Footwear

Safety Footwear Explored

As you may know well, in any industrial environment, from a busy factory floor to construction sites across the UK, your feet and those of your employees really are the foundation of a safe and productive workday.

As a result, when choosing the right safety footwear, it isn't just about ticking a compliance box; it's about providing you and your team with genuine protection against real-world hazards, all while making sure that they get comfort through long shifts and preventing costly workplace injuries from occurring as they do so.

So, if you are unsure which type of footwear is right for you, then this guide is designed to help demystify the standards, explain the technology, explain what actually counts as a safety shoe, as well as simplify your selection process - all to help you make a more informed decision when you are looking to find the perfect protection for any and your application.

So let’s make your workplace safer, comfier, and more protected — because a healthy body is the best tool you’ve got.

Then, if you are still not sure, our helpful customer service team is on hand to answer any questions you may have.

What is Safety Footwear?

Definition: Safety footwear refers to specially designed shoes or boots that protect the wearer from workplace hazards such as impact, compression, punctures, slips, electrical risks, and chemical exposure, to name just a few.

Typically, these then feature steel or composite toe caps, reinforced soles, and slip-resistant materials, as safety footwear meets specific industry standards to give you the protection, durability, and comfort you need in various hazardous working environments.

Key Workplace Hazards for Feet

Before you can choose the right boot, it really is key for you to know what you’re protecting your team against.

Here, modern safety footwear really is designed to combat a wide range of specific risks, including, for instance:

Impact & Compression

This is the most obvious hazard you and your team will face – as the risk of something heavy falling on or rolling over the foot tends to be high.

As a result, you tend to see that all safety footwear must have a protective toecap to shield the toes from injury.

Punctures

If you and your team are also working around sharp objects like nails, screws, or scrap metal, these then put the sole of the foot at risk.

This is where footwear that has a penetration-resistant midsole really is a required and essential feature to help prevent these objects from piercing through the boot especially.

Slips, Trips & Falls

According to the 2023/2024 data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), slips, trips, or falls on the same level accounted for 31% of all non-fatal injuries to employees in workplace injuries in the UK.

This is down 1% from the year prior; however, consistently, it still makes it the single most common cause of workplace injury, responsible for more incidents than handling, lifting, or being struck by a moving object combined.

As a result, a high-quality, slip-resistant outsole is really arguably one of the most important safety features of all that you can get for your footwear here to help to reduce this number.

Chemicals & Liquids

From oils and fuels on a garage floor to cleaning agents and agricultural chemicals, many workplaces expose feet to harmful liquids as well.

If this is related to you, the right footwear here should provide you with a waterproof and chemical-resistant barrier to really keep your feet dry and safe as well.

Electrical Hazards

For electricians or those working near live components, specialist footwear is also more than needed.

This can be either antistatic, to prevent a build-up of static electricity, or Electrical Hazard (EH) rated to provide you with insulation from electric shocks as well, for example.

What Are the Types of Safety Footwear Available?

When looking at the types of safety footwear available, there really isn't a one-size-fits-all approach you can take here.

For example, these can consist of:

Safety Trainers

Combining modern style with essential protection, safety trainers really have become incredibly popular for indoor work environments.

Not only do they then look and feel much like a regular pair of trainers, but they also come equipped with protective toecaps (often lightweight composite ones, we should note) and flexible midsoles as well.

Ideal for

As a result, these tend to be ideal for roles in warehousing, logistics, light engineering, and for tradespeople like plumbers and electricians, as well as they offer excellent comfort and flexibility for workers who are on their feet all day.

Safety Rating

You'll typically find them with an S1P rating, perfect for dry indoor conditions where comfort and protection from punctures are key as well.

Safety Wellingtons

When you're faced with wet, muddy, and dirty conditions, a safety wellington really is the only tool for the job here.

Ideal for

Essential for agriculture, food production, drainage work, and construction sites, they really do provide you with a fully waterproof barrier.

Safety Rating

A top-quality safety welly will also have an S5 rating normally as well, which means it includes a protective toecap, a puncture-resistant midsole, and excellent grip in slippery conditions.

You also want to look out for many, which can also offer you features like thermal insulation for cold environments and chemical resistance for specific industrial applications as well here.

Safety Work Boots

The classic safety work boot is then your go-to choice for most construction, groundwork, and heavy industry roles.

Features

They are also built for durability and offer you excellent ankle support, which is key when you are working on uneven ground especially.

These can also usually feature a strong leather upper and a high-grip, durable outsole as well.

