Top 20 Best Soft Toe Work Shoes For Men & Women
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When it comes to work shoes the common dilemma is which is more important, comfort or safety? But is there a work shoe that combines the best of both worlds? Well, this top 10 will list the shoes that lean more towards comfort, while protecting your feet from hazards as best as possible.
So read on and see if you can find a pair of premium work shoes (or boots) that will perform admirably for you.
Top 10 Best Soft Toe Work Shoes for Men
Timberland PRO Men's Titan Oxford Soft Toe OX, Brown: Brown, 9.5
Checking in at the top of our top ten list is the Timberland PRO Men's 47015 Titan Soft-Toe Lace-Up work boot is a critical cog in Timberland's Titan work shoe and boot line, and is crammed with the features fans of Timberland know and love. These Timberland Titan's are constructed with a couple of nifty features to cut down on the time it usually takes to break in a pair of work boots.
The genuine, soft-grain premium leather used for the upper isn't just designed for maximum comfort, which it is, but it's supple enough to make it easier to break them in, as is the cement construction which has a bonus of incredible flexibility.
Its rubber outsole is slip-resistant as well as abrasion-, heat- and oil-resistant. More comfort is assured as the midsole is made of polyurethane, which is an ultra lightweight material, quite durable, which makes for fantastic cushioning.
The footbeds are also constructed with comfortable and lightweight polyurethane, an open-cell contoured perfectly for feet that are taxed on the job. The fabric materials used are treated with an antimicrobial agent which controls and prevents odors.
All the comfort features are a testament to Timberland's Powerfit Comfort System designed for support and comfort. It's also tested and certified against electrical hazards.
KEEN Utility Men's Detroit Mid Soft Toe Work Boot, Black Olive/Black Olive, 10.5 Wide US
A strong entrant at No. 2 on the top ten list is the Keen Utility Men's Detroit Mid Soft Toe Work Boot. While this boot is from Keen's Utility line of boots, it's also a popular choice for folks who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking. The features the Keen Utility Men's Detroit highlights are designed for safety and maximum comfort.
This is a true do-it-all type of boot. First, it's waterproof in more ways than one. It is constructed with the Keen Dry system which is a breathable membrane designed to help vapors and odors escape while not allowing water inside.
This system virtually assures dry feet at all times. The heel is designed with a hiking-inspired fit, and a toe box also created with hikers in mind. It allows for a more snug and natural fit. Speaking of the toe box, it's a reinforced molded system (patented) so safeguard and protect against mild impact and abrasions.
The toe box or toe cap is asymmetrical specifically to fit left and right feet allowing for your toes to breath and be protected from each other, protecting against pinching while the foot is hyper-flexed. The midsole is removable and a metatomical and dual-density EVA footbed.
KEEN Utility mens Braddock Low Soft Toe Work Shoe, Cascade/Orange Ochre, 9.5 US
Keen's second entrant on this list is also in their Utility series as the Keen Utility Men's Braddock Low Soft Toe work shoe, constructed with the technology and features adored by work boot fans in a low shoe. Let's first explore the safety features. The outsole is made of a rubber material that is slip-resistant and certified and tested to be safe against electrical hazards of a secondary level.
The non-slip outsole is also tested and certified, and it meets or exceeds industry safety standards. The outsole is also constructed to wrap around and over the toe box for added support and protection (a patented technology). The toe box is also built for severe conditions although it is a soft toe design.
It has an integrated heel cushion that keeps your feet feeling fine all day with a snug fit. Keen has another innovative piece of technology with a footbed that is metatomical as it's a support mechanism engineered anatomically for excellent arch support and it actually acts as a cradle for the foot with a natural contour system.
The midsole is also built for premium comfort as it is a metatomical EVA, dual-density footbed, which sets the Keen Utility Men's Braddock apart from its competitors.
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Men's Harrington II Work Shoe, Bushwacker Brown, 9.5 US
Are you looking for the ultimate in comfort and safety in a work shoe? Indeed you are, so check out Dr. Scholl's Men's Harrington II Work Shoe. The second generation shoe in Dr. Scholl's work shoe series is an Oxford shoe that looks fantastic, is constructed to last, and has the features you crave as far as safety and comfort are concerned.
