The best safety shoes
Safety Shoes – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
Safety shoes are designed with specific features in the sole, toe cap, insole and outer area, which are intended to provide a higher level of protection to the feet in case of unexpected impacts when working. Similarly, they offer greater grip when stepping on smooth or wet surfaces. In this sense, if what you are looking for are shoes with a high level of resistance, Ashion Xialook – Xhl is a good option, since it has a breathable exterior, cushioned insole, high-traction sole, steel toe and midsole. For its part, the Sparco Nitro model adapts to the natural movement of the foot while protecting it from impacts, due to its resin toe cap and polyurethane midsole.
The 9 Best Safety Shoes – Opinions 2022
Safety shoes are usually a product of great demand in the market, so you can find varied designs and brands. Next, we present nine models that currently enjoy a good position, being considered by users as the best.
Comfortable safety shoes
1. Ashion Men’s Toe Cap Safety Shoes
This model has been valued in the different purchase portals as one of the best safety shoes, due to its great manufacturing characteristics. These are comfortable, breathable safety shoes with an adequate level of flexibility, whose synthetic exterior has a series of good quality cuts and seams.
For its part, the interior has been lined with mesh and the pointer area was reinforced with a steel box, duly designed so that it does not cause chafing on the fingers with constant contact. In addition, said metal is capable of withstanding punctures of up to 200 joules, so the level of protection is quite high.
Among other specifications to highlight, we have the three centimeter thick MD rubber sole of this shoe, which adds a series of deep channels to reduce the risk of slipping and enjoy a good grip when stepping.
There are those who value this model as one of the best safety shoes of the moment, but be the one who judges it yourself by reading its positive and negative aspects.
Pros
Traction: You will get a good grip thanks to the series of channels drawn on the platform.
Sole: Its MD rubber sole provides high resistance without sacrificing flexibility and comfort.
Closure: On the instep you will find a lacing system, which will offer you a quick and easy adjustment.
Pointer: The steel reinforcement of the pointer resists impacts and even high temperatures.
Cons
Color: This model is only offered in dark colors, so if you want brighter shades, it may not suit your requirements.
Sparco safety shoes
2. Sparco Shoe S3 SRC Nitro RSNR
Sparco is an Italian house with a fairly solid track record in the market, whose footwear is considered by critics and users to be one of the best safety shoes of 2022. High-end materials such as tanned split leather were used for their construction, in set with microfiber, which give the design resistance, breathability and impermeability.
The sole is made of monodensity polyurethane, while the midsole is made of expanded polyurethane. In this way, the pressure generated when stepping will be distributed throughout the sole for better cushioning. In addition, they are materials that, added to the running format of the platform, provide adequate flexibility so as not to limit the movement of the foot.
For its part, the tip of these Sparco safety shoes has been reinforced with a highly resistant resin called composite, which is made from a combination of boron, fiberglass and carbon.
Sparco, according to user experience, could be the best brand of safety shoes, so the good positioning of this model is not surprising.
Pros
Pointer: Thanks to the composite resin reinforcement on the pointer, you will obtain a high level of protection.
Midsole: You’ll enjoy proper cushioning due to the added extension polyurethane in the midsole.
Exterior: Tanned split leather is the material used for the exterior due to its resistance and pleasant touch.
Insole: Its removable insole helps to facilitate the cleaning of the footwear.
Cons
Last: The last of the shoe could be a bit narrow compared to other models.
Safety shoes Cofra
3. Cofra 78400-000 Mw43 Shoe Owens S1 P Src
Cofra is a footwear manufacturer with a long history in the industry. On this occasion, it presents us with a model that, according to buyers, could answer the question of which are the best safety shoes.
Its high-density polyurethane sole incorporates a series of deep channels, which will allow you to enjoy a greater grip when stepping. For its part, the interior incorporates a Cofra Soft-type insole in flexible polyurethane, which is a padded and antistatic material, designed with micro-perforations that improve perspiration at all times.
