Safety & Steel Toe Shoes

Safety shoes are designed to protect your feet from a variety of hazards that can be present in the workplace. Protective footwear can be equipped with steel toes, composite toes, steel or composite shanks, instep protection, electrical insulation, and other characteristics to reduce or eliminate risks. Assessment of the hazards present facilitates the selection of the best safety shoes for the conditions observed.

Falling Objects

• Steel toe shoes are designed to protect the foot from falling or dropped objects. Steel instep guards can be added to protect the top of the foot.

Crushing Hazards

• Steel toe shoes can protect your feet from potential crushing injuries resulting from vehicles or other heavy objects rolling over the foot.

Electrical Hazards

• Select safety shoes that are designed to insulate the feet when electrical hazards are present. Toes and sole shanks of composite material, such as Kevlar™, should be chosen to further reduce electrical conductivity.

Chemical Resistance

• Use safety shoes constructed of material resistant to specific chemicals that will be encountered, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for organic acids and neoprene for petrochemicals.

Puncture Protection

• Select shoes with steel or composite shanks in the soles when there is a risk of puncture from nails and other sharp objects.

ANSI Guidance

• Use shoes that meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z41, "American National Standard for Personal Protection-Protective Footwear." Shoes will have a label attached indicating they meet the Z41 requirements for construction and testing, including impact tests on toe cups and puncture tests on sole shanks.