The Ultimate Guide To Safety Footwear

Every day on the job site, warehouse, or on the factory floor, your feet are exposed to a multitude of hazards. Everything from falling objects and sharp materials to live electrical currents and slippery surfaces might be encountered on the job. Therefore, choosing the right safety footwear isn't just a requirement, it's an investment in your personal safety and comfort.

Let’s take a look at the world of safety footwear, including its essential features and safety ratings, as well as the differences between steel-toed and composite boots. We'll also highlight the often-overlooked importance of what you wear inside your boots – your socks!

What Are The Different Types Of Safety Footwear?

The term "safety footwear" actually covers a broad range of boots and shoes, each with its own specific purpose and environmental suitability. As a rough guide, safety footwear can be categorised into four main types.

• Safety Boots: The classic choice for most heavy-duty industries like construction and forestry. Boots provide superior ankle support, good durability, protection from the elements and a high level of protection from physical impact. 
• Safety Trainers: Combining the look and feel of an athletic shoe with the essential protection of a safety boot, trainers are a popular choice for light industrial work, logistics, and warehousing because they are lighter and more flexible than boots, reducing fatigue on your feet over long shifts.
• Safety Shoes: Often with a more traditional work shoe design, safety shoes are ideal for workers who need protective footwear but are primarily in indoor or light-duty environments, such as service technicians or maintenance staff.
• Safety Clogs: A newer addition to the safety footwear range, safety clogs are especially popular with healthcare workers, kitchen and food service staff, and janitorial and cleaning staff. This is because they provide an unmatched level of comfort and breathability, plus they are easy to clean and slip-resistant. 
• Safety Gumboots: Designed for wet, muddy, or chemical-rich environments, gumboots offer complete waterproof protection and are often used in agriculture, fishing, and manufacturing industries.

Footwear Safety Standards In NZ

What constitutes safety footwear? In New Zealand, to be classified as safety footwear, boots and shoes must comply with the AS/NZS 2210 series of standards. The most relevant standard for safety boots is AS/NZS 2210.3, which specifies the requirements for safety footwear. It's important to remember that these are just the basic standards, your specific job may require additional features. These are some of the key requirements covered by this standard:

• Impact Resistance (SB): Safety boots must have a protective toecap that can withstand an impact of at least 200 Joules. This is tested by dropping a 20 kg weight from a height of 1 metre.
• Compression Resistance (SB): The toecap must also be able to resist a compression load of 15 kilonewtons. This protects the foot from crushing injuries.
• Slip Resistance (SRA, SRB, or SRC): The standard covers slip resistance on various surfaces, including both wet ceramic tiles and steel floors.
• Water Penetration and Absorption (WRU): Indication of whether the upper material is resistant to water penetration and absorption.
• Penetration Resistance (P): Many boots have a penetration-resistant midsole to protect against sharp objects like nails. This is an additional, optional requirement, but it is often essential for jobs on construction sites.
• Electrical Hazard Properties (EH): The standard also addresses electrical properties, such as antistatic footwear, which is used to prevent the buildup of static electricity and the risk of spark ignition.
• Energy Absorption (E): A measure of the shock absorption in the heel area (to reduce the impact and fatigue from prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces). 

Decoding These Key Safety Features And Ratings

Choosing the right safety footwear goes beyond the look and feel, the real protection lies in the materials and features designed to meet specific safety standards. Here are some examples of what to look for in safety footwear.

Toe Protection - Steel vs Composite

The key decision point for many workers, toe protection is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing safety footwear. It is also a legal requirement for many industries.

Steel-Toed Caps: Pros - Steel has been the industry standard for decades for a reason. It offers superior strength and crush resistance against extremely heavy or sharp falling objects. Steel-toed boots are often thinner and sleeker than their composite counterparts, providing a lower-profile look. Cons - Steel is a thermal and electrical conductor. This means steel toes can become uncomfortably cold in winter and, more importantly, are not suitable for environments with electrical hazards. They are also heavier, which can lead to foot fatigue over a long workday.

Composite-Toed Caps: Pros - Made from non-metallic materials like fibreglass, carbon fibre, or Kevlar, composite toes are significantly lighter than steel. They do not conduct heat or electricity, making them a safer and more comfortable choice for cold climates and electrical work. They also don't set off metal detectors, which is a major convenience for workers in security-sensitive environments. Cons - While highly effective, composite toes generally offer a slightly lower level of crush resistance than steel. They also tend to be thicker, resulting in a bulkier toe box.

The choice between steel and composite really depends entirely on your job. If you work in construction or a heavy manufacturing environment where the risk of heavy falling objects is high, steel is the classic, reliable choice. If you work in a lighter industrial setting, an airport, or with electrical wiring, the lighter weight and non-conductive properties of the composite are more favourable. 

Puncture Resistance

Protection for your feet from stepping on sharp objects like nails, shards of glass, or metal fragments, puncture resistance is a feature specifically integrated into safety footwear. A puncture-resistant ‘plate’ is typically a non-metallic or steel layer built into the sole of the boot. Non-metallic options (like woven Kevlar) offer similar benefits (greater flexibility and no risk of conducting electricity) while still providing significant levels of protection.