Let's begin with safety features first. The Harrington II has been tested and certified and held to the highest standards the industry has to offer. Their outsole is made with a rubber material that meets and exceeds industry slip-resistant and oil-resistant standards. It also meets secondary electrical hazards standards.
As for comfort, it's got all the features you'd desire in a work shoe. The genuine leather upper of the Harrington II is sturdy yet supple enough for an excellent fit with minimal breaking in. The padding and cushioning are made with Memory Foam Cool Fit technology and act as an internal shock absorber and anti-compression insole.
The inner sole is designed and constructed with Aegis Microbe Shield technology for outstanding odor control, and the cushioning and lining of the insole is made with a Dri-Lex moisture-wicking technology to keep your feet comfortable and dry all day long. The insole is also vented for maximum breathability.
Dickies Men's Raider 6" Leather Work Boot,Wheat,10 M US
The Dickies brand is synonymous with anything work-related. So it's no wonder you'll find their work boot/shoe on this top ten list. The Dickies Men's Raider Soft-Toe Work Shoe is a workhorse and go-to work shoe which will make your feet happy at the end of a hard day of work. It has the classic look and styling you'd expect from a Dickies work shoe -- even the wheat color -- as well as the comfort and safety you need on the job.
It's made from a genuine full-grain leather upper with a synthetic rubber sole. The tongue and collar are fully cushioned and padded for exceptional comfort and snug and precise fit. The shaft is durable as it approximately measures from the ankle area to the arch area of the foot.
The fabric used for the inner sole and lining is designed and constructed with excellent padding and cushioning for optimal comfort and also a performance fabric which has a wonderfully adaptive moisture-wicking technology.
One additional feature of the insole is the PU premium shock absorbing technology designed for all-day comfort and control. The outer sole adheres to industry standards as far as slip- and oil-resistance. This is a tough as nails work shoe.
KEEN Utility Men's Braddock Mid Soft Toe Waterproof Work Shoe, Raven/Estate Blue, 11 Wide US
Talk about your all-utility work shoe; this one has it all. The Keen Utility Men's Braddock Mid Waterproof Soft-Toe work shoe looks like you'd expect a top-of-the-line work shoe to look like, but this shoe's features make it more than just about a beautiful work shoe. Keen readily admits that shoes made for hiking inspired its work line of shoes.
The Keen Men's Braddock Mid Waterproof Soft-Toe has comfort features such as a shaft that measures about five inches from the arch. The heel area has an integrated cushion, a direct-attach midsole made of polyurethane, and an ethylene vinyl acetate footbed which is a dual-density and removable metatomical footbed at that. Keen has a patented toe box which is unique.
They have designed the outsole to extend and cover up the toe box which allows for exceptional protection and comfort and keeps your toes from becoming bunched up and pinched. The outsole meets and exceeds industry standards for oil- and slip-resistance.
The inner sole, upper and inner fabric material is made with Keen Dry technology so it's breathable for all-day comfort and protection and waterproof so you can rest assured your feet will remain dry no matter the conditions.
WOLVERINE Men's Legend 6 Inch Waterproof Soft Toe-M Work Boot, Dark Brown, 12 M US
The Wolverine Men's Legend 6" Waterproof Soft-Toe Work Shoe is a marvel of work shoe technology. It comes in dark brown and black colors, but it's the comfort promised with each step you take that makes this work shoe stand out from its contemporaries.
With something called DuraShock technology, the patented system is an inner sole and midsole that is an entirely integrated design for superior energy return which genuinely keeps your feet from getting worn out after a day on them at work. The engineering behind this technology is Wolverine's way of promising long-lasting performance so you won't be rushing to get out of your shoes at the end of the workday.
Wolverine is a brand that's been around awhile, and they take pride in their patented features. Additionally, this work shoe has a mesh lining that is moisture-wicking, a genuine full-grain leather upper which is thoroughly waterproof and supple enough so you won't have to spend too long break the shoe in.
It also boasts of a durable, direct-attach design, and an OrthoLite padded and cushioned footbed that is removable. The outsole is rubber lug slip-resistant, and it has an H-Plate suspension, and the shaft stretches from about six inches from the arch.
