How do I know if my boots are puncture resistant?

In order to pass these standards, the puncture resistant footwear has to have a special plate between the sole and insole. This piece must be installed as an integral part of the manufacturing process for that Work Shoe or Boot.

How do I know if my boots are steel toe?

Steel toe boots and shoes include an internal toe box made of heavy-duty steel. It covers the phalange bones of your foot, more commonly known as your toes, protecting them from harm. From the outside, a piece of steel toe footwear may look the same as any other shoe.

What does the green triangle mean on work boots?

Green triangle indicates sole puncture protection with a Grade 1 protective toecap. For heavy industrial work environments, especially that of construction where sharp objects (such as nails) are present. Yellow triangle indicates sole puncture protection with a Grade 2 protective toecap.

What does ASTM stand for on boots?

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) 2413 sets the minimum standards and testing procedures for safety footwear.

What's better steel toe or composite toe?

Steel toe boots offer more protection than composite toe boots since they can withstand higher impact. They are less expensive than composite toe boots. However, steel toe boots are heavier and do not breathe as well as composite toe boots. This makes them less comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Puncture Resistant Boots and How To Tell If Your Footwear Will Keep You Safe

What is the standard for safety boots?

SB - Safety Basic - This is the basic standard for safety footwear and must have toe protection that can withstand a 200 Joule impact.

Do all safety boots have steel toes?

Most people have heard of steel toe cap boots but the protection doesn't have to be steel. In fact there are advantages to alternatives. Non-metallic protection can be equally as strong but lighter.

How do I know if my boot is CSA approved?

Safety shoes come in a wide range of toe protection including composite (or metal-free), aluminum and steel. The green triangle symbol simply means that the footwear is CSA approved to protect the toe and sole of the worker's foot. Green triangle indicates sole puncture protection with a Grade 1 protective toe cap.

What do tags on work boots mean?

A white letter “R” in a blue square means that the boots have class 1 toe protection (125 joules), but their soles are not puncture resistant. A symbol including a grey square with a black letter “R” in it, indicates that the shoes have class 2 (90 joules) toe protection, and no puncture resistant soles.

What is the difference between steel toe and metatarsal boots?

In addition, metatarsals are not large bones and break easily. Metatarsals are not protected by steel toe shoes. Steel toe shoes protect the toes (and puncture from underneath). The image below shows the difference between steel toes and metatarsal guard protection.

Can you break in steel toe boots?

Take the Break In Period Seriously

Almost all shoes, especially boots, require a break in period before they're actually comfortable or wearable even. The process can take up to a month, but if you are diligent and consistent with following these steps, you might be able to get a comfortable fit in just a week.

What is the difference between steel toe and alloy toe?

Steel toes are typically a thinner gauge than their non-metallic and alloy counterparts which often leads to less bulk in the toe box of the boot. An alloy toe is one made from a variety of elements which are primarily Silicon, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Magnesium, Chromium, Zinc and Titanium.

Are puncture resistant boots worth?

They help return energy to your foot for maximum comfort. They keep feet dry, while providing a good grip to keep you from slipping. Georgia Boot Zero Drag Steel-Toe, Puncture Resistant Waterproof Boots also provide comfort through a special waterproof system to keep feet warm and dry.

What does PR mean on safety shoes?

They are used to designate metatarsal protection (Mt), conductive (Cd) properties, electrical hazard resistance properties (EH), footwear designed to reduce the accumulation of excess static electricity (SD) and puncture resistance (PR).

What is the standard for slip resistant shoes?

One slip-resistance standard is the ASTM F 1677, a test method involving a Portable Inclinable Articulated Strut Slip Tester, a tribometer called the Brungraber Mark II. This test method, which has been around since the 1970's, does not test a whole shoe, but 3” by 3” sample of the shoe material.

What is the difference between composite toe and aluminum toe?

Steel and aluminum alloy toe caps are much more thermally conductive compared to composites. This means that composite toe caps will help to keep feet and toes warmer especially when working outdoor in extreme cold or in refrigerated food processing plants.

Are composite toe boots CSA approved?

Tiga Workwear safety boots use a composite (non-metal) material for the safety toe and sole plate. The boots have undergone the same rigorous testing as steel toe boots and are CSA approved (Canada) and ASTM compliant (USA).

What is the difference between safety shoes and safety boots?

When distinguishing between safety boots and safety shoes, look closely at whether or not the footwear covers your ankles. Safety boots usually come up to the middle of your calf, covering at least your ankles. Safety shoes look more like a shoe and do not cover your ankles.

What does S3 mean in safety boots?

S3 - All of the features as S2, plus midsole penetration resistance - meaning that these shoes are puncture proof. For example, a steel midsole prevents sharp objects from piercing through the sole. S4 - All of the features as S1, but is made from a rubber upper or entirely moulded polymer, such as a Wellington boot.

Does composite toe mean steel toe?

Steel-toe boots are a traditional choice, but there are other nonmetallic options, including composite-toe boots, which have protective toe caps made of plastic, carbon fiber or other strong synthetic materials.

What does s2 mean in shoes?

Steel-toe safety shoes - Safety Shoes Today. Reviews.

What does SB mean in safety boots?

SB (Safety Basic) = This is the basic safety standard for footwear. These will have toe protection against a 200-joule impact. S1 = As well as the basic toe protection, S1 will ensure that footwear has anti-static protection, is resistant to fuel oil and has energy absorption in the heel.

What is the difference between SRC and SRA?

The codes indicate that the footwear has met the specified requirements when tested as follows: SRA – tested on ceramic tile wetted with dilute soap solution; SRB – tested on smooth steel with glycerol; SRC – tested under both the above conditions.

How do you know if a shoe is composite toe?

Because composite materials of Composite Toe Shoes are not quite as strong as the steel used in Steel Toes Shoes, Composite Toes have to be thicker and more bulbous.