Protective footwear

The label shows I/75 for toe impact and C/75 for compression, followed by additional codes such as Mt for metatarsal protection, EH for electrical hazard, PR for puncture resistance, SD for static dissipative and Cd for conductive. A property only counts if it is on the label, not inferred from the style. Pick the combination of codes that matches the hazards identified for the job.

Under EN ISO 20345, all safety footwear has a 200 J impact toecap. S1 adds an energy-absorbing heel, antistatic properties and a closed heel; S1P adds penetration resistance in the sole; S3 additionally has water-resistant uppers and a cleated sole. Workshops with nails, sharp swarf or wet floors commonly specify S3.

No. EH footwear insulates to reduce risk from accidental contact with low voltage in dry conditions, while SD and conductive footwear drain charge to the floor to protect electronics or avoid sparks in flammable areas. The two serve opposite purposes. Insulating performance drops sharply when soles are worn, wet or have embedded metal.

Steel or composite toecaps do not stretch, so the shoe needs space in front of the toes and must not pinch when the foot flexes. Try them on late in the day when feet are slightly swollen, wearing the socks used at work. Size charts differ between makers, so trial samples before ordering in volume.

Replace footwear after the toecap has taken an impact or compression, when the cap is exposed, when the tread is worn smooth or cracked, or when the penetration layer has been pierced. Service life depends on the environment; oils and chemicals degrade soles faster. Inspect visually at regular intervals rather than relying only on a fixed replacement date.

Both can meet the same impact and compression ratings under the standard. Composite caps are lighter, do not conduct cold and do not trigger metal detectors, but they are usually thicker, giving a bulkier toe. Steel caps are thinner and cheaper, and suit sites without metal detection requirements.

Under the current EN ISO 20345, footwear meets basic slip resistance on ceramic tile with detergent, and the SR marking adds a test on steel with glycerine. Under ASTM F2413, slip resistance is tested by its own method and marked SR when met. Real grip falls when the tread wears down or fills with oil and metal swarf.

Brush off mud and chemicals after each shift and let shoes dry naturally, not near a flame or heater, as leather and sole adhesive can crack. Rotating two pairs lets insoles dry and reduces odour. Static-dissipative shoes need clean soles, free of insulating coatings such as paint or glue.