TOE THE SAFETY LINE: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ASTM STEEL TOE AND SLIP-RESISTANT BOOTS FOR SAFETY MANAGERS

Every day, millions of people lace up their work boots and make tracks to the jobsite trusting that their gear will keep them safe and comfortable all day long. But without the right footwear, built-in safety features and necessary creature comforts to meet the demands of the job, those workers are walking accidents just waiting to happen.

Understanding how footwear features are evaluated for safety performance and knowing which features are required in certain settings puts safety managers on solid footing to keep employees safe, comfortable and productive.

WHO MAKES THE RULES?

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, sets the minimum requirements for keeping workers safe on the job. OSHA regulations for safety footwear cite standards developed by ASTM International and require ASTM certified products for workers in construction and related trades, general industry, and food processing.

To meet ASTM standards, safety footwear must be tested by an independent laboratory. Upon successful completion of rigorous testing, the lab will issue a Certificate of Conformance that allows manufacturers to label their products in accordance with the ASTM standards the certified product meets.

Employers are responsible for ensuring their employees have adequate protection from job site hazards. Hazards vary by industry and work environment, but the most common hazards are falling objects, roll-overs, slippery surfaces, punctures and electric shock. Even if workers must provide their own safety toe boots, employers bear the responsibility for setting safety policies, educating employees on how to choose proper footwear and ensuring that safety footwear is worn consistently.

DECODING SAFETY LABELS

To incorporate the latest advancements in technology and material, ASTM standards are reviewed by industry and safety experts and updated at least every 5 years. ASTM F2413, the standard governing safety toe boots, underwent revision in 2011 and 2018. It was revised again in 2024 to update testing methods, include slip resistance, and clarify the labels on ASTM certified products.

Following are explanations of ASTM ratings and labels for safety features most commonly required in general industry, construction, manufacturing and food processing.

I/C: IMPACT & COMPRESSION RATINGS FOR SAFETY TO CAPS

Safety toe caps protect workers’ feet from impact and compression injuries. Impact injuries might come from falling objects, such as a fumbled tool or dropped materials. Compression injuries come from roll-over accidents like equipment or a vehicle wheel rolling over the foot.

ASTM F2413-24 details the standard requirements for safety toe caps. Work boots that meet ASTM F2413-24 specifications will be marked with “I/C” to indicate that the toe cap is capable of withstanding an impact force of 75lbf and withstanding a compressive force of 2,500lbf, at a minimum, and retaining a 1/2” clearance for men and a 15/32” clearance for women.

It’s important to note that the ASTM standard doesn’t require that the toe cap be made of a specific material. Steel, aluminum and composite toe caps can all provide the required protection.

Steel toes are the strongest and are most popular among construction workers at greater risk for both impact and compression injuries. Aluminum toes are lighter than steel and can be a good choice for some industrial and warehouse workers. Composite safety toes are the lightest and are the preferred choice for cold storage and temperature-controlled food processing workers because composite doesn’t conduct cold as well as steel or aluminum, so the feet stay warmer while walking on frozen surfaces.

SR & SRO: SLIP RESISTANCE RATINGS

Slip resistant outsoles prevent slips, trips and falls by making it easier to stay upright on challenging terrain.

Such outsoles provide more secure traction against uneven, wet or debris-filled surfaces because they are made with specialized materials, such as rubber compounds, that grip the ground. The treads are molded with multi-directional patterns of varying sizes or depths that increase traction and channel any moisture around the foot as it contacts the ground or floor.

Slip resistance is incorporated into the ASTM F2413-24 standard and evaluates footwear performance in terms of its coefficient of friction (COF), the numerical measurement of traction between the boot and the floor. The higher the number, the better the traction and the less likely the wearer is to slip.

When a retailer or distributor says that a boot is “non-slip” or “slip-resistant,” check that the boot has been tested using officially accepted ASTM test methodologies by looking for ASTM slip resistance rating on the label.

Work boots labeled with ASTM F2413-24 and the term “SR” have a COF of 0.4 or greater on both wet and dry surfaces. Work boots labeled with the term “SRO” meet the requirements for the SR rating, plus they have a COF of at least 0.33 on oily wet surfaces.

PR: PUNCTURE PLATE PROTECTION

Walking an active job site can feel like crossing a minefield, with nails, blades and sharp-edged scrap metal just waiting to stab the soles of unwitting workers.

Work boots with an extra plate of steel, durable rubber or other protective material between the insole and outsole can protect against this type of puncture injury. Such footwear will be labeled with ASTM F2413-24 and the term “PR” to indicate that the outsole can withstand 270lbf of force.

Mt: METATARSAL GUARDS

ASTM standards also include protections for the metatarsal area of the foot – the five bones that run along the top of the foot from ankle to toes. Work boots and safety shoes that meet ASTM F2413-24 specifications for metatarsal protection will be marked with “Mt” on the label and have a “met guard” capable of maintaining one inch of clearance to the top of the foot under a 75lbf impact.

