When deciding on what type of safety toe to get, it comes down to what safety toe works best for your work environment. Remember to always be careful on the job, and be aware. These technologies do an exceptional job of protecting your feet, but it’s best to prevent situations that can result in injury in the first place.

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Steel Toe

Steel toe shoes are manufactured with heavy-duty steel toe boxes, allowing for feet to be protected from rolling or falling objects at any time. By wearing steel toe shoes, your feet are given maximum protection throughout the work day and you don’t have to be as conscientious about your footwear choice as you would have in the beginning. All steel toe shoes meet or exceed ASTM F2413-05 (formerly ANSI Z41 PT99) I/75 C/75 standards.

Metatarsal Guard (MG)

Metatarsal guard footwear protects both the toes and the metatarsal bone behind the toes. In other words, they protect the top of the foot from heavy weights that may cause injuries by heavy items falling, dropping, or rolling onto the top of the foot. They are manufactured from aluminum, steel, lightweight composites or synthetic materials to help prevent injuries for workplace safety shoes.

Static Dissipative (SD)

These shoes regulate the buildup of electrical charge in an employee’s body. Commonly used in manufacturing of computer components, solvent based paints and plastics. SD products reduce the risk of static shoe to people and to the manufactured product. All safety shoes marked with the “SD” icon meet the ASTM F2413-05 (formerly ANSI Z41 PT99) I/75 C/75 SD.

Conductive (CD)

Conductive shoes protect against the hazards of static electricity build-up. They are intended to protect the wearer in an environment where the accumulations of static electricity on the body is a hazard. These shoes should not be worn by people working near open electrical circuits. All styles marked with the “CD” icon meet the ASTM F2413-05 (formerly ANSI Z41 PT99) I/75 C/75 CD.

Composite Toe

Composite toe shoes are manufactured using lightweight materials such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, plastic, or fiberglass toes as an alternative to metal toes. As a result, composite toe shoes weigh less than metal toe shoes by 30% and also offer impeccable electrical resistance and insulation while exceeding both ASTM F2413-05 (formerly ANSI Z41 PT99) I/75 and C/75 standards. The SEMC® safety-toes retain heat in severe cold, are 30% lighter than steel and are non-metallic for electronic security work environments. These shoes are a great option for moderate level protection.

Nano Toe

HYTEST® HY-LIGHT Nano Technology footwear is available on select HyTest and Wolverine styles, and meet ASTM standards for impact and compression. They are thinner than a composite toe cap for added comfort. Nano Toes are non-metallic and non-conductive to heat or cold. These are the most advanced and lightest toe caps available. They are made using carbon nanotube technology.

Electrical Hazard (EH)

ASTM F2413-05 Electrical Hazard safety footwear provides workers with a secondary source of protection from live circuits, wires or highly charged electrical equipment. The insulating properties of such footwear are measured under dry conditions and may deteriorate in wet environments with wear.

Slip Resistant (SR)

Slip resistant safety footwear is the fastest growing segment of the safety footwear industry. The reason: today’s slip resistant shoes work. For many employers with wet, oily, and/or greasy floors, it is common sense to require slip resistant safety footwear. Slip related injuries can be extremely costly. Employers who require slip resistant boots and shoes reduce worker’s compensation claims. This is good news for everyone.

Puncture Resistant (PR)

Puncture Resistant footwear protects the feet from injuries where an object might pierce the sole of the shoe. Puncture Resistant shoes are constructed with a flexible steel midsole that lies completely underneath the foot. PR shoes are often used in Landfills, EMS , Construction and Maintenance jobs where nails or needles, scrap metal or other objects may pierce the sole. Puncture Resistant protection is generally required for most jobs in Canada and is quickly growing in use in the United States.