Safety Rating

They are also most commonly found with an S3 rating, and this provides you with all-round protection, including a water-resistant upper, making them the perfect, reliable choice for tough outdoor work in the unpredictable British weather especially.

Safety Work Shoes

A safety work shoe then offers you a more formal look than a boot or trainer.

Ideal for

This look then makes them ideal for managers, supervisors, and site visitors who need to be on the factory floor but also look smart in an office environment at the same time.

Safety Rating

Here, they tend to provide all the necessary protection, often with an S1 or S1P rating, including a protective toecap and sometimes midsole protection, but in a more discreet, low-cut design.

They are the perfect hybrid for roles that mix hands-on work with office-based tasks normally.

Smart Safety Shoe Styles

The Smart Safety Shoe Styles category then includes formal brogues, loafers, and Chelsea boots that cleverly conceal their protective features.

Ideal for

These are then designed for senior managers, engineers, and directors who may need to walk through areas requiring PPE all without changing their footwear, as these styles are designed entirely to blend seamlessly with your business attire.

Safety Rating

They also typically feature steel or composite toecaps and tend to meet SB or S1 standards, proving that you don't have to compromise on professional appearance to stay protected and compliant on-site.

Socks, Insoles & Laces

While not footwear themselves, Socks, Insoles & Laces are accessories which you need for comfort, fit, and overall safety.

Ideal for

A good pair of moisture-wicking work socks can prevent blisters and keep your feet comfortable during long shifts, for instance.

All while specialist insoles can provide you with extra cushioning or arch support, improving your comfort and reducing your fatigue simultaneously.

And keeping a spare pair of durable laces is also always a good idea to ensure your boots remain securely fitted as well.

Your Guide to UK Safety Footwear Standards, EN ISO 20345 Explained

Moving from the types of safety footwear available, all legitimate safety footwear sold in the UK must meet the European standard EN ISO 20345.

This is your guarantee that the footwear has passed a rigorous set of tests, the most basic of which is a 200-joule impact-resistant toecap, for instance.

Beyond that basic requirement, a series of codes on the label of each item will tell you exactly what other protections the boot gives you.

As a result, by understanding these, we believe you should then be able to make an informed decision on the boot or shoe you need to buy for your individual use cases .

Main Safety Ratings Table

For instance, here we have put together this handy table, which breaks down the most common 'S' ratings you'll see.

In simple terms, the higher the number, the more protective features tend to be included.

For example, here you have:

Additional Protection Codes

Alongside the 'S' rating, you might see these extra codes, which signify specialist protection features.

For instance, here, these can consist of:

Recommended Footwear for Your Industry

While a full risk assessment is always necessary, and this is a must, you really can not miss this step as the footwear you buy needs to align with this; certain industries have common requirements.

Here are some general recommendations to guide you; however, if your risk assessments and other RAMs say something otherwise, you should always follow those to the letter.

Construction & Groundworks

For general construction work, you'll almost always be looking for an S3-rated boot.

These boots then give you the full package: a protective toe cap, a puncture-resistant midsole to protect from nails on site, and a water-resistant upper to cope with the famously unpredictable British weather.

Pro Tip: Always try to look for good ankle support and a robust, high-grip outsole as well for the best results.

Engineering & Manufacturing

For indoor roles on a factory or workshop floor, an S1 or S1P rating is often the standard you will need here.

These environments are typically dry, so full water resistance isn't needed, and an S1P gives you crucial puncture resistance for workshops with metal swarf or offcuts as well.

Pro Tip: A lightweight composite toecap can also improve your comfort during long shifts here as well.

Warehousing & Logistics

Comfort is king here, so you should look for lightweight safety trainers unless otherwise specified, with an S1P rating being ideal.

They will then provide you with the necessary protection from falling objects and sharp items on the floor while being flexible and comfortable for staff who are on their feet all day.

Pro Tip: Excellent slip resistance is also a must-have for smooth warehouse floors as well - especially given the HSE statistics covered earlier.

Electricians & Utilities

This is a specialist area, so depending on the specific task, you'll need footwear marked as either Antistatic (A) or, for work near live circuits, Electrical Hazard (EH) rated.

These boots are then typically made with no metal components (including the toecap and midsole) to provide insulation.

Leading Safety Footwear Brands

While safety standards provide a very good baseline, the brand of safety footwear you choose often determines the level of comfort, durability, and specialist features you receive.

For instance, here, different brands can actually have different areas of expertise.

