What features should you look for in safety shoes?

Toe protection (SB)
We all know that the toe is a very fragile part of the body-especially at work, where there are many dangers that can cause foot injuries. At the most basic level, the EN ISO 20345 standard requires that toe protection must be able to withstand 200 joules of impact. Toe protection includes steel toe caps or lighter alternatives such as composite or aluminum toe caps.
Antistatic protection (A, S1, S1P, S2, S3)
Clothing and climatic 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 touches a conductive object, this 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 hazard at work. The midsole protection can prevent nails and other sharp protrusions, which may cause catastrophic consequences. In order to meet the requirements of the EN ISO 20345 standard, the midsole of the footwear must be able to withstand a penetration force of 1100N. Midsole protection can be provided in one of two ways: stainless steel or aluminum midplates in the outsole, or Kevlar midplates.
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 must be able to withstand 300°C for 60 seconds.
Thermal insulation (CI, HI)
To resist the cold, EN ISO 20345 footwear was tested at 1-20°C for 30 minutes. For heat resistance, the footwear is tested at 150°C for 30 minutes.
Comfortable!
If footwear provides adequate protection, but will cause injury or discomfort to your employees, they will be reluctant to wear it. Make sure to provide suitable safety shoes from the start; contrary to popular belief, there should be no need to “break in” footwear. You can further improve comfort by providing insoles and high-quality work socks for employees. It is best to 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!