Ultimate Safety Footwear 2025 Guide (Part 1 – The Real Cost of Ignoring PPE Standards)

Welcome to Part 1 of our Ultimate Guide to Safety Footwear, your complete resource for understanding, choosing, and maintaining protective footwear for long-term safety and performance.

• What Qualifies as Safety Footwear?
• Are Gumboots Considered Safety Footwear?
• Why Safety Footwear Is Crucial?
• Understanding Safety Standards
• Types and Features of Safety Footwear
• Choosing the Right Footwear for Specific Jobs
• Fit and Comfort – Why It Matters.
• Maintenance and Replacement
• Buying Tips for Employers
• Checklist Before Buying
• Why Sustainability Matters
• Frequently Asked Questions

In Part 2, we will explore how to choose, maintain, and manage footwear for long-term performance. Let’s dive int

Why Choosing the Right Safety Footwear Matters

Choosing the right safety footwear can make the difference between a normal workday and a life-changing injury.Every day, workers are exposed to hazards like falling objects, slippery surfaces, sharp debris, and extreme weather conditions. Yet, many companies and employees underestimate the role of proper footwear in workplace safety.

According to theNational Safety Council, over 53,000 foot injuries occur annually in the U.S. alone. Just one serious foot injury can cost more than R100 000 in medical treatment, downtime, and compensation.

This guide will help you understand what qualifies as safety footwear, how to choose the right type for your work environment, and why making the right choice saves lives and money. Whether you are an employer buying PPE for your team or an employee purchasing your own pair, this information will help you make an informed decision.

WHAT IS SAFETY FOOTWEAR AND WHAT IS NOT?

What Qualifies as Safety Footwear?

Before spending money on work boots or shoes, it’s essential to understand what truly qualifies as safety footwear. While many shoes may appear tough or durable, looks alone don’t guarantee protection from real workplace hazards. Safety footwear is engineered, tested, and certified to meet specific safety standards and that makes all the difference.

What Is Safety Footwear?

Safety footwear is any work shoe or boot that has been:

• Independently tested and certified to meet official safety standards (such asSANS/SABS,EN ISO 20345,ASTM F2413,NRCS, orCE).
• Designed to reduce or eliminate risks from common workplace hazards like:
  • Falling or rolling objects
  • Sharp or piercing materials
  • Slippery floors
  • Electrical hazards
  • Heat or cold exposure   
  • Chemical spills                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for safety footwear, evaluate both certification and protective features. Here’s what to check:
✅ Look for a certification label/tag inside the shoe or boot. This is usually stitched into the tongue or lining and includes the safety standard (e.g., SANS 20345, EN ISO 20345:2011, ASTM F2413-18).
✅ Match the features to your job requirements. Not all safety footwear needs every feature. Depending on your work environment, one or two key protections may be enough.

Common Safety Footwear Features

Note: Even if footwear only has one or two of these features (e.g., a steel toe or slip-resistant sole), it may still be certified as safety footwear if it meets a recognized safety standard.

What Is Not Considered Safety Footwear?

Just because footwear is tough-looking or rugged doesn’t mean it’s safe for industrial use. If it doesn’t meet official standards or lacks specific safety features, it cannot be considered proper PPE.

🚫 Examples of Non-Safety Footwear:

• Stylish boots with no certification or labelling
• Hiking boots without protective toe caps or slip resistance
• Gumboots sold only as waterproof but not S4 or S5 rated
• Sneakers, even “heavy-duty” ones, unless certified

Example:
A warehouse worker wears sneakers because they are “comfortable.” A heavy box falls on their foot, causing fractures. Certified safety shoes with toe protection would have prevented this injury.

ARE GUMBOOTS CONSIDERED SAFETY FOOTWEAR?

Not all gumboots are designed for workplace safety. While they may look similar, key differences exist between regular gumboots and safety-rated gumboots that affect protection in hazardous environments.

Key Differences: Regular vs. Safety Gumboots

Real-Life Example:
A sanitation worker at a wastewater treatment plant wears S5-rated gumboots. These provide:

• Steel toe protection from dropped tools and heavy lids
• Puncture resistance from sharp debris on the ground
• Waterproofing to prevent contamination from wet surfaces
• Slip resistance to avoid falls on wet and oily floors

Had they worn regular gumboots, they would be vulnerable to injury and contamination.

What to Look for When Buying Gumboots

• ✅ A visible certification label (S4, S5, EN ISO 20345, SANS 20345, CE mark, etc.)
• ✅ The specific features you need based on your work risks
• ✅ A durable build (reinforced toe area, grippy sole, strong seams)
• ✅ Compatibility with your work environment (e.g., chemical resistance for labs)

Tips:

• Don’t rely on looks alone – insist on certification.
• Match features to workplace hazards – not all environments require S5.
• Choose comfort and safety – a poorly fitted boot can still cause long-term injury.

WHY SAFETY FOOTWEAR IS CRUCIAL

Your feet are constantly exposed to risks at work. Injuries can leave you unable to walk or work for weeks or months.

