Buying New Safety Shoes: A Buyer's Guide
Safety shoes are essential equipment for foot protection in high-risk workplaces. To help you choose the right safety shoes, here are some tips and factors to consider:
1. Safety and standards- Safety standards: Check if the shoes meet certified safety standards, such as EN ISO 20345 (Europe), ASTM F2413 (US), or relevant standards in your country.
- Safety Shoes (Steel Toe / Composite Toe): Choose the type of toe that is appropriate for the job. Steel toes are usually durable and provide good impact protection, while composite toes are lightweight and non-conductive.
- Puncture Protection: The sole with a Puncture Resistant plate provides protection from sharp objects.
- Electrical Protection: For those working in environments where there is a risk of electrical exposure, choose footwear with anti-static (ESD) or electrostatic discharge (EH) protection features.
- Slip-resistant: The sole should have slip-resistant properties to prevent slipping in water or lubricant environments.
- Size and fit: Choose shoes that fit your feet. It is important to measure your feet and try them on.
- Support and Comfort: Choose shoes with cushioned insoles and soles that can support walking or standing for long periods of time.
- Ventilation: Shoes with good ventilation help reduce heat and moisture in your feet, making them comfortable to wear all day long.
- Design: Choose shoes that are appropriate for your environment and type of work, such as high boots, ankle boots, or heels.
- Color and appearance: While safety and comfort are of utmost importance, choosing a shoe that looks good and suits your style is also a factor to consider.
- Price: Set a reasonable budget for buying safety shoes. You don’t have to choose the most expensive one, but you should choose one that is of good quality and suitable for your use.
- Brand: Shop for shoes from reputable and recognized safety brands such as Timberland PRO, Caterpillar, Dr. Martens, or Red Wing.
More tips for choosing safety shoes
1. The importance of foot measurement- Measure your feet in the afternoon: Your feet may swell during the day, so measuring your feet in the afternoon or evening will help you get a more accurate size.
- Measure both feet: Feet may not be the same size, so choose the larger size for comfort.
- Construction and factory work: You should choose shoes with steel toes and durable soles.
- Electrical work: You should choose shoes that do not contain metal and have anti-static properties.
- Work involving chemicals: Choose shoes made of chemical-resistant materials that are easy to clean.
- Non-slip sole: Suitable for environments with water or lubricants.
- Electrically insulated soles: For those who work near electrical equipment.
- Oil and chemical resistant sole: Suitable for work that requires exposure to chemicals or lubricants.
- Clean regularly: Use a brush and a damp cloth to clean your shoes regularly to extend their lifespan.
- Use maintenance products: Use a waterproof spray or shoe care cream to maintain flexibility and durability.
- Replace the insole: If the insole is worn out, replace it to maintain comfort and support.
- Check the material: The material used to make the shoe affects its durability. Leather shoes tend to be more durable than synthetics.
- Check the seams and stitching: Shoes with tight stitching and strong seams tend to be more durable.
- Shock absorption technology: Shoes with special insoles that absorb shock will help reduce fatigue.
- Ventilation: Choose shoes with good ventilation to reduce moisture and unpleasant odors.
- Bending and twisting of shoes: Shoes should have good flexibility when bent or twisted, but should not be so soft that they lack strength.
- Slip resistance test: Test for slip resistance by walking on various surfaces, such as wet or oily floors.
- Read reviews and comments: Reading reviews from experienced users will help you understand the pros and cons of different shoe models.
- Ask peers: If possible, ask your coworkers or peers for their opinions on the shoes they wear.
- Invest in quality: Although quality shoes may cost more, they are a long-term investment in protecting your health and safety.
- Consider the warranty: Some shoes may come with a durability warranty. Check the warranty details before purchasing.