Added to these Cofra safety shoes is an aluminum reinforcement on the toecap that will prevent injuries to your feet due to an unexpected impact, while the internal Sany Dry cover will provide protection against bacteria and a high level of freshness. In addition, the instep in split leather and closure by means of laces stand out.
If you still don’t know which safety shoes to buy, the invitation is to review the pros and cons of the following model.
Pros
Insole: The anatomical design of its insole allows a correct and comfortable coupling to the foot.
Pointer: You won’t have to worry about unexpected impacts, since it incorporates an aluminum pointer for greater protection.
Lining: The three-dimensional polyester of the internal lining provides freshness and antibacterial protection.
Exterior: The split leather used on the exterior provides resistance, breathability and is easy to clean.
Cons
Hardness: It is possible that the sole of the shoe is a little stiff initially, but over the days it will adapt to the movement of the foot.
Safety shoes for women
4. Larnmern Women’s Safety Shoes LM-8038 SRC
In this opportunity, Larnmern incorporates into the market what could be the best value for money safety shoes, since they are one of the cheapest in this list of selected products.
These are safety shoes for women made with highly resistant breathable mesh, which will provide a high level of freshness to the foot at all times. For its part, the pointer has been reinforced with aluminum to create a protection chamber in case of unexpected impacts on the fingers.
The polyurethane sole generates a good grip on the ground without fear of unexpected slipping, while the EVA rubber midsole cushions pressure and distributes it throughout the sole for greater comfort.
With regard to the adjustment and closure of these shoes, a lace crisscrossed by two rows of holes stands out on the instep, to adapt the shoe to the foot easily.
With this safety shoe you will take with you a high quality product and, according to users, one of the cheapest shoes.
Pros
Breathability: The outer mesh provides a high level of breathability to your feet.
Midsole: The EVA rubber in the midsole cushions and distributes pressure for greater comfort.
Sole: The polyurethane sole will prevent unexpected slipping regardless of the type of surface.
Tip: Thanks to the aluminum chamber in the pointer you won’t have to worry about impacts.
Cons
Last: It is possible that the last is smaller than the guideline according to the size, so you should choose a number above the one you usually use.
Bellota safety shoes
5. Acorn 72212G-43 S3 Men’s and Women’s Trail Shoes
These Bellota safety shoes have been designed with high quality materials, which will allow you to enjoy highly resistant equipment to protect your feet when working. The design has well-defined cuts and seams that give it a modern style, suitable for both men and women.
The sole is made of rubber and the midsole is made of EVA rubber. In this way, you will obtain a platform with great attributes such as resistance to hydrocarbons, its anti-slip properties and a good grip on any surface. Likewise, you will not have to worry about the pressure generated when stepping, since this will be cushioned and distributed throughout the plant.
Also noteworthy are the padding of the tongue, the closure system by means of laces on the instep for quick adjustment and the reinforced shaft, which increase ankle protection.
The Bellota 72212G-43 S3 are unisex shoes with a protective toe cap and a high-grip sole, whose characteristics we will discuss below.
Pros
Non- slip: The rubber used for the sole offers non-slip properties, so you can use the shoe on wet or smooth surfaces.
Cushioning: The incorporation of an EVA rubber midsole allows to cushion the pressure of the foot.
Closure: You can easily adjust and close the boots, thanks to the front lacing system.
Design: These are safety shoes with a modern cut, defined finishes and a unisex design.
Cons
Lack of rigidity: The sole might be too flexible for some people who prefer a more stable platform.
Panter safety shoes
6. Panter Diamante Plus S3 PU/TPU Safety Shoe
Panter safety shoes have a robust design with precise cuts and detailed finishes, which show the high level of quality in their construction. For the exterior, a type of highly resistant treated natural leather was used, while the interior has been padded and lined with mesh, to maintain constant breathability. Also, the fabric has antibacterial properties for greater hygiene.