KEEN Utility Men's Cody Mid Soft Toe Waterproof Work Shoe, Cascade Brown/Midnight Navy, 11 Medium US
To say Keen is well represented on this top ten list is an understatement, yet the Keen Utility Men's Cody Mid Soft Toe Waterproof Industrial and Construction Shoe is the kind of work shoe you can't wait to put on in the morning before heading out to work at the job site.
Another work shoe from Keen that takes a nod towards the best hiking shoes, the Keen Utility Cody is strong, sturdy, and built for high performance. Perfect if you are working on an industrial job site, a construction job site, or even on the hiking trail, this shoe is perfect whether you work indoors or outdoors. The outer sole is a compression molded ethylene vinyl acetate for superior oil- and slip-resistance.
It also incorporates Keen's patented technology of covering the outsole over the toe box, which adds extra protection for your toes and allows for room enough for your toes to keep from bunching up or pinching together. The outsole is also non-marking.
The genuine, full-grain leather upper is entirely waterproof, and the inner sole and midsole are constructed for comfort as well to act as shock absorbers for your feet. The leather lining is breathable. The Keen Utility Men's Cody Mid Soft Toe Waterproof Industrial and Construction Shoe is as versatile as a work shoe can get.
WOLVERINE Men's Overman 6 Inch Insulated Waterproof Soft Toe-M Work Boot, Brown, 10 M US
The penultimate work shoe on this men's top ten list is the Wolverine Men's Overman 6 Inch Insulated Waterproof Soft Toe Work Shoe. This excellent work shoe certainly looks the part but it brings tenacity to the table with the jam-packed features, including several patented safety and comfort features only available through Wolverine.
This sturdy yet ultra-lightweight work shoe has an abrasion-resistant toe box and heel area with a reinforced genuine full-grain leather upper. The safety toe is made with the Wolverine CarbonMax technology (patented) as it is nanotechnology to make the toe box comfortable, durable, yet lightweight. The compression pads at the toe and heel consist of another patented technology called MultiShox.
It is designed to absorb specific impacts for comfort throughout the day. The footbed is premium cushioning at its best as it also utilizes a removable, full-length footbed with MultiShox technology. The outer rubber sole is electrical hazard tested and oil-, slip-, and abrasion-resistant, and highly flexible because of Contour Welt patented technology.
All of these features help workers who wear the Wolverine Men's Overman from foot and leg fatigue as the technologies are energy-returning. The inner sole and midsole act as shock absorbers and are also constructed with cushioning and lining that fights sweat and wicks it away for added comfort.
New Balance Men's Composite Toe 989 V1 Industrial Shoe, Brown/Brown, 15 M US
The final entrant to the men's Top 10 Best Soft Toe Work Shoes is the New Balance Men's 989V1 Work Training Shoe. This rugged work shoe is sturdy, durable, comfortable and chock full of features.
It's a stylish and gorgeous looking shoe that's perfect for folks who work in light-duty industrial jobs, but truthfully it's an excellent shoe for any indoor or outdoor profession and excellent as a hiking shoe (from which New Balance admits it was inspired by). The soft toe construction is designed for maximum protection as it utilizes a composite toe cap which is sturdy yet ultra-lightweight.
The outer sole is a synthetic rubber material that is tested and certified for slip-, and oil-resistance as well as meeting and exceeding industry standards for secondary electrical hazards.
The uniquely constructed Men's 989V1 is also perfect for those workers who need an over-the-ankle protective shoe. The midsole has another piece of nifty technology with the patented REVlite cushioning system which is innovative and impressive. It's a foam compound that is lightweight yet durable.
It provides exceptional cushioning and comfort yet remains stable and protective. It has a full-grain, genuine leather upper for rugged durability and a mesh/synthetic inner sole for maximum breathability.
Top 10 Best Soft Toe Work Shoes for Women
Brooks Womens Addiction Walker Walking Shoe - Bone - 2E - 10.5
The first spot of the women's Top 10 Best Soft Toe Work Shoes is the Brooks Women's Addiction Walker Walking Shoes. Yes, it's a walking shoe, yet also a perfect soft-toe work shoe as the multitude of features can attest.
