In order not to take any risk at work, it is imperative to be correctly equipped, in particular thanks to good safety shoes. But how do you know if the shoe is properly made? And how do you know which components are essential to your safety? Let's take a look at the anatomy of safety shoe!

The upper

The upper is the top part of the safety shoe. More simply, it is the entire shoe without the sole, the most visible area. This element of the safety shoe is itself composed of a visible and invisible part.

The visible part of the upper

Often made of different materials with specific properties (leather, textile fibers, synthetic materials), the visible part of the upper must be resistant and light. Certain accessories such as grommets and eyelets are also present on the upper. They allow a good support of the foot and offer a unique design. These accessories can be made of plastic, metal or textile.

The invisible part

The upper also contains invisible elements, such as foam or linings at the back and front, providing even more comfort for the foot, in constant contact with this part of the shoe. Made of breathable mesh, our linings have an anti-perspirant action for a totally dry day despite the distance traveled or the weather conditions.

Steel toe cap

Sometimes called a protective toe cap, this cap is the essential element of the safety shoe. Located at the front of the safety shoe, the cap covers the toes and protects the foot against numerous risks such as crushing, cuts, shocks or even falling heavy objects.

To obtain the EN ISO 20345 standard, the steel toe cap must be able to withstand a pressure of 200 joules, i.e. the fall of a 20 kg object from a height of one meter. It must be able to resist a crushing of 1,500 kilos, the weight of a car.

Hulls are often made of metal (steel or aluminum), or composites, such as polycarbonate, fiberglass or carbon.

The inner sole

Placed in the safety shoe, the insole provides the comfort and breathability that the foot needs throughout the day. The extra-reinforced 3D soles that make up the Ultrabold safety shoes optimize the support of the arch of the foot.

They are non-irritating, breathable and quick-drying for unparalleled results.

The anti-puncture sole

This other element of the safety shoe is located on the lower part of the object. Just like the protective toe cap, the anti-puncture sole is essential to protect the foot. However, this one comes to protect another part of the foot: the arch of the foot. Subject to the EN ISO 20345 standard, the anti-puncture sole must resist the penetration of a 4.5 mm diameter nail under a pressure of 1,100 Newton. Thus, no blunt object (screw, nail, and other sharp objects) can be planted in the foot.

For a long time, the anti-puncture sole was made of stainless steel. This did not provide any comfort or weight gain for the safety shoe. Today, it is more flexible thanks to compact polyamide (a plastic material) combined with Kevlar (a synthetic fiber that is highly resistant to heat).

The anti-slip sole

Nowadays, slipping is the second most common cause of accidents at work. It is therefore important to emphasize this element directly in contact with the ground. The grip must be perfect, even on slippery ground.

Before being integrated into the shoe, the anti-slip soles must meet the SRA (slip resistance on a ceramic floor with a coating) and SRB (slip resistance on a steel floor with oil) standards.

Different materials are used to manufacture the anti-slip sole. Sometimes made of polyurethane (PU), it can also be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), nitrile rubber, or a combination of several materials.

As you can see, safety shoes are essential to ensure the safety of your feet at work. They must be sturdy, without neglecting comfort and aesthetics. At Ultrabold, we offer a wide range of high quality and designed safety shoes certified EN ISO 20345.

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