The best safety footwear in the UK 2023

Foot injuries such as lacerations, muscular injuries and wounds of all kinds account for about 7% of accidents at work. To avoid them as much as possible, the law requires companies to protect their employees on site by wearing safety shoes. High, low or boots? Which model to choose? In synthetic canvas? In leather? Which lining to choose? To guide you in your choice, follow our selection of the best safety shoes of the moment.

Black Hammer S3 SRC 1007 1
8/10

Best value for money

Black Hammer S3 SRC 1007

The best safety shoes in 2021

Equip yourself with these waterproof safety shoes for any situation. Durable enough to protect you from heavy objects and wet surfaces, they're a great value.

63,99 £ on Amazon

The Black Hammer S3 SRC 1007 has nothing to be ashamed of in terms of compliance and robustness. In fact, these safety shoes comply with the manufacturing requirements of the S3 standard. However, the comfort could have been better. This does not prevent them from being worn for hours in extreme conditions. These safety shoes are rain resistant thanks to the leather upper. However, do not wear them in deep enough water. The manufacturer does not disclose the height of the heels, but there is no doubt that water will penetrate through the tongue. On the other hand, the soles cope with sharp objects. Even the laces show great strength. And beware, this is not the most breathable pair.

Safety shoes for men Within 2
7/10

Best value for money

Safety shoes for men Within

The best entry-level safety shoes

These safety shoes for men Within range from 40 to 45 euros depending on the size chosen. It is a low model, very comfortable and allowing to face the constraints related to the working environment.

39,99 € - 45,99 €

Flexible, resistant and breathable, Within safety shoes allow you to work freely, and above all, safely. The upper is made of a mesh that is known to circulate air, a fundamental criterion for moving without discomfort. These Within safety shoes have an anti-shattering steel toe. This is very practical when handling heavy or sharp metal objects. The shoes do not suffocate the toes, as they are wide enough and offer enough space for the feet. And it does not affect the flexibility of the shoes. Thanks to the reflective strip on the side, you remain visible at night. To top it all off, the soles are shockproof and non-slip.

Puma S3 3
8/10

Best value for money

Puma S3

The best high-end safety shoes

Comfortable, stylish and discreet, the pair of Puma S3 safety shoes are sure to please. Available in 9 sizes, they will accompany you at work for several years.

From 132 € onwards

It is a pair of safety shoes signed Puma proposed in 9 sizes, ranging from 39 to 47. The Puma S3 meets all the requirements of an S3 standard shoe: antistatic, energy absorption of the heel, resistance to oil and hydrocarbons, waterproof upper and insertion of an anti-puncture sole. Thanks to the stylish and well thought-out design, they are unnoticeable and do not look like safety shoes. This criterion is important to many users. In addition, the Puma S3 is very robust and will last for 3 years with 36 hours of walking per week. All in all, these safety shoes are a successful investment that will stand the test of time.

Upower S1P SRC 4
8/10

Lightweight

Upower S1P SRC

Slip-resistant safety shoes

One of the brand's flagship models, these safety shoes appeal to both men and women. This pair is ideal for indoor work. On the other hand, it does not support too much humidity.

75,20 £ on Amazon

Made of leather and other textiles, these safety shoes will provide you with great comfort during your working hours. The lightness of the pair has something to do with it. It is also quite flexible and will not be felt even if you wear these shoes all day. As a result, this pair can be worn longer. With the S1P standard, it has better fall protection. Your feet will not get tired at all despite the pace. The heels are not a problem, as they are neither too heavy nor too high. The sole of each shoe is not noisy while walking. The good design and the quality of the materials ensure a long life.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best safety footwear

Any specific needs?

