Work shoes protect the foot and secure footing in contexts involving walking, carrying and handling on sometimes uneven or slippery floors. They are relevant to construction, logistics, industry, food processing and public services, with very different constraints depending on the workstation. Groupe RG supports companies in selecting suitable models, drawing on the EN ISO 20345 standard and a practical reading of markings to make compliance and multi-site purchasing easier.
Choosing the right work shoes: uses, protections and sectors involved
On site, the protection sought depends on actual exposure: slipping, falling objects, crushing, puncture by nails or metal shavings, contact with oils and hydrocarbons, or frequent movement between indoors and outdoors. A well-specified pair acts on several levers: protective toecap, anti-puncture sole, grip, heel shock absorption and material resistance. In construction, reinforced soles and abrasion-resistant uppers are a priority. In logistics, lightness and cushioning are favoured to limit fatigue. In food processing, slip resistance and ease of cleaning in wet environments guide the choice.
The shape of the upper also guides selection: a low-cut upper suits mobile trades (order preparation, light industry), a high-top upper provides useful support on uneven floors or during heavy handling, and the boot becomes necessary as soon as water resistance takes priority over breathability. This choice must factor in compatibility with other PPE worn simultaneously, such as knee pads or rainwear.
Standards, certifications and reading safety shoe markings
Three standards structure selection according to the expected level of protection. EN ISO 20345 governs safety shoes with a toecap resistant to 200 J, typically chosen in construction, industry and logistics. EN ISO 20346 targets a 100 J toecap for moderate impact hazards. EN ISO 20347 covers professional shoes without a toecap, suited to workstations where grip and comfort are the priority, such as certain roles in catering or services. The right framework depends on the criticality of the crushing hazard identified during the risk assessment.
Markings supplement the standard: the toecap (steel, aluminium, composite) affects weight and compatibility with certain environments; the anti-puncture sole is chosen according to the hazard and the flexibility expected; slip resistance should be interpreted against the site's actual floors (moisture, grease, dust). For an HSE manager, documentary traceability — manufacturer, size, year, standard, markings — remains essential to justify the choice during an audit and maintain compliance over time.
Selection criteria and points of vigilance on site
Comfort should be managed as a performance criterion: fit volume, width and heel support determine stability and limit friction over long days. Heel cushioning becomes decisive in logistics or on industrial flooring. Grip results from a pairing of tread pattern and rubber compound to be checked against the floors encountered: a heavily cleated sole is not always the best answer on a resin-coated indoor floor. Durability is assessed based on the dominant stresses: abrasion, repeated moisture, chemical contact, and regular inspection of the sole and upper makes it possible to anticipate replacement before loss of usability.
Groupe RG support for advising and equipping teams
Selection is ideally based on a risk assessment by activity and area, to match a level of protection to actual use and formalise criteria that are clear for on-site teams. For multi-site organisations, harmonising ranges reduces variability, simplifies size management and ensures traceability usable in audits. Continuity of supply and the ability to manage recurring orders maintain the same level of protection over time, including during activity peaks or the start of new sites. This standardisation approach remains compatible with controlled exceptions for trades with specific constraints.
FAQ
How do I choose work shoes suited to my trade?
Start from the dominant hazards of the workstation and the terrain, then translate them into checkable requirements: presence of a toecap, anti-puncture protection, grip, resistance to hydrocarbons. Then confirm actual use (walking, standing, outdoors) and compatibility with other PPE worn, and document the choice with the standard and markings to make monitoring easier.
What is the difference between work shoes and safety shoes?
The term "work shoes" refers to all professional footwear, with or without a toecap. Safety shoes are distinguished by certification with a protective toecap under EN ISO 20345 to cover an impact or crushing hazard. The choice depends on the risk assessment and site requirements.
What standards and markings should be checked on work shoes?
First check the reference standard (EN ISO 20345, 20346 or 20347) according to the level of protection sought, then the markings useful for the use case: slip resistance, resistance to hydrocarbons, anti-puncture protection, shock absorption. For a professional purchase, traceability (manufacturer, model, date, instructions) makes management and audits easier.
Must the employer provide safety shoes?
When the risk assessment shows that foot protection is necessary, the employer must provide suitable PPE and ensure its maintenance or replacement. They must also keep evidence justifying the choice: during an audit, consistency between identified hazards, standards chosen and on-site practices is a frequent checkpoint.
Which work shoes should be chosen for cold, moisture and long outdoor days?
Favour a design suited to moisture (water-repellent or waterproof materials where necessary) and a sole that retains grip on wet floors. For cold, insulation and sweat management matter as much as thickness. On long days, cushioning, ankle support and a well-fitted size reduce fatigue and friction.