Here’s a look at some of the leading names we trust and what makes them stand out from the crowd.

Amblers Safety

A solid British brand offering you a huge variety of reliable and affordable styles.

Amblers are a go-to for finding a good all-round workhorse boot or shoe and are particularly noted for their extensive range, which includes a good selection of vegan-friendly safety footwear.

Anvil Traction

Anvil Traction is known for its focus on lightweight, non-metallic safety shoes.

So, if you need a certified S2 shoe that won't weigh you down during a long shift indoors and where underfoot protection isn't a primary risk, their range is an excellent choice.

Apache

Apache has built a strong reputation for delivering stylish, modern workwear that is both tough and comfortable.

Their footwear range, for example, includes popular safety trainers and hiker boots, often incorporating features found in more expensive brands but at a very competitive price point.

Caterpillar (CAT)

Leveraging their world-renowned reputation for tough construction machinery, CAT safety footwear is synonymous with durability.

Their iconic work boots, like the 'Striver' and 'Powerplant' collections, are built to withstand the harshest environments, making them a favourite on building sites across the UK as a result of this.

Cofra

This Italian brand then brings flair and innovation to the market.

Cofra is particularly well-regarded for its extremely lightweight and comfortable safety trainers, often featuring advanced materials and the convenient BOA® Fit System for lacing, for instance.

They are also a market leader in footwear for ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protected areas.

Deltaplus

Deltaplus then offers you a comprehensive and highly accessible range of PPE, and their footwear is no exception here.

They, for instance, provide you with a wide variety of functional and affordable safety boots, shoes, and wellingtons that cover all the essential safety standards for numerous industries.

Dewalt

A name trusted by tradespeople everywhere, Dewalt translates its power tool ethos of toughness and reliability directly into its footwear.

Their safety boots and hikers are built to be robust, durable, and practical for demanding hands-on work, for instance.

Dr. Martens

The iconic Dr. Martens boot silhouette is now a staple in the workwear world as well.

They blend their signature style and air-cushioned sole with steel toe caps and other safety features as well.

For those who want proven protection without compromising on a classic, alternative look, 'DMs' are the perfect choice here in our view.

Dunlop

When it comes to protective wellingtons, Dunlop is just a world leader.

Famous for its innovative 'Purofort' material, Dunlop wellies are incredibly lightweight, thermally insulated, and durable, making them the top choice for agriculture, food production, and any industry dealing with wet and cold conditions as well.

Goliath Footwear

A true UK specialist, Goliath has a heritage of making boots for the toughest jobs.

They are known for their heavy-duty footwear for specialist industries like foundries and utilities, often featuring their highly durable Dual Density Rubber (DDR) injected soles, for example.

Himalayan

Himalayan then offers you a fantastic range of stylish safety footwear, particularly in the hiker and trainer categories.

They are also known for packing features into their designs, often combining high SRC slip resistance ratings with heat resistance and modern styling at a great value price point.

Impacto

Impacto focuses on specialist protection add-ons and is best known for the 'METGUARD', a device that can be attached to existing safety footwear to provide vital metatarsal protection, shielding the upper part of the foot from impact injuries, for instance.

Portwest

As one of the biggest names in PPE, Portwest offers you an exceptionally broad range of safety footwear.

From basic safety boots to specialist welder's boots and vegan-friendly options, they provide a reliable, certified option for virtually any job role or budget.

Pro-Safe

Pro-Safe is then a brand which really is synonymous with delivering you solid, reliable, and compliant safety essentials.

Their footwear range, for instance, is focused on providing you with core protection that you can depend on, representing excellent value for businesses needing to outfit their teams effectively as a result.

Rock Fall

A multi-award-winning UK brand at the forefront of safety footwear innovation.

Rock Fall really is the go-to specialist for complex hazards, as they have market-leading ranges for Electrical Hazard (EH) protection, footwear designed specifically for women (Rock Fall Vixen), and boots for the offshore and foundry industries, for instance.

Select

Select then offers you a range of straightforward, entry-level safety footwear that covers fundamental safety standards.

As a result, it's a practical choice for ensuring basic compliance and protection in less demanding work environments.

Timberland PRO

Building on its reputation as a global lifestyle brand, Timberland PRO then gives you a premium, high-performance workwear.

Their safety boots and shoes then feature advanced comfort technologies, like anti-fatigue footbeds, and are crafted from high-quality materials, making them exceptionally durable and comfortable for long days on your feet.

