Safety Footwear

The right safety footwear depends on the job, workplace hazards and how the footwear will be worn. Safety boots provide more ankle coverage, safety shoes offer a lower profile, safety trainers are often lighter and more flexible, while rigger boots and Wellington boots are suited to more specific working environments.

Safety classifications indicate the level and type of protection provided by the footwear. Depending on the rating, this can include features such as protective toe caps, penetration-resistant midsoles, water resistance, energy absorption and slip resistance. Always check the individual product specification and your workplace risk assessment before choosing.

Metal-free safety footwear uses non-metallic components such as composite toe caps and textile penetration-resistant midsoles instead of steel. This can be useful in environments where reducing metal content is desirable and can also help reduce the overall weight of the footwear.

Safety shoes and trainers generally sit below the ankle and can offer greater flexibility for indoor or active roles, while safety boots provide additional coverage and support around the ankle. The protection level depends on the individual safety classification rather than the footwear style alone.

Look at the individual product’s slip-resistance specification as well as the environment in which it will be worn. Flooring type, contaminants and working conditions can all affect grip, so footwear should be selected to suit the hazards identified in the workplace.