Five factors to consider when choosing safety footwear

06 January, 2025

Water resistance: Preventing water from penetrating the footwear is essential to avoid discomfort and foot health issues. Footwear with an S3, S6, or S7 rating under the EN ISO 20345 standard ensures water resistance, helping to keep feet dry and comfortable in wet environments. Some advanced water-resistant technologies2 are designed to provide durability that exceeds standard expectations, offering longer-lasting protection in challenging conditions.

Impact and penetration protection: A sturdy toe cap (steel or composite) and a penetration-resistant midsole protect against falling objects and sharp hazards. In high-risk environments, additional metatarsal protection can enhance safety for the top of the foot, like the Heckel MACCROSSROAD 3.0 S3 HIGH META safety boot, which features D3O technology for flexible yet robust protection.

4. Invest in quality for workforce wellbeing

High-quality safety footwear is not just about meeting standards; it’s about safeguarding your workforce’s health and wellbeing. Quality footwear offers several benefits:

Reduced injury rates: Properly fitting, comfortable footwear minimises foot related injuries, slips, trips, and falls, creating a safer work environment.

Enhanced comfort and productivity: Comfort that supports feet correctly reduces fatigue and discomfort, boosting productivity and job satisfaction.

Improved employee morale: Providing footwear that meets workers’ needs and prioritises comfort shows that employers care about their employees’ wellbeing, improving morale and reducing turnover.

5. Consider sustainability and style

Modern safety footwear is evolving to meet the growing demand for sustainability and style. Workers increasingly expect footwear that is not only safe and comfortable but also environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Using sustainable materials, such as recycled PET bottles, help to create products that offer protection, comfort, and sustainability.

There is also an increasing number of safety footwear styles suitable for vegans and vegetarians. These are made from synthetic materials and are also suitable for people allergic to chrome. Stylish safety footwear with contemporary designs and lightweight materials encourages workers to wear their safety shoes more consistently, ensuring continuous protection without sacrificing personal style.

*Clair Weston is head of marketing at uvex

1 The uvex 3 safety boot has an ergonomic two-layer sole made from polyurethane, and according to the manufacturer provides cushioning and slip resistance. The uvex i-PUREnrj technology enhances comfort by returning the landing energy over the entire sole unit back to the wearer. Often referred to as ‘rebound’ footwear, the absorption and redistribution of energy helps reduce fatigue supporting the musculoskeletal system.

2 uvex’s waterstop technology provides water resistance that the company says lasts four times longer than the standard, ideal for wet environments.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/uvex-safety-uk-ltd/