Brooks is a brand you can trust, and the Brooks Women's Addiction Walker is manmade and boasts of a supple yet sturdy full-grain genuine leather in three enticing color choices (bone, white and black). So you know that either option will go with any work uniform or casual dress you adhere to. The lining is a comfortable textile fabric exceptionally cushioned and removable.
It's designed to accommodate and fit any orthotics you may need to utilize.
The cushioning is shock absorbing as it puts to use a patented HydroFlow technology with the midsole. It also has enhancements in the forefoot area and heel with what Brooks calls "dynamic gooey fluid units" meant to act as a functional gel for added comfort and support.
The medial arch area boasts of another patented piece of technology called Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) which is a dual-density post for progressive pronation (side-to-side natural foot movement) control. The outsole is slip-, and skid-resistant on wet or dry surfaces.
Dansko Paisley Waterproof Outdoor Sneakers for Women – Comfortable, Breathable Walking Shoes with Arch Support – Stain Resistant Sneakers with Slip Resistant Rubber Outsole, Chocolate, 8.5-9 M US
The Dansko Women's Paisley Fashion Sneaker is an excellent work shoe offered in a variety of color options. The Dansko Women's Paisley is one of the few women's work shoes that has earned the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Seal of Acceptance which promotes excellent foot health.
It's designed to be slip-resistant with a Vibram rubber outer sole ideal for exceptional traction of dry and wet surfaces as well as snow and ice. It also has an ethylene vinyl acetate footbed which is removable, triple-density for comfort that lasts all day.
This advanced feature makes sure that your feet remain dry and comfortable all day. Also, it acts as a shock absorbing system so at the end of the day your not screaming to take them off.
The full-grain and genuine suede leather upper is waterproof and seam sealing and equipped with Scotchguard Protector for outstanding stain resistance. The inner sole and midsole is made with a Dupont Sorona fiber system for excellent moisture management and also boasts of a Cleansport NXT odor control.
This lace-to-toe sneaker/work shoe is built to withstand any type of inclement weather. It is also the perfect shoe for women who work on their feet all day in the healthcare, restaurant, retail, or manufacturing industries.
Innovative Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for Women - Ideal for Heel Pain Relief. Therapeutic Walking Shoes with Arch Support, Arch Booster, Cushioning Ergonomic Sole & Extended Widths - Coral by Orthofeet
A true marvel in shoe design, the Orthofeet Coral Women's Comfort Orthopedic Arthritis Diabetic Orthotic Sneakers was created to not only keep your feet feeling good all day long on the job, but to prevent serious foot problems from occurring at all.
That's because Orthofeet has created a system they call Orthofeet Ergonomic Stride Design with engineering advancements which include an orthotic insole which has been contoured to provide anatomical arch support, an ergonomic sole which provides for air cushioning, and a gel padding under the heel.
These benefits are designed to each step you take in the Orthofeet Coral Women's Comfort Orthopedic Arthritis Diabetic Orthotic Sneakers comfortable and soothing, it will alleviate and relieve overall foot and heel pain, it takes the pressure off of the bottom part of the feet, the arch support is unmatched and is excellent for those that suffer from flat feet, and it also helps reduce those annoying and painful calluses and corns.
Just some of the conditions this shoe will provide a solution for are plantar fasciitis, knee and back pain, metatarsal pain, heel pain, arch pain, arthritic and diabetic feet pain, neuropathy, pronation, Morton's Neuroma, and Metatarsalgia. For women with foot issues, this is the shoe for you.
Innovative Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for Women - Ideal for Heel Pain Relief. Therapeutic Walking Shoes with Arch Support, Arch Booster, Cushioning Ergonomic Sole & Extended Widths - Serene by Orthofeet
Let's stick with Orthofeet and their Serene Women's Comfort Orthopedic Wide Arthritis Diabetic T-Strap Shoes. The Serene boasts of Orthofeet's innovative biomechanical design the Ergonomic Stride system which helps to facilitate the natural motion of the foot as well as enhances foot and lower leg stability.
The sole is ultra-lightweight with cushioning that softens every step and Orthofeet claims that the shoe actually adds a spring to your step. The design also facilitates an extra depth that is non-binding. This and an extra wide toe box takes away the pressure on bunions and hammer toes. The insole lining is soft and seam-free with foam padding to there are no pressure points.