The best safety shoes in 2021

The best entry-level safety shoes

The best high-end safety shoes

Slip-resistant safety shoes

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best safety footwear

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP HIGH END LIGHTWEIGHT
Black Hammer S3 SRC 1007 5
8/10
Safety shoes for men Within 6
7/10
Puma S3 7
8/10
Upower S1P SRC 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Black Hammer S3 SRC 1007
Safety shoes for men Within
Puma S3
Upower S1P SRC
Equip yourself with these waterproof safety shoes for any situation. Durable enough to protect you from heavy objects and wet surfaces, they're a great value.
These safety shoes for men Within range from 40 to 45 euros depending on the size chosen. It is a low model, very comfortable and allowing to face the constraints related to the working environment.
Comfortable, stylish and discreet, the pair of Puma S3 safety shoes are sure to please. Available in 9 sizes, they will accompany you at work for several years.
One of the brand's flagship models, these safety shoes appeal to both men and women. This pair is ideal for indoor work. On the other hand, it does not support too much humidity.
Lifetime
Sole material
Rubber
Rubber
Thermoplastic polyurethane
Synthetic
Heel height
-
3 cm
2 cm
0.6 cm
Men or women
Man
Man
Men's
Mixed
Close.
Lace
Lace
Lace
Lacet

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Buying guide - safety footwear

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How to choose your safety footwear

To fully guarantee your safety, especially at work, it is essential to choose your safety shoes carefully. Here are the parameters to consider before you make any purchase.

#1 - The material

The material of your safety shoes defines the comfort and lightness when you wear them. You can choose between leather, rubber, microfiber and other synthetic materials.

#2 - Weight and ergonomics

The weight also plays a very important role. Indeed, shoes that are too heavy can limit movement, whereas light shoes are much more practical. Before buying your safety shoes, try them on first to judge if they make you feel comfortable or not.

#3 - Reliability

Standards are the guarantors of safety and quality. The EN ISO 20345 standard defines 7 classes of safety shoes, including class SB, which groups together shoes that are resistant to shocks:

  • Class S1, which includes antistatic shoes that absorb shocks at the heel and have a sole resistant to hydrocarbons,
  • the S1P class for shoes that are both anti-perforating and have the characteristics of those in the S1 class,
  • the S2 class for shoes that are both waterproof and have the characteristics of S1 class shoes,
  • class S3 for safety shoes that are both anti-slip and anti-puncture and have the characteristics of class 2 shoes,
  • class S4 for water-resistant footwear with the characteristics of class 1,
  • class 5 for safety shoes that are both anti-puncture and have the characteristics of class 4.

It should be noted that other standards can be added to this list such as the CI standard which guarantees insulation against cold or the HRO standard with heat resistant sole.

#4 - The business

You

can also make your choice according to the profession practiced since the risks are not the same. A mason, a carpenter, a welder, a painter, a machine operator or an electrician will surely not buy the same safety shoe because they do not have the same needs and the risks differ from one trade to another.

The exterior cleaning of safety shoes according to the material

Leather

To clean your leather safety shoes properly, brush them to remove dust. Wipe with a damp cloth, then apply cleansing milk and, using a microfiber cloth, rub gently in small circles. To get rid of scratches, use toothpaste. To do this, take a soft cloth and gently rub the paste in circular motions until the scratches disappear.

To add a few years to your leather safety shoes, wax them with a specific waxing product sold in specialized stores for construction professionals. Finally, let your shoes air dry in a dry and warm place in your house and keep away from heat sources.

Synthetic canvas or microfiber

To clean synthetic canvas or microfiber shoes, simply wash them in soapy water. You can also use cleaning products sold in professional building trade stores. Once your shoes have been thoroughly washed, let them air dry in a dry, warm area of your home and keep heat sources away from them.

Nubuck or velvet crust

Nubuck and velvet are particularly fragile materials that require careful and delicate cleaning. Therefore, only brush your safety shoes when they are dry. Use a piece of natural crepe for brushing. To remove stubborn stains, use a thin sheet of sandpaper or a sheet of brass. Finally, wipe with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water. Finally, always leave your shoes to air dry in a warm, dry place in your home and keep heat sources away.

Good to know

If you wear your safety shoes every day, PPE professionals recommend changing them every year.

The different types of safety footwear

Safety shoes come in 3 different types: high safety shoes, low safety shoes and safety boots. Here they are under the microscope.

High safety shoes

A pair of high safety shoes is designed with an upper that covers the calf and ankle for extra protection. They are recommended for difficult terrain.

Benefits:

  • Anti-static
  • Anti-slip
  • Abrasion resistant
  • Anti-puncture
  • Waterproof
  • Optimal protection

Disadvantages:

  • Not very comfortable
  • Heavy
  • Less flexible

Who is it for?

