Ningbo Toprise Security Products Co., Ltd., as a company with 20 years of experience in exporting safety shoes, is dedicated to providing effective foot protection to customers worldwide. Our safety shoes are manufactured in strict accordance with CE standards for international markets.
Introduction
Safety shoes is designed for foot protection against any falling objects, sharp items, or punctures from debris. We need to choose a right pair of safety shoes for the sake of prevention from foot injuries, slip and fall protection, prevention from electrical hazards, heat and chemical resistance, improved comfort and reduced fatigue. Below is a brief review on safety shoes for various work environments.
- Construction Sites: Reinforced toe caps (steel or composite) and puncture-resistant midsoles against falling objects and sharp debris; and durable outsoles with slip resistance and abrasion protection for rough terrains.
- Factories and Manufacturing: Oil- and chemical-resistant outsoles against slipping and harsh substances. Heat-resistant outsoles for protection from high-temperature like foundries.
- Healthcare and Food Service: Comfortable midsoles for long hours of standing
- Outdoor or Wet Environments: Waterproof materials and outsoles with deep treads for enhanced grip suitable for working in agriculture, fisheries, or outdoor construction.
- Electrical Work: Non-conductive outsoles made from materials like rubber or PU, along with anti-static properties against electrical hazards.
Types of Midsoles
The Midsole: A midsole provides not only cushioning and shock absorption but also sometimes protection against punctures. Generally a foot-shaped piece of steel plate or woven fabric is designed to offer puncture-resistance from nails, needles or glass.
Steel Plate Inserts (in the Midsole)
Steel plate is an important part of safety shoe, which protect people from sharp objects that could penetrate the sole. Steel plates are strong, typically in accordance to industry standards like EN ISO 20345, offering resistance to penetration forces up to 1,100N (Newtons). But it is also heavy, and tends to conduct heat, cold and electricity. Given its features, the safety shoes with steel plate is ideal for industry like construction, warehousing, metalworking, agriculture, mining, and forestry with a high risk of stepping on sharp objects. However, it is not suitable for works with long hours of standing.
Composite Plate Insert (in the Midsole)
The plates is much lighter than steel ones. Safety shoes with composite plate are usually not conductive. And Kevlar is one of the top composite plates, lightweight, flexible and non-metallic.
In summary, steel plates in safety shoes offer puncture protection in heavy-duty environments where the risk of sharp objects or heavy loads is high. However, for jobs requiring lighter or non-conductive protection, composite plates like Kevlar may be better alternatives.
Types of Outsoles for Safety Shoes
The Outsole: Outsoles can be simply classified according to the material: natural rubber or artificial synthetic rubber. The following materials are commonly used to produce the outsole of safety shoes: PVC, PU, TPU, EVA and rubber. It aims to provide proper traction, durability, and slip resistance for staffs.
Rubber Outsole
It is the heaviest but most durable midsole. It is heat-resistant (environments like foundries or glass manufacturing) and offers excellent shock absorption. It’s often rated for temperatures up to 300°C, making it suitable for high-temperature environments. For workplaces with exposure to highly corrosive chemicals or harsh environments, rubber outsoles are often more appropriate due to their higher chemical resistance levels.
PU (Polyurethane) Outsole
Such outsole for safety shoes is more durable and wear-resistant than EVA. It is not only lightweight and of good shock absorption, but also resistant to oil and chemicals. This kind of outsole is suitable for not too heavy-duty work environments, such as manufacturing or construction. PU outsoles are not as long-lasting as rubber but are preferred for jobs that require agility. Polyurethane (PU) outsoles typically have a heat-resistant limit of around 100°C (212°F) and offer good resistance to oils, fats, and certain chemicals, but they are less chemically resistant than TPU outsoles.
- Best for:
- Indoor environments with mild chemical exposure, such as food processing, warehouses, logistics, and light industrial work.
- Jobs that require a balance between comfort and durability.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) Outsole
TPU midsole is highly durable with excellent wear and abrasion resistance, which is better than PU. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) outsoles have a heat-resistant limit of approximately 120°C to 150°C (248°F to 302°F). It is flexible enough for those in logistics or outdoor work, where high abrasion or repeated flexing is common. Be aware that although TPU is of superior resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including oils, fuels, greases, and certain organic solvents, we shall avoid using it in environments with strong acids, concentrated solvents, or other aggressive chemicals.
EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Outsole
The safety shoes with EVA outsole are usually lightweight and flexible, with excellent shock absorption and offering good cushioning, suitable for jobs requiring for long hours of standing or walking, such as warehousing, logistics, or healthcare. It’s best for workers looking for comfort and flexibility.
- Best for:
- Jobs that prioritize comfort and cushioning, such as healthcare, retail, or light-duty indoor work.
- Environments with minimal exposure to harsh chemicals or rugged surfaces.
5. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Outsole
- Key Features:
- Water-resistant and durable.
- Offers decent slip resistance but not as flexible or comfortable as other materials like rubber or PU.
- Best for:
- Wet or damp environments where waterproofing is essential, such as fishing or agriculture.
- Outdoor work in muddy or wet conditions.
Slip-Resistant Outsoles
- Key Features:
- Specifically designed with tread patterns and compounds to maximize grip on wet, oily, or slippery surfaces.
- Often made from rubber or specialized blends to enhance friction.
- Best for:
- Workplaces where slips and falls are common, such as kitchens, hospitals, and oil rigs.
- Any environment with frequent exposure to liquids or oily surfaces.
All in all, choosing the right outsole and midsole is essential for ensuring safety, comfort, and durability on the job. It’s important to select one that suits the specific demands of the workplace, whether it’s for high-temperature work, chemical resistance, or slip prevention.
