Foremployers and employees alike, workplace safety is a critical concern that wemust work together to ensure at all times. Workplace safety is especiallyimportant in warehouse environments.
Keepingyourself safe and comfortable at work is of paramount concern, and it allstarts with a quality pair of steel toed shoes or boots. Today, we’re going totake a closer look at some of the best steel toe shoes on the market so you candecide on the perfect pair to help you get the job done.
WhyWear Steel Toe Shoes?
Formany workers and businesses within the manual labor industry, steel toe shoesare a requirement in the workplace under OSHA regulations. But, even if youaren’t required to wear them, steel toe shoes or boots can help keep you safefrom a variety of different workplace safety hazards.
Footinjuries are among the most common types of workplace injuries, and they canresult in lost wages for employees, as well as fines and worker’s comp payoutsfor employers. Today’s safety footwear is more protective and advanced thanever, so you can stay protected in the workplace without sacrificing comfort orstyle.
DifferentTypes of Safety Shoes
Whilewe sometimes refer to safety shoes universally as “steel toes,” the fact isthat the protective toe isn’t necessarily made from steel. Altogether, thereare three different types of safety shoes on the market:
- Steel toe
- Alloy toe
- Compositetoe
Steeltoes are the original, and they’re considered the industry standard. Whilesteel provides the highest level of impact and compression resistance, it’salso the heaviest material of the three. So, genuine steel toe shoes tend to beheavier than alloy or comp toe varieties, and if you’re on your feet all day,fatigue may become a factor.
Tocombat the added weight of a steel toe, manufacturers have developed alloy toeshoes. These shoes provide similar impact and compression resistance at a muchlighter weight than the average steel toe. However, you’ll want to check thecertifications closely with alloy toe shoes, as they may not provide the samestandard of impact and compression protection.
Lastly,composite toe or comp toe shoes represent the newest and most advanced style ofprotective footwear. Composite is the lightest weight material of all three,but it also provides the least impact and compression resistance. In order forcomp toe shoes to achieve the same certifications as steel or alloy versions,the protective toe cap must be larger and more bulbous.
Thefact that comp toes often have the largest and most obtrusive toe caps meansthat they often fall short from a style perspective. Plus, composite doesn’tprovide the same durability as steel or alloy do, and a single impact is enoughto damage and weaken the toe cap area. For this reason, most people replacetheir comp toe shoes after an impact.
Dependingon your needs and what feels most comfortable to you, you’ll need to decidewhich type of safety shoes will be the best style for you when you’re on thejob.
Steel Toe Shoes for Him
Reebok Work Zprint Work Shoe
Reebok’sZprint work shoes are ideal for anyone in the market for a classic lookingathletic shoe that can help keep them safe at work. This hiking style shoe iscut low for superior ankle mobility, and it features a seamless fabric and meshupper.
Builtfor comfort, this shoe features a removable footbed with MemoryTech Massagetechnology. The 3D-Foam midsole provides plenty of cushioning and flexibility,while the anti-slip outsole keeps you firmly planted on the ground. The steeltoe meets or exceeds ASTM F2413 EH, which is one of the most stringent safetystandards in the world.
Timberland PRO Disruptor Chukka Boot
Manypeople are looking for a shoe that provides them with the workplace protectionthey need without sacrificing style or comfort. The Timberland PRO Disruptorchukka boot fits the bill perfectly. Disruptor series shoes are made fromrecycled fabric and leather, so they’re ideal for anyone looking to minimizetheir impact on the environment, too.
TheDisruptor shoe features Timberland’s anti-fatigue technology to keep your feetfeeling fresh all day long. This shoe also features the Defender repellentsystem, which helps keep your shoes looking newer for longer by helping them toresist spills and stains. The alloy toe provides strength and protection at asignificantly lighter weight than most competitors.
Keen Utility Atlanta Cool Shoe
Keenis well known for producing some of the most protective and functionalworkplace footwear on the market. Their Atlanta Cool shoe offershiking-inspired styling and tons of unique features that make this shoe amongthe most comfortable and protective options on the market.
TheAtlanta Cool is crafted from leather and mesh, and it’s entirely waterproof. Abreathable mesh liner provides breathability and helps keep your feetcomfortable regardless of the temperature. The liner is also treated withCleansport NXT for superior odor control. The compression-molded EVA midsolehas two different densities for enhanced comfort.
Oneof the most notable features is the asymmetrical steel toes. While othermanufacturers use a single toe shape to make both left and right shoes, Keen’ssteel toes provide a distinct left and right, which results in a shoe that’ssignificantly more comfortable and natural feeling than most steel toe shoesand boots.
