Safety shoes are an essential part of the dress code in almost any industrial setting.

This is especially true if you handle heavy loads or need waterproof clothing for your work.

But which safety shoe is right for your workplace?

In this guide I will discuss the different types of shoes and features available, and for whom they are most appropriate.

I’ll also give my personal recommendations for the best safety shoes available.

Best Composite Shoe

Skechers Men's Greetah Construction Shoe

Safety shoes can be resistant and solid without being uncomfortable or ugly. These composite shoes by the popular brand Skechers prove it.

The company has included all the required safety features in one of their stylish shoe models to offer one of the best models available in the safety shoe market.

This model is waterproof and even though it is made for construction, it also protects you from electrical hazards.

What customers saying

Many customers agree that this is an excellent option if you’re looking for composite safety shoes. They say it feels good, looks great, and is very affordable.

Keep in mind that as with every safety shoe, these are heavier than regular shoes because they are steel-toe work shoes. They are not made for walking long distances.

Best Steel Toe Boot

Timberland PRO Men's Pit Boss Steel-Toe

Another great brand to look at is Timberland, well-known for offering incredibly sturdy and comfortable shoes made of 100% leather.

The Pit Boss Steel-Toe boots are engineered to offer maximum performance, durability, and comfort with its reinforced steel-toe and lightweight design.

It protects you from electrical hazards and has anti-slip soles to protect you from slipping.

Even if you wear these shoes all day long, they won’t become annoying and heavy. They also feature an antimicrobial treatment made to control odors.

What customers saying

This model has an impressive number of reviews, and most of them are excellent.

According to people who bought the shoe, it has moderate arch support, it is true to the width, and the toe box feels just right.

It has been tested and used in almost every work environment with excellent results. It is also very resistant even in extremely harsh conditions.

Best Lightweight Shoe

Timberland PRO Men's Construction Shoe

Timberland is unquestionably one of the main brands to consider if you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable pair of shoes.

This model joins the best of both worlds. It has the comfort and flexibility of athletic shoes combined with the sturdiness and stability of safety shoes.

It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a lightweight safety shoe that’s not as heavy as other models but still protects you from electrical hazards, heavy objects, and slips.

What customers saying

There are many reviews on this safety shoe, and most of them are excellent. Satisfied customers are extremely happy with its lightweight design and superior protection.

They say these aren’t the most solid shoes, but if your work isn’t very dangerous or associated with notably high weights, this model will offer adequate protection and comfort.

Most Comfortable Shoe

Caterpillar Men's Threshold Waterproof Industrial Boot

This waterproof industrial boot from Caterpillar is an excellent choice if you need a completely waterproof and slip-resistant pair of boots that offer both comfort and safety.

It is a great pair of boots that will suit most working environments including tough job sites.

This model is 15% lighter than other safety shoes and features electrical hazard protection as well as has a removable footbed that’s engineered in foam and very comfortable.

What customers saying

There are many reviews on this shoe and the majority of them come from highly satisfied customers.

Most of them say that they love the waterproof aspect of these shoes, as well as their sturdiness and level of daily wear and tear.

They also love that it feels fantastic in almost any setting, including snow, ice, rain, or mud.

Best Alloy Work Shoe

Timberland PRO Men's Alloy-Toe Industrial Work Boot

If you’re looking for an alloy safety shoe, this is a great model to consider.

It is manufactured by a top brand and features superior protection with an alloy toe suitable for heavy construction work.

The shoe is engineered for maximum safety and protection and has a proper fit with sturdy construction to achieve a balance between flexibility and reliability in harsh environments.

As with other shoes by Timberland, this model is also made with sustainable materials at the highest quality available.

What customers saying

Customer reviews of this product are excellent.

Many say it is a reliable pair of safety boots with a lightweight design and a very resistant alloy toe that will protect against heavy objects in construction spaces.

It also fits extremely well, and you can order your usual size without fear because the width is true to its size.

Other Recommended Shoes

Carhartt Men's Waterproof Soft Toe Work Boot

This is a great safety shoe if you’re looking for a strong hermetic waterproof function. The shoe is specially made to protect against electrical hazards of up to 18000V.

It is made of leather and features a rubber sole. It also has a non-safety soft toe, ensuring you don’t have any extra weight on your shoe when you don’t really need it.

