Safety shoes

What are safety shoes?

Safety shoes protect your feet from workplace hazards like falling objects, sharp materials, slips, and electrical risks. They are essential (and often mandatory) in sectors such as construction, warehouses, industry, healthcare, and hospitality. With added support and cushioning, they also reduce fatigue and pain during long workdays.

Why are safety shoes important?

• Prevent injuries and protect against various workplace hazards.
• Provide foot support and reduce physical discomfort.
• Essential for complying with workplace safety regulations. See Arbo Act: Personal protective equipment.

What risks do safety shoes cover?

• Physical protection: Steel toe caps, puncture-resistant midsoles.
• Anti-slip: Reduce the risk of slipping.
• Anti-static: Prevents electric shocks.
• Waterproofing: Keeps feet dry in wet environments.

See Arboportaal: Explanation of foot protection and risks.

Large selection of safety shoes

71Workx offers a wide and diverse range of safety shoes:

• Men's, women's, unisex models.
• Top brands like Grisport, Redbrick, Emma, Solid Gear, Blåkläder, Reebok, Portwest, Carhartt.
• Various types: work boots, clogs, professional shoes, sporty safety shoes, formal shoes, slip-on shoes.
• Popular features: BOA closure, anti-slip, anti-static, waterproof, lightweight, white safety shoes.
• High, low, and mid-top options.

Check out our two blogs on the top 10 best safety shoes for 2025 and the top 5 for women:

• Top 10 best safety shoes of 2025
• The top 5 best safety shoes for women

Safety standards explained (EN ISO 20345)

The EN ISO 20345 standard outlines the minimum safety requirements for safety shoes. Within this standard, different classes specify unique properties. This table provides a quick overview of the protection offered by each standard:

*S1P also includes S1PS and S1PL.
**S3 also includes S3S and S3L.
***S7 also includes S7S and S7L.

Differences between safety standards

• S1: Ideal for light and dry work environments.
• S1P: Extra protection with puncture-resistant soles, suitable for dry conditions.
• S2: Water-repellent upper, great for wet and slippery environments.
• S3: The most popular choice, protects against penetration and water, suitable for all-round use.
• S5: Fully waterproof and highly durable, like rubber boots.
• S7: Maximum protection with puncture resistance and full waterproofing, ideal for heavy-duty work.

Want to know more about the standard?

• See EN ISO 20345:2022 at ISO.
• Explanation of PPE at the Dutch Government and EU-OSHA.

71Workx blogs:

• Explanation of safety standards and codes.
• Explanation of the new safety standard, EN ISO 20345:2022.

Sector-specific guide: Which safety shoes suit your job?

Every profession has different safety requirements for shoes. Think of protection against falling objects in construction, slip resistance and washability in healthcare, or chemical protection in industry. Always consult your employer or safety coordinator to determine the required standard. Use this industry overview as a starting point:

*The S1P standard includes S1PS and S1PL.

**The S3 standard includes S3S and S3L.

***The S7 standard includes S7S and S7L.

High, low, or mid-height model: What's the difference?

Choosing between a high, low, or mid-height model depends on your tasks, comfort preferences, and desired protection level.

• Low safety shoes: Flexible, lightweight, and ideal for jobs requiring a lot of walking or kneeling. Less ankle support.
• High safety shoes: Provide extra stability and ankle protection, perfect for rougher work or working on ladders.
• Mid-height safety shoes: Combine the flexibility of low models with the protection of high models.

Materials and technologies that make the difference

The choice of materials and innovative technologies ultimately determines the comfort, protection, and lifespan of the safety shoe.

