The selection of safety footwear is of vital importance to ensure the protection of workers' feet during their work activities. It is important to bear in mind that not all footwear is suitable for all activities. For this reason, it is necessary to identify the specific needs of the work to be performed and select the right type of protection to minimize risks and improve efficiency. 

In order to standardize the quality and safety of protective footwear, the following standard was established UNE-EN ISO 20345which defines the requirements and criteria for a footwear to be valid and accepted in the market.

What footwear to wear depending on the protection required?

Not all safety footwear is the same, nor does it offer the same protection. For this reason, the UNE-EN ISO 20345 and UNE-EN ISO 20347 establish the requirements that safety footwear must meet to ensure optimum protection, through a classification based on the protection offered by the safety footwear. 

This classification consists of five groups offering different degrees of protection, with group S5 offering the highest level of protection and group SB offering the lowest level of protection.  

The SB group provides a reinforced toe cap, while the S1P adds puncture resistance properties. The group S1P also features antistatic properties and a closed heel area for added grip. 

The group S2 includes the same features as the S1but with increased puncture protection and improved water absorption.

The group S3 features cushioned insoles for comfort and greater puncture resistance. 

The group S4 is a boot-shaped safety shoe with energy-absorbing, antistatic qualities and a rubber sole, while the group S5 offers even greater protection against puncture and a different sole. 

It is important to take into account the specific characteristics of each group and to select the appropriate safety footwear according to the protection needs required for each work activity.

Composition of safety footwear

One of the most important aspects to consider in safety footwear is the composition of its materials. The upper part of the footwear is usually made of leather or other synthetic fabrics such as microfiber or Gore-tex. These materials provide waterproofing, flexibility and breathability, which is essential in activities that require long working days.

On the other hand, the soles are also essential, as they must offer anti-slip properties to prevent falls, as well as being flexible and waterproof. For this purpose, materials such as polyurethane or thermoplastic are used, which offer good resistance and durability.

Toe protection is also a critical factor in safety footwear, as it is one of the areas of the foot that receives the most damage. For this reason, materials are sought that offer greater protection against impact and perforations, such as aluminum or metal toecaps.

Finally, the insole of safety footwear is also important, as it must offer comfort and shock absorption. Nowadays, materials such as gel or viscoelastic foam are used, which provide excellent cushioning and comfort, allowing workers to wear the footwear for long hours without causing discomfort or pain in their feet.

Characteristics of good safety footwear

Good safety footwear must have a series of appropriate characteristics to offer the necessary protection in the work environment. Some of these characteristics are:

1. Lightweight: It is important that safety footwear be lightweight to avoid fatigue and allow for faster action.
2. Breathability: It is favorable that the feet are dry and at a suitable temperature to avoid the risk of humidity and high temperatures.
3. Comfort: Safety footwear must be comfortable enough to be worn for long working hours.
4. Non-slip: The sole must have a good grip to prevent falls on slippery surfaces or surfaces at risk of falling.
5. BreathabilityFootwear should allow the feet to breathe and maintain an adequate temperature to avoid excessive sweating and humidity.
6. DurabilityFootwear should be wear-resistant and have a long service life to avoid frequent and costly replacements.
7. FlexibilityFootwear should allow natural flexion of the foot to avoid injury and discomfort.