How To Choose The Right Safety Footwear 

With an extensive range of safety footwear available in today’s market, selecting appropriate boots or shoes for organisational use requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Understanding the different specifications is essential for making informed procurement decisions that ensure regulatory compliance while providing adequate protection and comfort for employees.

This guide outlines the key considerations when selecting safety footwear for corporate requirements:

Safety Standards: The Primary Consideration

Compliance with UK safety standards must be the foundation of any safety footwear procurement decision. All safety footwear must conform to EN 20345:2022, which establishes various protection levels. The baseline standard incorporates features such as toe protection, while advanced ratings provide additional safeguards against water penetration, electrical hazards, and perforation resistance.

A comprehensive workplace risk assessment should identify specific hazards present in different operational environments. These may include chemical exposure, impact risks, sharp object penetration, electrical conductivity concerns, or moisture conditions. Health and Safety departments should provide detailed guidance on the specific standards required for particular job functions based on systematic risk evaluation. It’s important to note that requirements may vary across different key work areas, necessitating selection of footwear that meets the highest applicable safety standards.

Material Selection: Technical Considerations

Material selection significantly influences both protection capabilities and wearability of safety footwear. Traditional leather provides established durability and protection against multiple hazards including impact, chemical exposure, and operational wear. Full-grain leather offers superior moisture resistance and extended service life, making it appropriate for demanding industrial work scenarios.

Contemporary synthetic materials and mesh constructions have gained significant market share while maintaining required safety certifications. These materials provide enhanced breathability and reduced weight, potentially decreasing foot fatigue during extended work shifts. These alternatives often offer improved sustainability metrics and may align with organisational environmental policies. Material selection should consider the specific operational requirements—mobile roles or high-temperature work areas may benefit from lighter-weight options compared to traditional leather footwear.

Environmental Adaptability: Performance in Varied Conditions

Varying environmental circumstances require footwear capable of performing across different situational contexts and surfaces. For operations in damp conditions, footwear incorporating waterproof membranes such as Gore-Tex provides moisture protection while maintaining breathability. Slip-resistant outsole designs are essential for wet, oily or inconsistent surfaces, with varied tread patterns offering different levels of traction performance.

Thermal considerations are equally important—insulated footwear provides necessary protection in cold conditions, while breathable designs prevent heat-related discomfort in warmer weather. The selection should take into account all environmental variables employees may encounter throughout operational activities.

Procurement Decision Framework

Safety footwear selection represents a significant operational decision with implications for both regulatory compliance and workforce wellbeing. The procurement process should involve systematic evaluation of job requirements, environmental conditions, and technical specifications. Price point should be considered within the context of total cost of ownership, including durability and replacement cycles.

The range of technical features—from metatarsal protection to penetration resistance to anti-static properties—requires careful analysis against established work force requirements. Professional consultation during the procurement process can help organisations navigate complex specification requirements and identify appropriate footwear solutions that align with corporate safety standards and practical operational needs.

For practical guidance on safety footwear standards and specifications, Clad Safety’s technical team is available on 01423 881266 or [email protected] to assist procurement professionals in selecting appropriate safety footwear based on their specific workplace requirements.