Key components

• Outsoles:
  • PU: Lightweight and cushioned, ideal for long days.
  • Rubber/Nitrile: Excellent grip, durable, often HRO (heat-resistant up to 300°C).
  • TPU: Strong anti-slip and durability, often found in S3 sneakers and all-round models.
• Midsole (penetration protection):
  • Steel: Maximum penetration resistance.
  • Composite/Kevlar: Lighter and more flexible, great for walking long distances and bending work.
• Safety toe cap:
  • Steel: Maximum impact protection, slightly heavier.
  • Composite/fiberglass/aluminum: Lighter, often thermally insulating and metal-free.
  • Choice: Working in metal-free zones? Choose composite. Need maximum strength? Steel is ideal.
• Upper material and membranes:
  • Textile/Mesh/Cambrelle: Breathable, moisture-regulating, and lightweight; ensure water-repellent or waterproof if needed.
  • Leather/Nubuck/Full-grain: Durable, classic strength, easy to clean, professional appearance.
  • Waterproof membrane (WR/WRU): Keeps feet dry during wet work. Gore-Tex/HDRY/CTX keep water out while allowing moisture to escape.
• ESD and anti-static:
  • ESD: Safely dissipates electrostatic charge (important in electronics/pharma).
  • Anti-static: Prevents static buildup; less strict than ESD.
• Closures:
  • Laces: Universal and adjustable.
  • BOA/Quick lace: Fast on/off, micro-adjustable for a precise fit, convenient with gloves.
• Heat and cold:
  • HRO soles: Heat-resistant contact up to 300°C.
  • CI/HI: Insulation against cold/heat inside the shoe.
• Extras: Reflective for visibility, overcap (scuff cap) for wear resistance, removable insoles for hygiene and fit.

71Workx blogs:

• About choosing materials for your upper, toe cap, or sole
• About trends and innovations in safety shoes

Fit and size: How to choose comfortably

A proper fit prevents pressure points and fatigue. Measure your foot, check the size chart, and try two sizes if unsure.

Practical tips

• Try them on at the end of the day (feet are slightly larger).
• Wear the work socks you’ll use on the job (merino/cotton, flat seams).
• Pay attention to both length and width (some brands offer wider lasts).
• Consider insoles or orthotics.
• Check toe room with a standing foot (±1 cm).

Useful links:

• Discover our work socks
• Discover our size charts and product information

Choose the perfect safety shoes in 4 steps

1. Assess your risks: Are falling objects, penetration, or wet/slippery surfaces a concern?
2. Choose the standard: S1P/S3 is often a safe base; switch to S6/S7 for prolonged wet conditions.
3. Fit and comfort: Choose the right last, cushioning, and model (low/mid/high) for your work style.
4. Material: Each material has unique features, leather is durable and classic, mesh is breathable.

Frequently asked questions about safety shoes

• How long do safety shoes last?
  With normal use, around 6-12 months. Proper maintenance significantly extends their lifespan. Read more about safety shoes and durability.
• When to replace them?
  As soon as the sole becomes smooth or damaged, the upper is torn, or protection is no longer guaranteed.
• How many pairs do you need?
  One to two pairs per year, depending on use and wear.
• Are they mandatory?
  Yes, in many sectors (such as construction, warehouses, industry, healthcare), they are legally and/or employer-required. Check occupational safety and company regulations. See: Government PPE.
• What size should I get?
  Trying them on is best! Use a size chart, consider sock thickness, and measure at the end of the day. See: size charts and product information.
• Can they be washed?
  Some models can, always follow the manufacturer’s label.
• Which shoes for sweaty feet or extreme conditions?
  Choose ventilated, antibacterial, or moisture-regulating shoes (like models with mesh or ESD/antibacterial linings).
• Who pays for your shoes?
  In case of legal requirements, usually the employer. Check CAO/company policy.
• What’s the difference between water-repellent and waterproof?
  Water-repellent keeps splashes and short-term moisture out. Waterproof (WR) protects against prolonged exposure to water and rain.
• Which socks should I wear in safety shoes?
  Choose breathable, moisture-wicking socks (e.g., merino or technical work socks) and avoid thick seams that cause pressure points.

Buy your safety shoes at 71Workx

At 71Workx, you’ll find all types of safety shoes, from basic models to high-end protective footwear.

Our advantages:

• Wide and deep assortment: From classic to sporty, men’s/women’s, low/mid/high, boots, and slip-ons
• Safety standards for every industry
• Fast delivery (2-8 working days) and easy returns
• Free shipping from €85 (excl. VAT)
• Customer service with expert knowledge
• Promotions and competitive deals
• Secure payment, options for invoicing/post-payment
• Trusted brands: Emma, Grisport, Redbrick, Reebok, Caterpillar, Solid Gear, and more

Author: Mariska - Product Specialist Personal Protection

Last update: 2025-09-05

For whom?: Advice for professionals in construction, logistics, healthcare, industry, and more.

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