This provides superior comfort and premium protection for women with sensitive feet, particularly sufferers of diabetic foot pain and rheumatoid arthritis. The innovative T-Strap is designed for comfort yet also is excellent anatomical arch support but also provides relief and prevents foot issues such as heel and arch pain, general foot pain, back and knee pain, ball of the foot pain, metatarsal pain, plantar fasciitis, diabetic and arthritic feet pain, sensitive feet, pronation, neuropathy, Morton's Neuroma, metatarsalgia, hammer toes, corns and bunions.
Finally, the inner sole is a unique contoured orthotic insole with gel padding.
KEEN Utility Women's Atlanta Cool Low Soft Toe ESD Work Shoe, Gargoyle/Hot Coral, 10 Wide US
For women that work in the industrial or construction industries, you don't need to be told that you've been sadly under-represented when it comes to work shoes. Thanks to Keen, that's all changed so gone are the days of searching and searching for the right, smaller-sized Men's work shoes that simply don't work for the foot issues unique to women.
The Keen Utility Women's Atlanta Cool Soft Toe ESD Industrial and Construction Shoe has been specially designed for a woman's feet for the comfort, protection, and safety they deserve. This shoe is versatile and jam-packed with features such as the Keen Protect toe cap which wraps up from the sole to added advanced protection for the toes from stubs and scrapes.
The outsole is also made from a rubber material that is slip-resistant for premium stability and protection against dry or wet surfaces. The sole is also non-marking. The shoe also has an electro-static dissipative (ESD) design, which means it will cut down on too much static electricity. The removable footbed is ideally cushioned and designed with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) which makes it super comfortable and dual-density.
The midsole is also made with EVA, and it's compression molded and contoured for an exact fit for support and cradling of the foot. The lacing is a capture system which allows for a secure fit every time.
Amblers Safety Unisex FS23 Soft Shell Trainer Black Size UK 4 EU 37
The Amblers Unisex Steel FS23 Soft Shell Trainer/Men's Women's Shoes are designed for men or women and come with features to make this the perfect work shoe for industrial or construction jobs. The Amblers Unisex Steel has a soft upper shell to be ultra-lightweight.
The steel toe cap is ideally constructed for toe box construction. It meets or exceeds all standards for footwear safety, including slip-resistance. It is protected against electrical hazards as it's tested to protect against impact up to 200 joules. It's also built with an energy absorbing heel and is antistatic up to 20 joules.
The midsole is contoured for an all-day comfortable fit and is also steel protected which will guard against impediments like nails and similar hazards.
The rubber sole is made of a material for maximum slip- and oil-resistance. It meets or exceeds SRA slip-resistant standards. The outsole is constructed for hard-wearing and to take a beating. There is built-in rear, and front bump stops on the outer rubber sole for exceptional durability and to prevent skid marks and scuffing.
The unique and innovative lacing system is built for speed with laces and hooks, and D-Ring holds to get the shoe on and fit snugly as quick as possible.
Dr. Comfort Women's Maggy X Black Diabetic Casual Shoes 5.5 Medium (M/D) Black US Woman
The Dr. Comfort Maggy Women's Therapeutic Diabetic Extra Depth Shoe Leather Velcro is designed and constructed with the finest quality materials with design features for the ultimate safety, protection, and maximum comfort.
The Dr. Comfort Maggy is intended to be a therapeutic shoe, particularly for women who suffer the effects of diabetic foot pain. It has features that accommodate the swelling and pins-and-needles sensation diabetic patients feel from time to time. One of those features is the extra depth, which also allows for orthotic, removable inserts.
There is an insert that comes with the Dr. Comfort Maggy, and it's made with a contoured gel insert.
The upper is made with an all-grain, genuine leather that is supple and sturdy and gorgeous to look at. Another unique feature is the lacing system. It has a traditional lace closure with a single or double Velcro strap which is stylish but mainly adds to a more comfortable and exact fit.
It comes in a variety of colors (beige, black, and chestnut) so that you can match any work uniform or casual or business dress that you require.The cushioning and padding is seamless, and the lining is supremely comfortable. All in all, these are the best shoes for enlarged feet and ankles due to diabetes.