Hazards safety footwear protects against:

• Falling objects: Tools, bricks, or materials can crush toes
• Sharp objects: Nails, glass, or metal debris can puncture soles
• Slippery surfaces: Oil, water, or mud can cause falls
• Chemicals: Harmful liquids can seep through ordinary shoes
• Electrical risks: Live wires can cause electrocution
• Extreme temperatures: Hot tar, freezing ice, or molten materials can burn or damage regular soles

Additional benefits:

• Employers are legally required to provide certified safety footwear
• Comfortable footwear reduces fatigue and improves focus
• Fewer injuries reduce insurance claims and costs

One Job, Different Environments – Why the Same Shoe Doesn’t Work Everywhere

Scenario 1: A company has cleaning teams in two different cities:

• Team A cleans streets in very hot regions where the ground temperature can reach over 40°C.
• Team B cleans streets in rainy, coastal areas where the ground is slippery.

Solution:

• Team A needs boots with heat-resistant soles (HRO) and breathable uppers.
• Team B needs waterproof boots with deep tread soles for traction.

Lesson: Even if teams do the same job, the environment matters. Footwear should match hazards and climate.

Scenario 2: A logistics company buys one type of low-cut S1P shoe for all workers:

• Warehouse workers are fine on dry, smooth floors.
• Truck drivers delivering goods in muddy sites slip and fall due to inadequate soles.

Lesson: Match footwear features to the environment, not just the job title.

UNDERSTANDING SAFETY STANDARDS

When it comes to PPE and safety footwear, certification isn’t just a formality — it’s a legal requirement in South Africa. All safety shoes and boots must comply with SANS/ISO 20345 standards and be certified by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

SABS/SANS Standards and NRCS Regulation

In South Africa, foot protection is regulated by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) under the VC specification for safety footwear. This enforces compliance with SANS 20345, the national standard for protective footwear.

Every certified safety shoe must:

• Be tested for 200-joule toe impact resistance (equivalent to a 20 kg object dropped from one metre).
• Demonstrate puncture resistance, slip resistance, and, where required, electrical or heat protection.
• Carry a valid NRCS Letter of Authority (LOA) linked to its VC number, confirming it meets compulsory safety requirements for PPE footwear.

🚫 Important: Safety footwear cannot be imported or sold in South Africa without NRCS approval. Importers must obtain an LOA from the NRCS before bringing products into the country. This process ensures that only compliant, tested footwear enters the market, protecting both workers and employers from liability.

👉 Tip: Always ask your supplier for proof of SABS certification and an NRCS LOA before purchasing safety footwear in bulk or for company use.

EN ISO 20345 (Europe) Classifications

• SB: Basic toe protection only, for low-risk workplaces
• S1: SB plus antistatic sole and energy-absorbing heel
• S1P: S1 plus puncture-resistant midsole
• S2: S1 plus water-repellent upper
• S3: S2 plus waterproof shaft and slip-resistant sole
• S4: Fully waterproof boots, rubber/polymer
• S5: S4 plus puncture-resistant midsole and enhanced slip resistance

Extra codes:

• P: Puncture-resistant sole
• WRU: Water-resistant upper
• HRO: Heat-resistant outsole (up to 300°C)
• A: Antistatic properties

ASTM F2413

• I/75: Impact protection
• C/75: Compression resistance
• EH: Electrical hazard insulation
• PR: Puncture resistance
• SD: Static dissipative
• CD: Conductive

Example: ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH = men’s footwear with impact, compression, and electrical hazard protection.

TYPES AND FEATURES OF SAFETY FOOTWEAR

1. Safety Toe Caps

• Steel Toe Caps (STC): Strongest, impact-resistant, for construction, mining, manufacturing
• Composite Toe Caps: Lighter, non-conductive, ideal for electricians and logistics
• Aluminium Toe Caps: Strong yet lighter, used in aviation and technical jobs

2. Slip-Resistant Outsoles

Provide grip on wet, oily, or uneven surfaces. Used in kitchens, hospitals, and factories.

3. Antistatic and Electrical Hazard Protection

Dissipates static or insulates from live currents. Used in electronics, utilities.

4. Water Resistance and Waterproofing

Water-resistant: repels light splashes
Waterproof: fully sealed for wet conditions (common in S4 and S5 gumboots)

5. Puncture-Resistant Midsoles

Blocks nails, glass, or metal shards. Common in construction, recycling, landscaping.

Tip: Match features to your work environment; not all footwear needs every feature.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOOTWEAR FOR SPECIFIC JOBS

FIT AND COMFORT – WHY IT MATTERS

• Try shoes with your work socks to ensure accurate fit
• Allow room for feet to swell during long shifts
• Women’s footwear: narrower heel, wider forefoot
• High-cut boots: enhanced ankle support
• Low-cut shoes: greater flexibility and mobility

MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT

1. Daily cleaning: Remove dirt, mud, chemicals
2. Drying: Air dry, avoid heat sources
3. Leather care: Apply conditioner regularly
4. Inspection: Replace if soles, toe caps, or seams are damaged

Rule of thumb: Replace every 6–12 months depending on use.

