With so many styles and designs on the market, how do you know which safety footwear is going to be best for your needs, keeping your people safe and comfortable at work? Nick Grinnell, Director at iSB Group, gives his top picks from the latest the market has to offer, telling us what’s good and why it works…
Choosing the right safety footwear for your business is crucial. Not only will the right footwear help keep your people happy, comfortable, and protected against identified workplace hazards, but it will also dramatically reduce the likelihood of them sustaining a workplace injury.
There’s a lot out there to choose from, and a fair bit to consider depending on the type of work being performed, but there is also a wealth of information available to help you make an informed choice.
As well as ensuring the footwear conforms to the relevant safety standards for the tasks required, it’s important to remember that one size definitely does not fit all when it comes to buying safety footwear. Driving, standing still, bending, stretching, crouching, walking around – just as all these activities place different stresses on the body, they require different elements of footwear design, so it’s vital to choose the best option for individual roles.
Find out more: Read our guide to choosing the right safety footwear for your business.
Here’s our pick of some of the more popular designs on offer at the moment:
- Best for warehousing and logistics
CURTIS LEISURE SAFETY SHOE / VICKERS LEISURE SAFETY BOOT
Specifically designed for the logistics industry, this range – which comes in a safety boot and a safety shoe – is made from water-resistant leather and scratch and scuff-resistant PU, and comes with an 18-month warranty guaranteeing durability. Padded with thick foam, it is designed to provide maximum comfort for people walking on hard floors all day, and offer high slip resistance. Both the shoe and boot are also a great choice for drivers, combining foot and ankle protection with a highly flexible sole.
- Ideal for roles involving a lot of walking
This lightweight, slip-resistant safety trainer comes with a breathable sock lining, allowing for a better fit and increasing comfort. With a durable sole and Tecno-Tex upper, it offers good longevity for people who need to do a lot of walking in their job.
- Best for wet environments
MTS SHIELD WATERPROOF SAFETY BOOTS
With a water-resistant, full leather upper, bellows tongue, waterproof membrane and antibacterial insole, this hard-wearing waterproof boot is guaranteed to keep feet dry and comfortable in wet environments. Its lightweight, flexible design is ideal for the logistics industry, suiting people who are always on the move. It also comes with an 18-month warranty providing a guarantee of its durability.
- Great for cold and wet weather
EXENA SIBILLA WATERPROOF SAFETY TRAINERS
Ideal for drivers and for anyone working in a role that requires them to switch between indoor and outdoor environments, this waterproof safety trainer is comfortable, lightweight and durable. With a micro-nubuck and water-resistant textile upper, Thinsulate and breathable heat-sealed membrane, and anti-slip sole, it will keep feet warm and dry in cold and wet weather. What’s more, it comes with a removable anti-static insole for enhanced cushioning and shock-absorption.
- Best budget option
LIGHTYEAR COBRA SAFETY TRAINER
This lightweight safety trainer has a composite toecap and midsole, breathable upper and rubber scuff cap. Comfortable and durable, it is a safe bet for new starters that won’t break the bank.
Ultimately, whichever shoe, boot or trainer you choose, you need to be 100% sure it is the right one for you. If you’re not sure what you need, a good supplier should be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Likewise, they may also let you try-before-you-buy – so don’t be afraid to ask!
For more information about how we excel in the 3PL and fulfilment industry, visit our solutions page here.
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