• • • APPAREL • • •


THE SEVEN DECISIVE FACTORS FOR MODERN SAFETY


Safety boots are more than just a mandatory piece of personal protective equipment, they are essential for performance, wearer comfort and safety in everyday work


By Oli Willson, Footwear Associate, GORE-TEX “


compliance with standards is not the only aspect to consider when procuring safety boots. The interplay between other factors such as weight, fit, care and sustainability are equally important. The following seven points explain what really matters in practical use and why these aspects can make the difference between a boot that protects and a boot that provides support.


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Mechanical protection Protection is needed against pointed, sharp-edged objects from piercing the sole, as well as falls, falling objects, crush injuries in the toe area. Key components: steel or composite toe caps, anti-penetration protection (e.g. steel or textile midsoles), stable sidewalls, reinforced sole structure.


Standards and ratings are important for


classifying the level of protection provided by boots in specific workplace environments, described in EN ISO 20345 (e.g. for S7 boots: anti-penetration protection, waterproofness, toe caps etc.


Waterproofness and moisture


management Wet footwear means soaking-wet feet and discomfort and could result in blisters or fungal infections. Water inside boots can cause conductive heat loss, which increases stress levels and can raise susceptibility to illness.


nly when safety footwear offers a balance of protection, comfort and durability do they fulfil their purpose. That’s why


Several studies have indicated that cold exposure, such as cold feet, can slightly increase the risk of going down with a cold. A study conducted in the UK concluded that after having briefly exposed their feet to the cold significantly more participants caught a cold than in the control group. It is likely that the cold temporarily weakens the immune defence of the mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity, triggering the onset of existing virus infections.


Safety boots must also allow sweat to escape.


Water vapour transmission (breathability) is important to prevent feet from overheating and becoming excessively hot and sweaty. Sealed seams, membranes (e.g. the GORE-TEX membrane), coatings and durable water repellent treatments play an important role here.


Weight Walking in heavy boots uses up more energy, making wearers tire more quickly.


Several studies have shown that walking with extra weight on your feet uses five to seven times as much energy as carrying the same weight on your back. The reason for this is the repetitive braking and acceleration action of the shoe’s weight with every step, placing significantly greater strain on the muscles and circulatory system. Fatigue increases the risk of accidents because concentration lapses and motor skills deteriorate, causing slip, trip and fall accidents (STF accidents).


Slip, trip and fall accidents (STF-accidents) are among the most common causes of injury,


32 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026


especially in the workplace. In the USA they account for one in five of all non-fatal workplace accidents, and one in four of all fatal accidents, for example.


Comfort, fit and breathability Comfortable footwear ensures that workers perform more efficiently because they can remain focused on their tasks and work without discomfort. Research studies involving recreational runners showed that more comfortable footwear significantly improved running economy. This indicates that comfort is not only a subjective experience but that it also has an anti-fatigue effect in terms of physiology.


Important criteria for safety boots are their padding, foot bed, cushioning, rolling motion, outer fit (width-adjustable etc.) and ability to adapt to different foot shapes, ideally from day one, without the need for a long breaking-in process. Other important features are good ventilation and moisture management, reducing overheating and ensuring a pleasant climate inside the boot.


Easy care Taking good care of footwear will ensure long- lasting protection (e.g. maintaining the water repellent finish and keeping the leather supple). Because this takes time and effort, this aspect is far too often ignored.


This means that boots should require minimal maintenance, otherwise their care will be neglected.


electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk


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