What Are The Best Safety Shoes For 2024?

Health and safety are essential in any workplace. But when it comes to working on construction sites, completing manual labour, operating heavy machinery, and even working within kitchens and medical premises, it’s vital to take extra precautions and invest in workwear to decrease the risk of potential accidents and injuries. One item that’s especially important is safety shoes. 

Crafted with you in mind, safety shoes shield your feet from falling objects, sharp tools, and poor weather conditions. But that’s not all; they also come fitted with protective properties and design features that guarantee durability.

At Work Wear Express, we’re experts when it comes to the best safety shoes. To support you in your search, we dive into the types of safety shoes available as well as features to look out for in this blog.

What Styles of Safety Shoes Are Available?

The best safety shoes come in a range of different styles. For example, hiker-style shoes, safety boots, slip-on safety shoes, and even brogues are all available. If the style is important to the overall aesthetic of your uniform, you’ll also find safety shoes in various colours, like black and white, and those with reflective properties.

Finding The Best Safety Shoes For You

When it comes to finding the best safety shoes for you, you’ll need to consider your requirements. For example, do you need a shoe you can easily move around in? Do you need a waterproof safety shoe? Or do you require safety shoes fitted with steel toe caps crafted from cut-resistant fabric?

With so much to think about, here are a few tips for finding the right shoe for you:

1. Consider the features you need

The best safety shoes are designed with you in mind, so they’ll all have a range of features for you to take advantage of. For example, most will have the following properties:

Anti-static
Non-slip
Cut resistant
Steel toe cap
Water repellent
Heat resistant
Composite midsole

2. What style are you looking for?

Just like safety shoes boast a range of features, they also come in various styles, as shared above. Depending on your requirements, you might find that a high-leg shoe is better for you. In contrast, you might want something like a safety clog if you’re working in a medical environment.

3. Safety requirements

Depending on the environment you’re working in, a safety shoe that complies with certain safety standards and regulations may be best. If this resonates, pay close attention to slip resistance and safety ratings.

4. Take your working environment into consideration 

As well as considering the safety requirements of your workplace, you’ll also need to review your working environment to help you determine which are the best safety shoes for you. 

For example, if you’re operating heavy machinery or working on a construction site, opting for shoes with steel toe caps will help protect your feet if a heavy object falls. If you’re an electrician or working on rail lines, anti-static shoes will offer the best protection. Similarly, if you work outdoors comes rain or shine, waterproof and water-repellent shoes will best serve you.

5. Brands 

Though you might not think the brand you opt for matters, some brands will be able to meet your needs better than others. If you’re looking for the best safety shoes, consider brands including:

Portwest
Shoes For Crews
Himalayan
Amblers
Mascot
Blaklader

Our Top 5 Best Safety Shoes

If you’re still searching for the best safety shoes, we’ve rounded up our top 5 for you here.

Portwest Steelite Slip On Safety Boot

https://www.workwearexpress.com/portwest-steelite-slip-on-safety-boot

Designed for those working in medicine and restaurant kitchens, the Portwest steelite slip on safety boot boasts comfort whilst maintaining those all-important safety features. Suitable for anyone on their feet all day, this shoe is made from vegan-friendly materials. Slip, water, and fuel resistant, your feet will remain protected at all times.

What We Like: 

✓ Extra padding for comfort

✓ Self-cleaning outsoles

✓ Unisex design and sizes

Best For: 

✓ Chefs

✓ Medical professionals

Magnum Sitemaster Safety Shoe

https://www.workwearexpress.com/magnum-sitemaster-low-safety-shoe

If you’re looking for a safety shoe that’s made from durable and lightweight full grain leather, the Magnum sitemaster safety shoe offers just that. Fitted with plenty of grips to prevent slips and falls, this is one of the best safety shoes for comfort and protection.

These shoes are also designed with fast-wicking lining, so you won’t have to worry about sweat causing unnecessary rubbing or feet health issues.

What We Like: 

✓ Maximum comfort

✓ A casual yet smart appearance

✓ High durability

Best For: 

✓ Anyone working outdoors

✓ Construction workers

Amblers Brogue Safety Shoe

https://www.workwearexpress.com/amblers-brogue-safety-shoe

Offering a different appearance to some of our other safety shoes, Ambler's brogue safety shoes are great for anyone looking for shoes that combine safety and style. 

Whether worn with a suit, slim fit work trousers, or chinos, Ambler’s shoes also reduce the chance of slips, discomfort, or workplace accidents thanks to their PU outsole, steel toe cap, and padded collar.

What We Like: 

✓ Design meets comfort

✓ Slip resistance sole

✓ 200-joules protection

Best For: 

✓ Office workers

✓ Site visits

Portwest ESD Footwear

https://www.workwearexpress.com/portwest-esd-footwear

Working in environments with a risk of electric currents and static requires safety shoes specifically designed to combat the chance of electric shock. If you work in these environments, Portwest’s ESD footwear is for you.

Featuring self-cleaning outsoles, steel toe caps, and anti-static properties, Portwest has also guaranteed minimal chance of slipping thanks to SRC slip-resistant soles. 

What We Like: 

✓ Suitable for both men and women

✓ Easy fastenings

✓ Comfortable design

Best For: 

✓ Anyone working in ESD workplaces

✓ Engineers

Rock Fall Topaz Women’s Fit Slip On Safety Shoe

https://www.workwearexpress.com/rock-fall-topaz-womens-fit-slip-on-safety-shoe

Crafted from full grain black leather, Rock Fall’s topaz women’s fit slip on safety shoe has been designed to prevent unwanted workplace slips, trips, and falls. Waterproof and fitted with steel toe caps, these shoes additionally protect the feet from falling objects, poor weather, and leaks.

Available in a range of sizes, these safety shoes also meet EN ISO standards.

What We Like: 

✓ Comfortable fit

✓ Easy to put on and take off

✓ Lightweight design

Best For: 

✓ Medical environments 

✓ Indoor working areas