Consequently, this model is not appropriate for construction work, but it’s still a great option if you work with electricity or need a soft toe waterproof safety shoe.

What customers saying

There are many customer reviews, and most of them are positive.

People who bought the shoe say that they’re the perfect pair of shoes for doing electrical work, and they’re so comfortable you can even wear them around the house.

They can also be used by those involved in agriculture and livestock work with ease and are not as expensive as other brands.

KEEN Utility Men's Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe

The KEEN Utility Industrial Shoe is another waterproof option with a rubber sole.

This one does have a steel toe, but it is still better for light duties such as landscaping, maintenance, transportation, and certain types of construction work.

The shoe features enhanced breathability with its leather and mesh materials and the shoelaces are designed for easier wearing.

What customers saying

Many people highly recommend these shoes.

They say it’s one of the best options if you’re looking for something lightweight with a reliable steel toe that is not very heavy but does the job.

It is also not as expensive as the models from reputed brands and is still worth every penny spent.

Skechers for Work Men's Synergy Ekron

This model is made from synthetic and trubuck leather and features a synthetic sole. It looks like a regular pair of shoes but it is actually safety shoes with a stylish appearance.

These shoes are very comfortable, not heavy, and offer great value for money. They fit perfectly and their measurements are true to their size.

Most people who bought this shoe have only great things to say about their experience.

The majority of them love that these shoes are incredibly comfortable, lightweight, and safe. They also love that it has an effective alloy toe despite its stylish appearance.

Reebok Work Men's Sublite RB4016 Work Shoe

This Reebok model has a rubber sole and an outsole with slip-resistant technology. It comes in three colors and a wide range of sizes.

Despite being from a brand widely known for its athletic shoes, this model has everything you would expect from a pair of safety shoes.

Its features include a steel toe with non-corrosive caps, a static dissipative to protect you from electricity, and a slip-resistant outsole.

What customers saying

There are many customer reviews available, and most of them are favorable. Satisfied customers say these shoes are extremely lightweight and comfortable.

They feel and look like a regular pair of shoes even though they are construction shoes equipped with advanced safety technology.

This pair is great for industrial, manufacturing, and other work settings. It is also extremely breathable with a truly comfortable fit.

Types Of Work Shoes

There are many types of work shoes, and they usually depend on the material of the toe. Thus, we have the following options to choose from:

Steel Toe

These are the standard safety shoes, and they are usually very heavy and resistant.

They protect you from impacts of up to 200 joules and can carry up to 1000 kg without losing their shape.

Composite Toe

Shoes that feature a composite toe have a blend of carbon fiber and plastic covering the toe area. The main benefit of a composite toe is that it is non-magnetic and non-metallic.

Hence, they don’t make your feet feel colder or hotter and are perfect if you’re working with electrical hazards.

Alloy Toe

Alloy offers similar protection to that of steel toes, but they are not as heavy.

These shoes weigh 50% less and are usually thicker, thus improving mobility and flexibility without compromising safety.

Soft Toe

This type of safety shoe does not include protective wear in the toe area. They are more comfortable, and appropriate for light working environments.

Get these only if you’re not worried about running into danger with your toes or about your feet being crushed.

Other Things To Consider

Besides the material of the toe, there are many other things to consider before buying your safety shoes. This includes:

Shoe material

Evaluating the material of your shoe is key to assessing its durability and function.

You should always look for slip-resistant soles as well as shoes with high traction and better grip, especially if you work in slippery areas.

Also, be sure to check for acid-resistant features if you work with corrosive chemicals.

Comfort

Safety shoes are very tough and resistant, but they should also feel comfortable.

If they’re not comfortable, you will end up feeling really tired after your workday and will look for any opportunity to take them off.

Be sure to find the proper fit for you and if you work in very high or low temperatures, remember to check if your shoes are breathable or provide proper insulation, respectively.

Safety

Safety is of utmost importance and purchasing a reliable pair of shoes that won’t wear down even in the worst conditions is crucial.

Durability is one of the most important things to look at in safety shoes, and if you’re working with electrical hazards, look for shoes that can withstand electricity.

Most safety shoes provide certain degrees of electrical hazard protection, but some are specially designed for those working conditions.