Safety shoes are specialized protective footwear designed to shield the feet from potential workplace hazards. They are widely used in high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, chemical plants, and electrical work. Their core function is to protect against impacts, punctures, static electricity, and other dangers, while also providing slip resistance, toe protection, and puncture resistance.
**Key Safety Features**
1. **Toe Protection**: Steel or composite (e.g., fiber glass) toe caps that can withstand impacts of 200J or more (complying with EN/ISO 20345 standards).
2. **Puncture Resistance**: Midsole inserts (such as steel or Kevlar) to prevent sharp object penetration.
3. **Anti-Static/Conductive**: Special sole designs to dissipate static electricity (ESD), ideal for electronics or flammable environments.
4. **Slip & Wear Resistance**: Rubber or polyurethane soles for enhanced grip (e.g., SR short for slip resistance).
5. **Oil Resistance**: Outsole materials resistant to oil (e.g., polyurethane).
**Common Standards**
- **International**: EN ISO 20345 (European), ASTM F2413 (U.S.)
**Applications**
- Heavy industry (construction, machining)
- Warehousing & logistics (impact/slip protection)
- Laboratories/chemical plants (chemical/static resistance)
In addition to ensuring worker safety, modern safety shoes often prioritize comfort (e.g., breathable linings, cushioned insoles), making them essential for occupational health and safety.