Slip Resistance

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace injuries. Look for safety footwear with a well-designed outsole and a high slip-resistance rating. The best outsoles are often made of rubber or polyurethane and have a deeper, multi-directional tread pattern designed to grip on various surfaces, including oil and water.

Electrical Hazard Protection

EH-rated footwear is designed to insulate the wearer from an electrical current. It contains no conductive materials (meaning no steel-toe caps) and is specifically built to reduce the risk of electric shock. This is a non-negotiable feature for electricians and anyone who works with live wires or circuits.

Metatarsal Protection

For jobs with a risk of heavy objects falling onto the top of the foot (the metatarsal bones), footwear with an external or internal metatarsal guard is essential. This feature protects the delicate bones and tendons further down the top of the foot that a standard ‘toe cap’ does not.

How To Get The Perfect Fit! 

The safest boot in the world is useless if it doesn't fit properly. Choosing the right pair of safety boots is about more than just finding your shoe size. A perfect fit is essential for preventing blisters, foot pain, and even more serious issues like musculoskeletal problems. Here is a quick guide to ensuring your next pair of safety boots offers maximum comfort and protection.

• Timing Is Important. Your feet naturally swell throughout the day, so to get the most accurate fit, always try on boots in the afternoon or early evening when your feet are at their largest. Always wear the actual socks you plan to wear on the job (the thickness of your work socks can significantly impact the fit), and don't forget to measure both feet! It is common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Always measure both feet and choose the size that accommodates your larger foot. If you are between sizes, it's generally best to size up.
• Move Around! Once you have the boots on, it's time to put them to the test. Don't just stand still, walk around and simulate the movements you would perform at work.
  Check The Toe Box. One of the most important fit areas, since the toe cap is rigid (it will not stretch or mould to your foot), as a rule of thumb, there should be about (5-10 mm) of space between your longest toe and the end of the boot. You should be able to comfortably wiggle your toes without them touching the front or sides of the boot. And there should be no pressure points on the sides of your toes.
• Width Matters. The boots should fit snugly but not be tight or restrictive. Check the midsole - your entire foot should rest on the midsole without any part "overhanging" the edge. There should be no pinching at the sides of your feet, and you should not feel any painful pressure or squeezing. If you need a wider size, don't just try to size up in length to compensate for width. This will cause other fit issues. Instead, look for a boot specifically designed for a wide fit.
• Stability Is In The Heel. A properly fitting heel prevents blisters and provides much needed stability. Your heel should fit snugly in the boot and should not lift up or slide around as you walk. There should be no rubbing against the back of your heel. Any red spots or pressure marks after taking the boot off are a sign of future problems.
• Take Note Of The Support And Overall Feel. The boot should support your foot and ankle without being overly restrictive. Walk around, crouch down, and bend your feet to ensure the boot's natural flex point aligns with the ball of your foot. The boot should feel comfortable from day one. While leather boots may soften with time, they should not be painful or cause pinching when new. A long "break-in" period is a sign of an improper fit.

6 Common Footwear Mistakes To Avoid

1. Prioritising Price. Of course, you are going to have a budget, but sometimes going for the slightly pricier option will pay off in the long run, as the boots will likely last longer and offer greater comfort.
2. Choosing Style Over Practicality. Always choose fit and safety over a cheaper price tag or a more stylish look. Yes, we know you still want them to look good, but comfort always wins after a long day of being on your feet!
3. Assuming Sizes Are Standard. Boot sizes can vary between brands and even different styles from the same manufacturer. It is best to try them on before buying, if possible.
4. Buying Online Without Trying. If you are buying an unfamiliar brand or style, it is highly recommended to try them on in a physical store first, if possible, or be prepared to return the online purchase if necessary.
5. Ignoring The Red Flags. Pinching, tightness, and heel rubbing are not things you can fix. They are signs of a bad fit that will lead to discomfort and potential injury over the longer term.
6. Forgetting About Your Job Requirements. Your specific work environment and job tasks should dictate the features you need to prioritise. Always choose boots with the appropriate safety ratings (e.g. slip-resistant soles, electrical hazard protection, metatarsal guards etc) or you won’t meet the required safety standards and may have to buy another pair!

Why The Right Socks Are Just As Important As The Boots

So you've found just the right safety boots, but are you wearing the right socks? A good pair of socks is going to ensure you get the most comfort out of your safety footwear all day long. When purchasing good work socks, you want to look out for:

• Moisture Management Properties. Sweaty feet are a breeding ground for blisters and fungus. Look for socks made from wool (or wool blends). Wool materials wick moisture away from the skin, keeping your feet dry and comfortable all day. Avoid cotton or polyester blends, which tend to absorb moisture and hold it against your skin.
• Cushioning And Support. Padded socks provide extra cushioning in high-impact areas like the heel and ball of the foot, reducing fatigue and absorbing shock, but also providing extra strength for daily wear and tear. 
• Temperature Regulation. Wool socks, in particular, are excellent at regulating temperature. They keep your feet warm in the cold and cool in the heat, making them a versatile choice year-round.

When buying safety boots in New Zealand, you should look for the label indicating compliance with AS/NZS 2210.3, and then check for additional markings (like P, WRU, or S3) that align with the specific hazards of your workplace as required by your employer. Take the time to make an informed choice and browse the range of safety boots at Tradestaff Workwear today.