On the other hand, we have the incorporation of an anti-perforation plant and a polyurethane sole with deep channels. In this way, you will get an optimal grip when stepping, as well as adequate resistance to hydrocarbons and oils.
We cannot forget the metallic reinforcement of the pointer area that will protect your fingers from unexpected impacts, without having to sacrifice comfort due to annoying scratches. In addition, it highlights the correct adjustment system given by a crisscross cord in the pair of holes on the instep.
The construction characteristics of these safety shoes have managed to capture the attention of buyers due to their high quality, so we invite you to review their pros and cons.
Pros
Adjustment: You will be able to attach the shoe to the foot thanks to the lacing system arranged on the instep.
Pointer: Unexpected impacts on the pointer will not be a problem thanks to the internal metallic coating.
Lining: The interior of the shoes in breathable mesh will keep your feet always fresh.
Sole: The polyurethane sole with channels will give you a correct grip on different surfaces.
Cons
Rigidity: The sole could be a bit rigid, but with the passing of days it will adapt to your anatomy.
Diadora safety shoes
7. Utility Diadora Work Shoe Low Glove II
At first glance you might think that these are running shoes due to their sporty design and great lightness. However, when reviewing its specifications, you will be surprised by the series of attributes that these Diadora safety shoes have.
It is a unisex footwear, whose synthetic leather exterior offers a series of cuts and seams that stylize the shape of the foot. On the instep there is a pair of rows with five holes each, which intersect with a flat white lace. In this way, you will be able to pull the ends of said strap to adjust the shoe, according to your taste.
The platform combines rubber in the midsole, for the correct cushioning of the pressure generated by the foot when stepping, as well as rubber in the sole and a series of medium-depth channels, which enhance a correct grip on smooth and wet surfaces.
This model has achieved the acceptance of buyers due to its resistant and anatomical design. Here are some of its main features.
Pros
Midsole: To enjoy greater impact cushioning when stepping, a rubber midsole is attached.
Sole: The rubber sole with moderately deep channels enhances a better grip and prevents slipping.
Design: This is a shoe with a modern and stylized cut aimed at the male and female target.
Closure: The instep lacing system will allow you to adjust the shoe quickly.
Cons
Presentation: If you are looking for a shoe with a colorful touch, you will have to look for more options, since this model is only available in a gray with black tone.
Safety shoes J Hayber
8. J’ Hayber Works Casual Sport Style Safety Shoes
Other cheap safety shoes that you should not let go unnoticed on your shopping list are these with the J’ Hayber Works quality seal, which have a sporty, modern, safe and highly resistant design.
For the construction of the platform, two polymers with high resistance to abrasion were used: thermoplastic polyurethane in the sole area and expanded polyurethane in the midsole, to achieve better cushioning.
In addition, these J Hayber safety shoes have been lined internally with antibacterial fabric, which keeps your feet fresh and free of bad odours. For its part, the composite resin pointer provides the necessary protection in case of unexpected impacts when working.
Among other specifications of interest is the exterior of the product, in which a polyester mesh and split leather reinforcements stand out, which are flexible fibres, with a pleasant touch and durable.
With this footwear you can dress in fashion and protect your feet from any impact. Learn about its main features below.
Pros
Sole: Its thermoplastic polyurethane sole allows a secure grip and resistance to abrasion.
Midsole: Thanks to the expanded polyurethane midsole, the pressure when stepping will be quickly cushioned.
Exterior: Its leather and mesh exterior will keep your feet protected and fresh.
Pointer: The internal cover of the pointer in high resistance resin will protect you from impacts.
Cons
Last: The last of the shoes may not meet the standard measurement associated with the size, so you should check the length and width indicated by the manufacturer.
Safety Shoes Walls
9. Paredes Spro+ Chameleon Black Reflective Safety Shoe Cheste
Paredes is a brand that is widely discussed in the different shopping portals, because it is used to marketing products with high quality standards that manage to satisfy the needs of buyers.