Carhartt Safety Toe NWP Boot
Aclassic design that’s been a staple on the floors of warehouses throughout theworld, steel toe boots like this pair from Carhartt are the industry standardfor protective footwear. This pair offers plenty of upgraded features that willkeep you safe and comfortable for years to come.
These6” boots offer traditional welt construction and are made with oil-tannedleather. The tongue and collar are heavily padded for extra comfort, and theFastDry liner helps wick moisture away from your foot, so your feet stay dryand comfortable all day long. An extra-durable outsole is oil andslip-resistant, and the steel toe meets or exceeds ASTM standards for impactand electrical hazard protection.
Sketchers Greetah Construction Shoe
Ifstyle and comfort are as important to you as protection is, the GreetahConstruction shoe from Sketchers may be a wide choice. This hiking-inspiredwork shoe features a striking two-tone leather and fabric upper that’savailable in brown and black or blue and black depending on your personaltaste.
Amemory foam footbed molds to your foot, providing you with exceptional comfort,even as the shoes get older. The composite toe is lightweight and is ASTMF2412-2011 I/75 C/75 certified to protect against impact and electricalhazards, making it ideal for the warehouse, or any other work site.
SteelToe Shoes for Her
Reebok Work Sublite Alloy Toe Work Shoe
Thanksto brands like Reebok, protective footwear is lighter and more stylish thanever. Their Sublite steel toe sneakers weigh in at about 12 ounces each, whichis roughly half the weight of the average steel toe work shoe.
Theseshoes feature a mesh upper with a rubber outsole designed for improved mobilityand flex. The low-cut design provides plenty of ankle mobility, and the roomyfootbed ensures you’ll be comfortable, even if you have wider feet.
TheMemoryTech massaging footbed contours to your foot to provide superiorcushioning and comfort in all situations. The allow toe meets ASTM F2413 forimpact resistance, and it weighs significantly less than steel toes do, soyou’ll be protected without having to sacrifice comfort.
Caterpillar Women’s Echo Waterproof Work Boot
Forwomen who need a shoe that’s suitable for every possible scenario, the Echoboot from Caterpillar may be one of the best and most versatile options on themarket. This 8” tall leather boot provides the durability and strength of awork boot without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.
Thisboot is waterproof and features Goodyear welt construction for added durabilityand water resistance. A nylon mesh lining helps keep the boot breathable whilewicking moisture away from the body, and a Nylex sock liner provides comfortand cushioning that’s difficult to beat.
Mostimportantly, the toe of the Echo boot is ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/85 rated, whichis the highest certification possible for impact resistance. The toe is also EHrated for open circuits up to 600 volts.
Whetherin the warehouse or on the job site, the Echo boot represents the utmost insafety and protection.
Sketchers Doyline ST Hiking Boot
Funand feminine, the Doyline ST hiking boot from Sketchers provide comfort andprotection without sacrificing style.
TheDoyline ST offers a smooth nubuck and Cordura mesh upper, a padded collar andtongue, and a relaxed fit design that provides a roomy and comfortable fit. Thefootbed is memory foam, and the supportive midsole provides superior shockabsorption. An anti-slip rubber sole helps keep you grounded, and the steel toeis ASTM F2412-2011 I/75 C/75 rated, which is the highest possible certificationfor impact resistance.
Puma Celebrity Knit SD
Eventhe most fashion-forward steel toe shoes tend to look like bulky workwear, butthe Celebrity Knit shoe from Puma is here to change that. This shoe features aSafety Knit upper that provides a customized sock-like fit and patentedBreathActive lining, which wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable.
TheEvercushion MISS footbed provides cushioning and comfort, and the EVA midsoleis filled with tiny bubbles for a cloud-like walking experience. While thisshoe looks more geared to fashion than function, looks can be deceiving.
Thesesafety toe shoes are heat resistant to 300°C/572°F, and it’s ASTM F 1677 MarkII certified for secure contact with the ground. The steel toe meets ASTM’shighest standards for impact and compression resistance. At only one pound pershoe, these Puma’s are also among the lightest steel toes on the market, makingthem one of the most comfortable steel toe shoes you’ll find.
Timberland PRO Direct Attach Women’s Work Boot
Menhave relied on Timberland’s work boots to deliver the highest in comfort andprotection for years. Meanwhile, women were forced to either wear a men’sversion of the boots or seek out a different brand. Thankfully, the new PRODirect Attach boots offer the durability and comfort Timberland is known for ina product specifically designed for a woman’s foot. This all-leather boot offers 200 grams ofinsulation to keep you warm, a slip and oil-resistant lug outsole, TimberlandAnti-Fatigue comfort technology, and a slimmer shape that’s tailored for women.The asymmetrical toe boxes provide enhanced comfort, and the steel toe meets thehighest ASTM regulations for impact and compression resistance.