STQ Women's Athletic Walking Shoes Breathable Knit Mesh Casual Tennis Sneakers (6, Brown)
Looking for a platform wedge work shoe that is unique, stylish and still offers the protection, safety, and comfort you need? Then look no further than the HKR Women's Slip-On Comfort Platform Wedge Work Shoes Tassel Suede Loafers Ladies Moccasins.
The slip-on shoe has a platform that measures about 1.18 inches and the back heel at 2.36 inches and is easy to slip off and on again. It's constructed with a breathable synthetic material, and the lining is made with a warm and comfortable faux fur which is excellent for any type of weather. The outer sole is made of a polyurethane material which is slip-resistant and provides stability and balance for all-day use.
The shoe is ideal for long-standing, working, traveling, and shopping and is stylish enough to be worn for fashion, casual, or dress purposes. It's hand-sewn with a soft and breathable lining made with a suede leather upper and an elegant bowknot and tassel.
It's available in a wide variety of fashionable colors and sizes, perfect to wear in any season and can match easily with jeans or trousers, dress or skirts, jackets or business wear. If you work in a job where you're on your feet all day, this is the perfect shoe.
Nautilus Women's Soft Toe ESD Oxfords,Brown,7 M
The Nautilus Women's Soft Toe ESD Oxfords, Brown, 7 M are safety- and comfort-conscious shoe for women who work on their feet all day. This premium work shoe is designed to be athletic and yet casual and also jam-packed with the features you need in a wear-all-day type of work shoe.
The full-grain, genuine pebbled leather upper is sturdy, stylish, yet supple, so you don't have to take any extra measures to break it in. It's worn-in comfortable as soon as you take them out of the box. The inner sole is removable and made of an anti-fatigue polyurethane material that contour fits your feet. The manufacturing is of the highest quality.
The outer sole is government tested and approved (meets or exceeds these standards) slip-, and oil-resistant and made with a stabilizing rubber material. It is also tested and recommended for secondary electric hazards.
It's also that rare shoe that has an ESD feature. This stands for electrostatic discharge and guards against static electricity, which can wreak havoc on electronic equipment and computers. The innovative midsole has been designed for maximum comfort and boasts of an excellent ethylene vinyl acetate, which is contoured for an exceptional fit and the padding and cushioning is as comfortable as you can get.
The Oxford look is stylish, and the traditional lacing system is set up for an exact fit every time.
Rockport womens Sailing Club Rk670-w industrial and construction shoes, Navy, 8 US
The Rockport Works Women's Soft Toe MaxTrax Slip-Resistant Boat Shoe is affordable yet filled with the kinds of features you need for a soft toe work shoe. It has the protection and safety features to go with premium styling as it has the look and feel of an Oxford or loafer.
It comes in brown or black, so either way, it'll go well with any type of work uniform, business or casual dress you desire. It's made of a genuine, full-grain leather, that's supple yet sturdy. The lining is made of superior comfort and is made of microfiber material. But the real gem in this design is the MaxTrax slip-resistant rubber outer sole.
MaxTrax is an absorbing ethylene vinyl acetate which is used for the molded midsole as well.
The patented system takes slip-resistance and midsole comfort to a whole new level. The features highlighted with MaxTrax are meant to provide the most traction available in a shoe as it allows for the maximum possible surface area contact with deep grooves to make sure it channels liquids.
This technology also acts as kind of a self-cleaning feature, which helps make the sole even more slip-resistant. The outsole also has a separate, sturdy and cushioned heel cup.
The Best Soft Toe Work Shoes: Best of Both Worlds
These reviews are a guide so you’ll know what type of soft toe work shoe may work best for you.
But there are some key reasons why this is important. One reason is wearing work shoes which are safety-conscious and comfortable is imperative. As is that folk who have foot problems, finding a work shoe which accounts for this is ideal. And finally, for women, it hasn’t been very long that shoe manufacturers have included you in this conversation at all, as for years you’ve had to shop through smaller-sized men’s shoes for a work shoe, and that’s just not right.
Let’s look into the first issue now. Why is it important to wear the right type of safety work shoe? There are several reasons, and they all have to do with the overall protection of your feet while on the job.