BULK BUYING TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS

• Conduct hazard audits
• Trial footwear before large orders
• Only buy certified footwear
• Stock full size range, including women-specific fits
• Check warranties and recycling programs

FINAL CHECKLIST BEFORE BUYING

1. Certification: Are the shoes certified by a recognised safety standard (e.g., SABS/SANS, EN ISO 20345, ASTM F2413)?
2. Hazard-specific features: Do they offer the right protection for your workplace hazards (e.g., heat resistance, waterproofing, and puncture resistance)?
3. Comfort: Are they suitable for long shifts of 8–12 hours without causing discomfort or fatigue?
4. Environment fit: Do you have the correct type of footwear for each unique work environment in your organisation?
5. Supplier support: Does the supplier offer after-sales support, product warranties, and easy replacements when needed?

SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS

• Opt for eco-friendly options: Choose footwear made with recycled or sustainable materials
• Prioritise durability: Long-lasting designs reduce waste and costs
• Recycling programs: Ask suppliers if they offer take-back/recycling for worn-out footwear

FINAL THOUGHTS

Safety footwear might seem like a small part of your workday, but its impact on your protection and well-being is massive. Choosing the correct footwear, ensuring it is certified, and replacing it when necessary can prevent life-changing injuries.

Employers and workers must prioritise the right safety footwear for the job. Environment, hazards, and climate all affect which shoes are most appropriate. Nothing is more important than your health and being able to return home safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I tell if my work boots are officially certified as safety footwear?

Certified safety footwear always carries a marking label or stamp that includes the safety standard code – such as SANS 20345, EN ISO 20345:2011, or ASTM F2413-18.
You can find this information:

• Inside the tongue or lining of the shoe
• On the sole (engraved or printed)
• On the product tag or box

A certified boot will list protection symbols such as “SB”, “S1P”, “S3”, “EH”, or “PR” – each indicating specific safety features.

If your footwear lacks this information, or if the logo appears smudged, faded, or fake, it may not meet legal safety standards.

2. What are the hidden dangers of wearing non-certified or fake safety footwear?

Using non-certified or counterfeit boots can result in severe injuries – from crushed toes to electric shocks, because they haven’t passed impact, puncture, or slip tests.
Common risks include:

• Toe-cap collapse from heavy objects
• Puncture wounds from sharp debris
• Electrical shock from faulty insulation
• Slip-and-fall injuries due to poor tread quality
• Chemical burns or leaks due to untested materials

Fake safety shoes may look convincing but lack testing, certification, and compliance documentation. Always buy from authorised PPE suppliers or reputable brands that provide certification proof.

3. What does “SABS approved” or “SANS certified” really mean?

In South Africa, safety footwear must comply with SANS 20345 and be certified by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
This means the footwear has undergone laboratory testing for:

• Toe-cap impact resistance (200 J)
• Compression resistance (15 kN)
• Slip resistance, puncture resistance, and electrical insulation

SABS-approved shoes ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and the NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications).
If an employer provides non-compliant footwear, they risk legal penalties and liability for injuries.

4. Do gumboots count as safety footwear in industrial environments?

Not all gumboots qualify as safety footwear.
Regular PVC or rubber gumboots only provide waterproofing, but lack features like reinforced toes or puncture-resistant soles.
Safety-rated gumboots, however, are certified as S4 or S5 under EN ISO 20345 or SANS standards and provide:

• Toe protection (steel or composite cap)
• Slip resistance
• Antistatic properties
• Puncture-resistant midsoles (S5)

These are essential for agriculture, sanitation, and chemical handling jobs.

5. Is there a difference between men’s and women’s safety footwear?

5. Is there a difference between men’s and women’s safety footwear?

Yes, women’s safety shoes are not just smaller men’s shoes. They’re specifically shaped for:

• Narrower heels and wider forefeet
• Lower ankle height for comfort
• Lightweight materials for mobility

Wearing the wrong fit can cause blisters, instability, and fatigue – increasing accident risk.

6. Why do safety standards differ between countries, and does it matter which one my footwear meets?

Safety standards vary by region – for instance, SANS 20345 (South Africa), EN ISO 20345 (Europe), and ASTM F2413 (U.S.). However, they all share a common goal: protecting the wearer from impact, compression, and environmental hazards. Differences mainly relate to testing procedures and marking requirements.
If your company exports or operates internationally, ensure footwear meets the relevant local or global standard where the work occurs.

Learn More

Deepen your understanding of safety footwear, standards, and workplace protection:

👉 The Ultimate Guide to Safety Footwear – Part 2

Learn how to choose the right footwear for specific jobs, maintain and replace your boots effectively, conduct hazard assessments, and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Your Safety Starts with RealPPE – Act Now

Don’t leave workplace safety to chance. RealPPE provides certified, industry-compliant, job-specific safety footwear and PPE.

• Need help choosing the right footwear?
• Want to meet legal safety standards?
• Tired of unreliable gear?

📧 Email: support@realppe.co.za
📞 Call: +27 11 568 4247
👉 Visit: www.realppe.co.za