Toesavers

The Toesavers brand is all about providing compliant safety footwear at an exceptional value.

For businesses needing to provide essential protection across a large workforce without breaking the budget, Toesavers offers you a range of affordable and popular styles that get the job done here.

UVEX

Hailing from Germany, UVEX is a byword for technological innovation and ergonomic design in this category.

Their safety footwear is also engineered with a focus on biomechanics to reduce wearer fatigue as well, and they are known for producing some of the most lightweight and comfortable safety trainers and shoes on the market due to this.

V12 Footwear

A UK-based specialist who is obsessed with comfort and a perfect fit.

V12 is renowned for its industry-leading comfort technologies, including the 'Dynamic Arch insole and the high-grip 'IGS' (Intelligent Grip System) rubber sole, which is inspired by tyre technology.

As a result, they are a top choice for wearers who spend all day on their feet.

Workforce

Workforce then provides you with a wide collection of good value, functional safety footwear.

As a result, it's a dependable brand that offers you a variety of popular styles, from dealer boots to hikers, designed to meet the needs of many different trades.

What's the main difference between S1P and S3?

This is a great question, as both S1P and S3 footwear have a protective toecap, a puncture-resistant midsole, and antistatic properties.

The key difference, though, is that S3 footwear also has a water-resistant upper, making it suitable for working outdoors or in wet conditions, whereas S1P is more intended for dry, indoor environments.

Are composite toecaps as safe as steel ones?

To be sold in the UK here, both types of toecap must pass the same EN ISO 20345 standard for 200-joule impact resistance.

As a result, the choice comes down to the application you need them for instead.

Composite toecaps are much lighter, which reduces fatigue, and they don't conduct cold, heat, or electricity, making them a better choice for very cold environments or for electricians, but steel ones give you much greater strength and higher puncture protection, making them ideal more for higher demanding applications, such as on construction site for instance.

As an employer, am I legally required to provide safety footwear?

The PPE at Work Regulations are very clear - you are.

If your mandatory risk assessment identifies a risk to an employee's feet that cannot be controlled by other means, you must provide suitable PPE, such as safety footwear, and this must be provided completely free of charge to the employee as well and suitable for all use cases they will need to encounter.

Is safety footwear zero-rated for VAT?

This is a common point of confusion. For personal purchases by an individual, protective boots (but not shoes or trainers) are zero-rated for VAT.

However, when a business buys any type of safety footwear for its employees, it must pay the standard 20% VAT.

The good news is that if your company is VAT-registered, you can reclaim this VAT in the usual way.

Which safety feature in footwear reduces a crushing injury?

The single most important feature for preventing a crushing injury to the toes is the protective toecap.

All footwear certified to the EN ISO 20345 standard in the UK includes a toecap tested to withstand a 200-joule impact.

This toecap, whether made from traditional steel, lightweight aluminium, or non-metallic composite material, will act as a reinforced shield to protect the foot from compression and crushing forces from falling objects or heavy machinery as a result of this.

What are the characteristics of good safety footwear?

Good safety footwear goes far beyond just meeting the basic standards.

The best footwear, for instance, combines safety with comfort and durability.

Here, key characteristics tend to include a certified safety rating appropriate for the job (e.g., S3 for construction), excellent slip resistance on relevant surfaces, high-quality materials like full-grain leather for durability, and crucial comfort features like a padded collar as well as an ergonomic footbed and a breathable lining.

A good fit is also more than essential and often required, as the footwear should be snug without being tight, with enough room to move your toes freely as well.

What are the key differences between safety shoes and work shoes?

The fundamental difference is certified protection. A safety shoe is a specific type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that must be tested and certified to the EN ISO 20345 standard, guaranteeing it has a 200-joule protective toecap.

A work shoe or 'occupational shoe', on the other hand, is not required to have a protective toecap.

While it might be hard-wearing, water-resistant, or have a grippy sole, it may offer you no certified protection against impact or crushing injuries, making it unsuitable for environments where these risks are present - so one to keep a lookout for when comparing the individual features of the boots you are most interested in.

Can you wear safety shoes all day?

Modern safety footwear is specifically designed for all-day wear, that is right.

Gone are the days of relentlessly heavy and uncomfortable boots; thanks to advancements like lightweight composite toecaps, flexible non-metallic midsoles, and ergonomic designs with cushioned insoles, today's safety footwear can really be as comfortable as a regular pair of trainers.

However, choosing the right style and making sure that you have a proper fit really is key to guaranteeing your comfort throughout a long working day.

