What features should you look for in safety shoes?

Toe protection (SB)

We all know that the toes are a very fragile part of the body-especially at work, where there are many dangers that can cause foot injuries.At the basic level, the EN ISO 20345 standard requires toe protection to withstand an impact of 200 joules.Toe protection includes steel toe tips or lighter alternatives, such as composite materials or aluminum toe tips.

Antistatic protection (A, S1, S1P, S2, S3)

Clothing and climate factors can cause static electricity to accumulate in the body.Certain materials used in the manufacture of safety shoes can over-insulate the body, resulting in static charge retention.When a worker comes into contact with a conductive object, this electric charge will quickly wash away from the body, resulting in sparks and slightly uncomfortable electric shocks.Anti-static shoes can significantly reduce this effect.

Midsole penetration protection (SBP, S1P, S3, S5)

Sharp objects can be a major danger at work.Midsole protection can prevent nails and other sharp protrusions, otherwise it may lead to disastrous consequences.In order to meet the requirements of the EN ISO 20345 standard, the midsole of footwear can resist the penetration of 1100N.Midsole protection can be provided in one of two ways: stainless steel or aluminum inserts in the sole, or Kevlar insoles.

Energy absorption (E, S1, S1P, S2, S3)

This refers to the energy absorption in the heel area.

Water resistance (WR, WRU, S2, S3)

Footwear can be classified as generally waterproof (WR), or they may have a waterproof upper (WRU).

Heat resistance (HRO)

The outsole of heat-resistant shoes can resist 300°C for 60 seconds.

Hot and cold insulation (CI, HI)

For cold resistance, EN ISO 20345 footwear was tested at 1-20°C for 30 minutes.For heat resistance, footwear is tested at 150°C for 30 minutes.

comfortable!

If footwear provides sufficient protection, but will cause harm or discomfort to your employees, they will not be willing to wear it.Make sure to provide suitable safety shoes from the beginning; contrary to popular belief, there should be no need to “break into” footwear.You can further improve comfort by providing employees with insoles and high-quality work socks.Let workers try the products first to see if they are comfortable and suitable for their tasks and working environment-after all, they have to wear them all day!