Things or objects that fall is one reason why a sturdy and well designed soft toe work shoe is essential. Sure, some job sites may require you to wear steel-toed shoes, but with modern shoe technology being so advanced, there are soft toe options which can provide premium protection from lightweight objects that may fall on your toes.
If you work with and around heavy machinery, power tools, vehicles, heavy equipment, and objects, wearing the proper safety shoes is imperative for the protection of your feet.
Then there are electrical hazards such as electrical currents that need to be safeguarded against. Many work shoes do accommodate for this hazard and are designed and constructed with rubber materials that have features such that can withstand secondary electrical hazards, generally for up to 200 joules.
Also, many job sites have too much static electricity to account for, so shoes designed and constructed with something called ESD (electrostatic discharge) technology. This type of soft toe work shoe will withstand up to 20 joules of static electricity. This can be crucial and protect electrical equipment and computers on a job site.
It goes without saying that working around electricity (particularly live currents) comes with many risks, specifically electrical shock, which can be dangerous and possibly deadly. And the buildup of static electricity accumulation can cause sudden and hazardous sparks.
So wearing the proper soft toe safety shoes can cut out or reduce the possibility of electrical hazards if the materials used in the construction of your shoes have non-conductive properties. And since leather and rubber don’t conduct electricity, make sure to look for shoes made with these materials, and some even have added non-conductive properties that are beneficial.
It’ll usually say on the box whether shoes are conductive or non-conductive. But still, it can’t harm to get a feel for what type of materials are conductive and which ones aren’t. For a list of yes-conductive and no-conductive materials, have a look at this page, which lays it all out for you.
If you happen to work in an industry where there a lot of sharp objects around, heavy duty protective shoes are a good idea, as well. Many construction and industrial sites are prime examples. These can safeguard against any potential punctures and cutting, of things like sharp equipment and nails.
For safety and comfort reasons, it’s also a good idea to make sure your work shoes are water repellent or water resistant. And along those same lines, it’s also imperative to get a soft toe work shoe which can help prevent trips, slips, and falls.
Many soft toe work shoes come with slip-resistant technology, but you’ll want to look for ones that have been certified and tested. There are government standards and tests done for this, and this is important if you work in an industry where flooring surfaces are wet with liquids such as water or oil-based liquids, as these can be tricky and slippery and you want to be sure-footed on the job.
You definitely want to purchase the right type of work shoe that will last longer, and this is important if you are working on your feet for long hours, primarily if you’re working on hard surfaces such as concrete. So you want shoes that will stand the test of time, but also will keep your feet from fatigue.
So be on the lookout for shoes with protective toe boxes and heel and ankle protection, not to mention inner soles and midsoles that have been designed for contoured comfort with soles that protect and soothe the feet. Many shoemakers have added features such as orthotics and podiatrist tested protections so your feet will not tire too quickly or develop problems.
Which leads to the next reason for the right type of soft toe shoe and that’s the health of the foot.
Make sure you always get the proper size (narrow or wide). It’s also good to get inserts or orthotics, mainly if you have foot issues, to begin with. If you are in a job with excessive standing, keep in mind the more features that protect the foot, the better. Seeing your doctor or a podiatrist if problems persist is also a smart move.
One tip is the myth that you need to “break-in” a shoe. Podiatrists have stated that you should never purchase a shoe where you feel you have to break it in. It should fit right, comfortable, and snug the moment you put them on for the first time.
Look into the features that each shoe comes with, and try to choose a pair that can alleviate and accommodate for specific foot problems such as diabetic feet, arthritic feet, or plantar fasciitis.
Finally, women have been under-represented in the soft toe work shoe market for years, but are finally getting their due respect.
Gone are the days when if a woman worked in a job that required proper work shoes, they’d have to shop amongst the men’s work shoes, and hope and pray they’d find one that fits well enough.
But too many women would be forced to wear improper fitting shoes designed for men’s feet.
But as this list indicates, the shoe industry has come a long way. Now, women have a wide variety of choices of work shoes, regardless of the jobs they have. So a woman who works in the industrial or construction industries can choose amongst shoes that were constructed and designed specifically for their unique sized and shaped feet.