These Paredes safety shoes are made with certified raw material that provides the feet with a high level of protection, breathability and cushioning. In this sense, you will be interested to know that double density EVA rubber was used for the midsole, while the sole was made with nitrile-type rubber.
For its part, the insole incorporates an anti-perforation membrane. As for the interior, it has been padded and lined with polyester mesh. In this way, you will enjoy great comfort and you will not have to worry about chafing.
You will also be interested to know that the synthetic exterior of the shoe is resistant to abrasion and the lace-up closure system is quite easy to adjust.
These safety shoes have a resistant design that will adapt perfectly to your foot. Here are its positive and negative aspects.
Pros
Pointer: Thanks to the incorporation of fiberglass in the pointer, you can protect your fingers from impacts.
Lining: The inner lining in polyester mesh allows better breathability.
Midsole: The double-density EVA-type foam will cushion the pressure of each one of your steps.
Sole: The nitrile type rubber used in the sole is non-slip and abrasion resistant.
Cons
Last: The last is a bit tight as commented on the purchase sites, so it is advisable to select a size above the one used.
Shopping guide
Safety footwear groups together a series of manufacturing characteristics that must be reviewed with great attention, since in this way you will be able to select the model that best suits your needs for use. Remember that not all designs are the same. In this sense, the invitation is to review the following guide to buying the best safety shoes, in which we present the main quality indicators to specify in the products that capture your attention.
Manufacturing and strength
Among the aspects to be evaluated in any comparison of safety shoes, the manufacturing materials stand out, because, depending on their level of quality, we will be able to determine the durability of the footwear and the protection that it will be able to offer us.
When reviewing the different brands used to make the exterior of this type of footwear, we find that the main raw material used can vary between 3D, polyester or microfiber fabrics, since they provide greater breathability. Similarly, some types of duly treated synthetic or genuine leather stand out, which provide the foot with stability and extra protection.
On the other hand, there is the inner lining, which is usually a cotton fiber or some other textile that absorbs moisture, keeps the foot cool and provides a comfortable space without annoying chafing.
In any case, what is really important is that you check if the materials are robust, have an adequate level of resistance, have waterproof properties and, if possible, if they are certified. Thus, you will have the certainty that you will be carrying a quality product with you.
Cleaning
Safety shoes are used in different types of factories and mechanical and construction companies, among others. In this sense, it is to be assumed that the footwear will be constantly exposed to different types of dirt, so it is necessary that the selected product is easy to clean. Otherwise, these agents will end up deteriorating the footwear.
Ideally, shoes can be washed with a soapy solution or some specialized product, depending on the type of material. In this way, you can take a sponge, brush or cloth and rub the mixture freely, both on the outside of the shoe and on its sole, without fear of damaging the fibers and metal-reinforced areas.
Likewise, it is recommended that the insole be removable so that you can clean it. Thus, you will avoid the proliferation of bacteria and bad odors inside. On the other hand, the laces arranged on the instep of the shoe also accumulate a lot of dirt, so they must be removed and washed. This will maintain hygiene and a pleasing aesthetic.
Sole
You must be careful in the selection of your safety shoes and not guide your selection solely on aesthetics or how cheap they are. Always keep in mind that the footwear must meet a series of quality indicators to be evaluated, among which you cannot let the type of sole go unnoticed. Remember that this platform is responsible for providing the necessary grip on the different types of surfaces where you will move.
Most manufacturers use polyurethane or EVA rubber, which are two materials that are highly resistant to abrasion, as well as capable of providing an adequate level of flexibility, so as not to sacrifice the comfort of the foot when stepping on it. Additionally, it is necessary that the sole incorporates some channels of medium depth that improve the grip.
On the other hand, there is the issue of the midsole, which can be composed of a thin sheet of metal, which acts as a protective barrier for the sole of the foot. Likewise, some models have been provided with some type of rubber with specific properties to distribute and absorb impacts.