EH: RATINGS FOR NON-CONDUCTIVE OUTSOLES

Electric shock is a common hazard for contractors, mechanics, electricians and maintenance workers. Boot materials with low electrical conductivity, such as rubber, leather and composite materials, prevent the flow of electricity through the feet to the rest of the body.

Footwear labeled “EH” contains non-conductive materials and is recommended for general use to protect against accidental contact with open circuits up to 600 volts in dry conditions.

SD: STATIC-DISSIPATIVE SHOES

“SD”-rated boots help prevent static buildup in sensitive environments like electronics manufacturing or flammable material handling. The number that appears after “SD”, either 10, 35, or 100, specifies the upper limit of electrical resistance against which the footwear has been certified.

MORE CRITICAL FOOTWEAR FEATURES

Depending on the industry, working conditions and the type of work being done, safety managers may require employees to wear safety boots with one or more of the ASTM certified features described above. Beyond those features that reduce the risk of injury, there are additional footwear features to consider that reduce foot fatigue, keep the feet dry, warm and comfortable throughout a long shift.

ANTI-FATIGUE INSOLES

Workers who are always on their feet and sweating in their boots every day need insoles with proper arch support and several layers of moisture-wicking, shock-absorbing padding

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These layers can be filled with air or gel materials to cushion the foot at the ball, arch and heel while reducing foot fatigue. Boots with shock-absorbing layers provide a gentle rebounding effect that reduces impact on the joints of the leg, hips and lower back. The insole layer closest to the foot should also include moisture-wicking materials that channel sweat away to keep feet dry and comfortable.

WATERPROOFING

Working with wet feet is a recipe for trench foot, a dangerous condition in which prolonged exposure moisture reduces blood flow in the feet. The skin and underlying tissues of the foot break down and develop blisters or open sores that, left untreated, can lead to severe infection or even amputation. 

To protect feet from wet weather and soggy conditions on the job, look for boots with outsoles that are glued or bonded to the upper, rather than welted or sewn. Glued and bonded boots have fewer points that could allow cold or water to seep in.

Also, while leather work boots are popular, they may need regular oiling or conditioning treatments to maintain their moisture barrier. Consider boots with uppers constructed with durable synthetic materials, such as nylon or Kevlar, that don’t require extra effort to maintain the moisture barrier.

INSULATION

Insulated safety toe work boots protect workers from cold stress and cold-related injury to the feet.

Consider the ambient temperature, wind chill and humidity in the work environment, as well as the level of activity required from the employee, and then select a level of insulation that provides sufficient warmth without overheating the feet. Overly insulated boots cause feet to sweat, then the trapped moisture makes the foot feel colder and increases the risk of injuries like trench foot and frostbite.

Some manufacturers conduct thermal testing on their work boots provide a range of temperatures in which that boot would feel warm and comfortable. In the absence of a temperature rating, compare levels of insulation by density, usually expressed as “g” or “gsm” to represent grams per square meter. Insulated safety toe boots constructed with high-gsm insulation will be warmer than lower-gsm insulation boots.

For job sites in areas with freezing or subzero temperatures, look for pac boot styles that offer maximum insulation against extreme cold. Pac boots have a thick layer of insulation in the upper and an extra rubberized layer of waterproof coating around the outsole and over the top of the foot. Some pac boot styles even include a removeable insulated liner. The liner adds warmth to the boot in extreme cold and can be removed when temperatures climb, giving workers safety footwear that can be worn across a wider range of temperatures. 

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFULL PROGRAM

A successful safety footwear program goes beyond simply issuing boots—it requires planning, fit, function, and proactive replacement. These tips help employers support worker safety, comfort, and compliance every step of the way.

FOCUS ON FIT

With OSHA’s recent rule requiring properly fitting PPE and safety workwear, it’s more important than ever for employers to help their crews choose footwear that fits correctly.

Ask vendors or distributors for fit information and recommendations on safety footwear that meets jobsite requirements while delivering a more inclusive range of sizes. Ask about try-before-you-buy programs or on-site fittings where experts help employees find a safety toe boot that fits properly.

FIELD TEST FOR PROPER FUNCTION

Invite employees to try the gear in real job scenarios. Solicit their feedback on the fit, the comfort and durability of the boot, as well as functionality. Is the boot stiff and clunky, or is it easy to flex and pivot? Is the height of the boot shaft appropriate for the job site and does it provide enough ankle support to keep workers steady on their feet?

Field testing and feedback gathering not only ensures compliance—it helps build trust and improve morale among your workforce

REPLACE FOOTWEAR PROACTIVELY

Work boots and safety shoes don’t expire, but even the most durable footwear won’t last forever. Keep safety boots in good shape or their protective features can be compromised.

A SOLD FOOTING SAFETY

Slips, trips, and falls don’t just happen—they’re preventable. The right boots with solid traction, support, and safety features make all the difference. If your crew’s wearing worn-out soles or the wrong fit, you’re asking for trouble. A smart footwear program isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about keeping your team on their feet and out of the ER. Take care of their boots, and they’ll take care of the job.