Safety Shoes Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Every workplace has its own hazards. Hazards consist of heavy items, slippery floors, electricity, and cuttable items that could cause foot injuries. One of the easiest ways to be safe and comfortable in your workplace is by wearing proper safety shoes.

Not every kind of safety shoe fits into any working environment. There are various types of safety shoes based on different materials and designs that suit different industries. Selecting safety shoes becomes easy through the process.

This guide contains everything that you need in the process of purchasing safety shoes.

Importance of Work Safety Shoes

Safety work shoes are designed in a way that makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of injuries to the feet at work. Work safety shoes protect the workers against the danger of injuries due to impact, puncture, slips, chemical exposure, heat and electricity, among others.

Those workers who work in different industries such as construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, logistics, engineering, and maintenance among others need safety work shoes.

Apart from being safe, good work safety shoes also prevent workers from getting fatigued at their workplaces.

Know Your Workplace Risks First

Before buying your footwear, determine the risks existing in your workplace.

Common workplace risks include:

• Dropping tools or machinery

• Objects that are sharp on the floor

• Slippery or oily floor

• Wet working conditions

• Exposure to chemicals

• Electrical risks

• Heat risks

• Cold conditions

Buying the right footwear according to the workplace risks increases safety and durability.

Various Kinds of Safety Shoes

Not all workplaces need the same kinds of shoes. Getting acquainted with various kinds makes the shopping process very easy.

Steel Toe Safety Shoes

Steel-toe safety shoes have steel caps that protect the toes from impact and compression injuries.

These are often used in:

• Construction sites

• Warehouses

• Manufacturing facilities

• Heavy engineering

• Metalworking industries

Pros

• Very good protection against impact

• Durable

• Great for heavy-duty jobs

Considerations

They are often somewhat heavy compared to others.

Composite Toe Safety Shoes

Instead of steel, composite toe safety shoes are made of fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber or reinforced plastics.

Suitable for:

•  Electrical applications

• Airports

• Security-critical environments

• Outdoor activities

• Long hours of work

Advantages

• Light in weight

• Free from metals

• Comfortable to wear

• Non-conducting electrically

• Insulated in extreme temperature conditions

Lightweight Safety Shoes

There are many occupations that keep individuals standing for 10 to 12 hours at a stretch. Heavy shoes make the situation even more difficult.

Modern-day lightweight safety shoes incorporate all the protective elements along with breathable material and ergonomic designs.

Popular amongst:

• Warehouse staff

• Deliverers

• Logistics personnel

• Facility managers

• Maintainers

Slip Resistance: It’s More Important than You Imagine

One of the common workplace accidents is slips and falls.

Good quality safety shoes should offer excellent traction on the following:

• Wet surfaces

• Workshops covered in oil

• Concrete floors

• Tiles

• Industrial floors

Be sure to choose an outsole made for high traction.

Pick the Appropriate Sole

The outsole is an important component when it comes to comfort and safety.

PU (Polyurethane)

• Lightweight

• Comfortable

• Shock-absorbing

• Ideal for indoor use

Rubber

• Has a great grip

• Heat-resistant

• Chemical-resistant

• Ideal for industrial use

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)

• Flexible

• Durable

• Abrasion-resistant

• Ideal for rough terrains

Choosing the appropriate sole will depend on the type of your working environment.

Safety Standards and Certifications to Verify

Never choose footwear based solely on its appearance. Make sure that your shoes meet acceptable safety standards.

The following types of certifications prove that testing was done for:

• Impact resistance

• Compression resistance

• Slip resistance

• Puncture resistance

• Electrical resistance

• Heat resistance

Comfort Must Never Be Overlooked

Employees tend to use safety footwear throughout their shift. Comfort impacts productivity and reduces fatigue.

Some comfort-related features to look out for include:

• Breathable interior

• Padded footbed

• Arch support

• Moisture management

• Lightweight design

• Flexible midsole

Comfortable footwear will also encourage consistent use of PPE.

Consider the working environment.

Different industries require different footwear characteristics.

Matching footwear to the work environment improves both safety and durability.

How To Achieve The Best Fit

No matter how safe your footwear may be, it will not function properly if it doesn’t fit properly.

Here is what you should look for when purchasing safety shoes:

• A comfortable but not too tight fit

• Sufficient toe space

• A proper heel support

• No slippage while walking

• Proper foot motion

The ill-fitting shoes may lead to such problems as blisters and discomfort.

Mistakes to be Avoided

Too many buyers concentrate their efforts on prices rather than on quality.

Do not make these common mistakes:

• Wrong choice of toe guard

• Disregarding workplace hazards

• Wrong size of shoe

• Neglecting slip resistance

• Not taking certification into consideration

• Replacing shoes late

• Buying low-quality material footwear

In most cases, purchasing quality footwear can save one money in the long run.

How to Take Care of Your Safety Shoes

Taking proper care will ensure the longevity of your shoes. The following tips can be used to take care of your shoes:

• Always remove the dirt after completing the working shift.

•  Dry your shoes naturally once they get wet.

• Ensure you replace laces that wear out.

• Decide on whether your sole needs replacement.

• Make sure that your shoes remain dry always.

• You should change your shoes whenever they lose the protective coverings.

Proper inspection is crucial in ensuring safety at work.

Where Can I Find Reliable Safety Footwear in the UAE?

As much as buying the correct safety footwear is essential, so is finding a reputable supplier. Certified PPE providers not only provide their customers with certified safety footwear but also offer advice and a wide range of products suitable for different sectors of industry. You can find certified safety shoes, industrial safety shoes, steel toe safety shoes, lightweight safety shoes, and many others.

PPE Online provides customers with a wide variety of safety shoes in the UAE suitable for construction, manufacturing, logistics, oil & gas, and many other industries.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right shoes is much more than choosing comfortable boots. The right type of shoes will not just guarantee the safety of the workers but will also enhance their efficiency at work.

Prior to purchasing any kind of shoes, one must ensure that he/she is aware of the nature of his/her working environment and the risks involved in it. One should also make sure that the shoes have all the safety ratings.

FAQs

How to pick safety shoes that are right for you?

Firstly you should understand the risks you face at the workplace. Then select the safety shoes that offer you the right level of protection. Check whether they meet the relevant certification requirements or not. Most importantly ensure that they fit you properly and are appropriate for your specific conditions.

Difference between steel-toe and composite-toe safety shoes?

Steel-toe safety shoes are impact-resistant shoes, and they are used in different industries. 

On the other hand composite toe safety shoes are light in weight and metal-free. They are also perfect for working in electrical hazard places and passing through the metal detectors. 

Are light safety shoes safe?

Yes. They meet all the necessary safety standards like the heavier ones, but they are more comfortable and cause less fatigue.

Why are slip-resistant safety shoes important?

Slips are possible on a slippery surface like a wet or oily floor, but the use of safety shoes that prevent slips will decrease the possibility. Safety shoes are very crucial in places like warehouses, factories, and processing plants.

When should safety shoes be changed?

If there is any wear or damage to the toe cap, sole or any other part of the safety shoes, then the shoes must be discarded.