Toe cap and inner lining
There are many factors in safety shoes that can directly influence how much the product costs and the case of the pointer is characteristic of this type of footwear.
This area of the shoes is usually made of stainless steel, aluminum, or brass. These are robust and highly resistant materials, which are incorporated as an internal lining. Thus, a high level of protection is offered to the feet in the event of any unexpected impact when working. Of course, everything will depend on the selected brand. In any case, you should be vigilant and verify the density of the metal, as well as whether it has been treated against corrosion to prevent deterioration. With regard to the internal textile lining, try as much as possible that it is made up of a breathable fiber such as polyester, cotton or with 3D technology.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to use safety shoes?
To start using your safety shoes, you must start by crisscrossing the laces between the holes in the instep. Then, put on your feet a pair of stockings with a robust and breathable body, which give you comfort and freshness. Proceed to insert the foot into the shoe and carefully adjust the laces until it is completely attached to the interior. Finish by knotting the two ends of the ribbons together, to avoid losing the acquired tension.
Q2: When is the use of safety shoes mandatory?
Safety footwear is used to carry out specific jobs in factories or in the construction area, since it is generally in direct contact with machinery or heavy objects that could impact our feet and cause us an injury. Similarly, the sole offers a higher level of protection and traction on different types of surfaces.
Q3: How to clean safety shoes?
Cleaning safety shoes is a fairly simple task that you should do frequently, to prevent dirt from taking root and deteriorating the materials. The first thing you’ll need to do is remove the laces, soak them for at least five minutes in a soapy solution, wash them under the tap, and hang them up to dry.
For shoes, you’ll need a soft-bristled cloth or brush, as well as a container to mix bleach-free detergent and water into. Proceed to rub the solution on the outside of the shoes and the sole. Then, it only remains to remove the product with water and place the shoes in a ventilated place to dry.
Q4: What are safety shoes made of?
The manufacturing materials of safety shoes are usually varied and depend directly on the manufacturer. For example, the exterior can be split leather, microfiber or polyester, since they are breathable and resistant materials. For its part, the pointer area incorporates steel, aluminum or brass, which provide a high level of protection to the fingers in the event of impacts, without causing chafing or discomfort.
In addition, some soft fabric is used for the interior lining, preferably with 3D technology, to promote greater comfort and freshness in the foot, while the sole is usually made of EVA rubber or polyurethane, which give the footwear a good level of traction., flexibility and stability.
Q5: What does SRC mean in safety shoes?
When purchasing a model of safety shoes, it is important that you take into consideration the issue of the grip of the sole, which, if it is not the most appropriate, could cause unexpected slips when moving on smooth or wet surfaces. Therefore, it is important that you verify that the footwear has been marked with the acronym “SRC”, since this means that it is a product designed to be used on steel surfaces with glycerin. If so, then the sole has adequate resistance to not slip on this type of material.
Q6: What does S3 mean in safety shoes?
The acronym “S3” is a classification given to safety shoes. In this way, the footwear must have a non-slip and antistatic sole, as well as it is necessary that both the sole and the insole are capable of absorbing and correctly distributing the impacts.
On the other hand, the “S3” regulations indicate that the shoes must have a reinforced aluminum, brass or steel toe cap, a high level of resistance to hydrocarbon corrosion and an anti-perforation insole.
Q7: What is the best brand of safety shoes?
Safety shoes are a very popular product, which is usually part of the mandatory equipment of thousands of workers worldwide. In this sense, it is not surprising the great variety of existing brands in the market that have a good positioning and acceptance by buyers. Thus, we can mention Cofra, Sparco, Ashion, Larnmern, Bellota, among others.
Q8: What guarantee do safety shoes have?
Safety shoes, like the vast majority of products, have a warranty period in which they can be returned, either due to some imperfection in their structure or the premature deterioration of some of their parts. All this may vary as stipulated by each of the manufacturers. In any case, the important thing is that, when you open the purchase package, you read the included manual so that you know the regulations of the brand.