Alphabetical IndexBrands
CloseIn this buying guide you'll find expert advice from Indors on how to choose the best Work Boots and/or Safety Boots for your needs. There are dozens of different types of boots depending on the environment they'll be used in.
Let's look together at how they're classified and how to choose the right pair.
Saying "work boots" might be reductive since there are many models, materials, shapes and safety grades that determine whether boots can be classified as safety footwear or not. That's why it's important to understand the main categories and their distinguishing features.
This type of boot is specifically designed for those working in cold environments, such as farmers or construction workers on outdoor sites during winter, as well as warehouse workers and operators in cold storage facilities.
These boots are typically made of leather, fur or high-thermal-insulation technical fabrics. However, being designed to keep feet warm, they're not always built for worker safety, so it's important to check their certification and safety level.
Unlike the previous type, these boots are designed to protect feet in environments with falling object risks and puncture hazards. It's important to understand the protection type indicated on the label to determine which boots are suitable for your specific work environment.
Both polyurethane and PVC are more durable than rubber but have important differences: Both are lighter than rubber, with polyurethane boots having the added advantage of being more flexible and resistant than PVC, thus lasting longer over time.
SRA: Slip resistance on ceramic flooring with water and detergent
SRB: Slip resistance on steel flooring with glycerin
SRC: SRA + SRB
P: Puncture resistant midsole
E: Heel energy absorption
WR: Water Resistance (improvement of WRU)
WRU/WPA: Upper resistant to water penetration since 2023
AN: Ankle protection
M: Metatarsal protection
HRO: Sole resistant to heat contact at 300°C for 1 minute
HI: Heat insulation up to 150°C
CI: Cold insulation down to -17°C
FO: Hydrocarbon resistant sole
ESD: Protection against electrostatic discharge
A: Electrostatic footwear
C: Conductive footwear (electricity)
CR: Cut resistance
SRA: Slip resistance on ceramic flooring with water and detergent
SRB: Slip resistance on steel flooring with glycerin
SRC: Combination of SRA + SRB
DGUV112-191: Orthopedic footbed adaptation
SC: Toe abrasion resistance
LG: Sole with heel detached from footbed for ladder rung grip
The last essential feature we want to highlight in safety footwear is its resistance to electrostatic discharge, indicated by the ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge) marking, which refers to static electricity discharge between bodies that can be hazardous in work environments because, even if weak, it can ignite fires when flammable materials are present. These boots are recommended in environments working with microchips, production of sensitive electrical components, painting, laboratories, medical fields, and when working with flammable liquids and gases.