The high safety shoes are more adapted for the work in outside presenting big risks of falls or cuts.

Low safety shoes

The low safety shoes are much more adapted for the work carried out in kneeling positions.

Advantages:

  • Flexible
  • Comfortable
  • Offer a better freedom of movement

Disadvantages:

  • Cold
  • Not optimal protection

Who is it for?

They are mostly for workers who frequently use stairs or ladders.

Safety boots

Safety boots keep feet warm while protecting them.

Benefits:

  • Comfortable
  • Flexible
  • Insulating
  • Leather breathability

Disadvantages:

  • Heavy
  • Bulky

Who is it for?

Safety boots are suitable for cleaning workers, gardeners, farmers and cold storage workers.

Important

In the medical and culinary sectors, hygiene must be a priority in safety shoes. That is why some models are anti-fungal.

Tips

Alternate between several pairs of safety shoes

If you can afford it, the best way to avoid wearing out your safety shoes too quickly is to rotate between two or more pairs of shoes. This will allow moisture that has accumulated throughout the day to be wicked away.

Leave your safety shoes to dry in an appropriate place

After wearing your safety shoes all day, sometimes they get damp from perspiration. To this end, store them in a dry place at room temperature of 20°C to better protect them from wear and tear and prevent the development of bacteria.

Clean the inside of your safety shoes daily

To

this end, spray a deodorant and cleaning spray inside your safety shoes every day when you get home from work to neutralize odors. Also remember to change the soles when they are deteriorated or worn out to prevent you from growing fungus.

Like hiking boots and running shoes, new safety shoes should be softened. That way, you won't get sore from wearing them for 8 hours a day. To do this, use a shoemaker's jig, whose stretching force will make the material softer. Alternatively, you can resort to an old-fashioned solution of stuffing the shoes with wet newspaper balls, which as they dry will soften them.

If you have sensitive feet, consider wearing comfortable socks and ergonomic or anti-fatigue insoles in your safety shoes. These accessories will provide excellent support for your feet, but will also allow them to better absorb shock. If you have the opportunity, put specially molded gel insoles in your shoes to fit the shape of both arches of your feet.

FAQ

What are the best safety shoes?

The best safety shoes depend on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out more.

Is it possible to widen safety shoes?

Yes. To do this, take newspaper, roll it into a ball and fill your shoes with it until the shoes become larger. Finally, leave it for a few hours.

What kind of safety shoes are best suited to prevent falls?

To protect yourself from falls, a pair of safety shoes with non-slip soles will do the trick.

Which standard should I choose for my safety shoes?

It depends on the risks present in your working environment: risk of foot perforation, crushing of the foot, slipping on wet ground, etc... It's up to you.

What standard of safety footwear is suitable for a medical worker?

If you work in the medical or catering sector, S2 standard safety shoes are the most suitable against slipping, falling objects, etc.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , safetyrisk.net
  2. , safetyandhealthmagazine.com
  3. , topactualites.com
  4. , blog.carlstahl-epi.fr
  5. , manutan.be
  6. , blog.protecthoms.com
  7. , espace-emeraude.com
  8. , bricotrend.com
  9. , vente-chaussure.com
  10. , protecdirect.co.uk
  11. , leroymerlin.fr
  12. , manomano.fr
  13. , amazon.co.uk
  14. , modyf.fr
  15. , castorama.fr
  16. , chaussures-pro.fr
  17. , lemaitre-securite.com
  18. , manelli.fr
  19. , cdiscount.com
  20. , manutan.fr
  21. , vetementpro.com
  22. , amazon.co.uk
  23. , parade-protection.com
  24. , colbleu.fr
  25. , oxwork.com
  26. , bricodepot.fr
  27. , s24.fr
  28. , manutan.fr
  29. , jallatte.fr
  30. , setin.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Black Hammer S3 SRC 1007 9
Black Hammer S3 SRC 1007
Safety shoes for men Within 10
Safety shoes for men Within
Puma S3 11
Puma S3
Upower S1P SRC 12
Upower S1P SRC

Lecteurs

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