for workers who need to quickly change footwear. They often feature a slip-on design with elastic gussets or pull tabs for easy wearing. Slip-on safety shoes are ideal for workers in warehouses, logistics, and light industrial settings.
  • Sneaker: Safety sneakers offer a blend of athletic style and protective features for workers who prioritize comfort and mobility. They are often equipped with safety toes, puncture-resistant soles, and slip-resistant outsoles. Safety sneakers are popular among workers in the automotive industry, warehouses, and construction sites where agility and protection are crucial.

Footwear Safety Ratings Explained

To be considered protective footwear, a shoe must meet the guidelines set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The ASTM F2413, Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear, sets the minimum standards and testing procedures for safety footwear.

Safety footwear does not need to meet all the below requirements to conform to the ASTM F2413 standard. However, it should clearly state which of the requirements the footwear meets. Here are some protective footwear codes and what rating they stand for:

  • M: male
  • F: female
  • I/75: impact protection rating
  • C/75: compression protection rating
  • Mt/75: metatarsal protection rating
  • CD: conductive protection
  • EH: electrical hazard resistance
  • PR: puncture-resistant
  • SD: static dissipative
  • WR: water-resistant

How to Read an ASTM-Certified Product's Designation

Let's break down the following shoe safety rating by looking at its codes.

  1. ASTM F2413-11: The first line identifies that the shoe complies with the ASTM F2413 standard that was issued in 2011.

  2. M I/75 C/75: In the second line, the M indicates that this is a men's shoe. The I/75 and C/75 ratings denote that the footwear meets Class 75 impact and compression resistance, which means the shoe will protect the user from an impact of up to 75 ft-lb. and compressive loads of 2,500 lb.

  3. EH: The EH rating lets you know that this shoe provides electrical shock resistance protection.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

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