What types of safety footwear should electricians wear?

Electricians must wear specialist footwear to protect against electrical hazards, and the correct type depends on the specific task at hand; it isn't really a case of every time. It must 100% be this.

For instance, as long as the footwear is marked with either an EH (Electrical Hazard) rating, which means it's insulated to protect against shocks, or an A (Antistatic rating, which prevents the build-up of static electricity that could damage sensitive components you will tend to be fine.

However, always follow your own risk assessments and industry requirements, as with all footwear.

Pro Tip: An electrician's footwear should be made with no metal parts; this means having a composite toecap and a non-metallic, puncture-resistant midsole instead of steel versions, for instance.

How does safety footwear differ for men and women?

The difference is more significant than just size. You will be surprised to find out.

For instance, a properly designed women's safety boot is not just a smaller version of a man's boot, and vice versa.

It is built on a different 'last' (the mould that gives the shoe its shape) to better fit the anatomical differences of a female foot, which is typically narrower at the heel and has a different arch profile.

This then makes sure that you get a better, more secure fit, which increases both their comfort and safety by preventing the foot from moving around inside the boot in ways it shouldn't.

Your Trusted Partner for Workplace Safety

As you can see, choosing the right supplier is as important as choosing the right product here.

We understand the pressures on Health and Safety managers and procurement officers to get it right, and that is why we are always here to help you whenever you need it.

Huge Range, Ready to Go

With thousands of products from industry-leading brands like DeWalt, CAT, and Portwest, we have the stock ready for despatch from our central distribution hub right here in the Midlands, UK.

Expert, No-Nonsense Advice

Our team is also always on hand to help you navigate the standards and select the perfect footwear for your team's specific risks as well, and more importantly, as a large UK supplier, we also speak your language and understand the demands of your industry more than most.

Compliance Guaranteed

As members of the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), we are also committed to supplying only genuine, fully certified products that are fit for purpose, as with MSC, you can be confident that your team is properly protected from head to toe.

So Is Safety Footwear Right For You?

As you can see, good quality footwear really is an investment, and looking after it properly will ensure it protects your team for as long as possible as well.

As a result, you should encourage your staff to carry out regular checks for cracks in the leather, separated soles, or any visible damage to the toecap especially.

With slips and falls being one of the highest reasons for workplace accidents, we are confident that together, we can help to bring this down with the right type of PPE for your exact needs.

Disclaimer

Please note: Even though we have done a good job at explaining this space and what you need to be concerned about easy for you, we obviously can not in one article cover all application uses and areas for your individual applications.

As a result, if at all you are not 100% confident, please contact a trained professional for your exact field, or give our very helpful customer service team a call, as we are also on hand to answer any questions you may personally have, as we may be able to help you further here if you still have questions or you are unsure.

However, all information above should be superseded by what information is in your own personal and individual risk assessments and RAMs.

Contact Customer Support

If you are still not sure about which is the correct safety footwear for you, or you need help, then for further product information, please contact our team, and we will be happy to help you understand which ones are perfect for you and your team.

Standard Delivery Options

We have also extended our delivery service and ordering hours to offer you free next-working-day delivery with immediate despatch, making your shipping experience even easier.

Place your order online by 7 p.m. and choose the delivery charge that suits you - including next-day dispatch - to ensure you get a timely, UK mainland hassle-free delivery of your products.

Standard free UK delivery is also available for all products ordered within the specified time, with free shipping and a good returns policy for certain items as well.

Who Is MSC Industrial Supply Co.?

Here at MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial machine tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom. As a result, we can offer trade accounts, a vast selection of new and great-value products from tool sets to metalworking cutting tools and lots more, with free next-day delivery on eligible orders as well.

Our extensive range includes everything from hand tools and power tools to specialised hole-making equipment like blacksmith drill bits, core drills, and machine reamers, to name just a few.

As a result, we can provide you with a comprehensive selection of products, including:

• Blacksmith Drill Bits
• Countersink Drill Bits
• Step Drill Bits
• Masonry Drill Bits
• Hand Tools
• Indexable Insert Drills
• Cutting Tools
• Abrasives
• Power Tools
• Reamer Tools
• Safety Equipment
• Centre Drill Bits

As a result, we serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and engineering to maintenance and beyond. Consequently, our commitment to providing quality products and exceptional customer service makes us a trusted partner for all your industrial needs.

With our knowledgeable customer support team and technical assistance available Monday-Friday, we ensure you have the support you need to succeed.