Safety shoe
Safety shoes for men, women and unisex have made great progress in recent years.
The design is no longer austere and necessarily with a single gray or black color.
Shoe models that fit into more contemporary everyday use are offered by most manufacturers dotn Upower which has revolutionized the design and comfort of safety shoes. Upower has always been the leader in design in men's / women's safety shoes and recently the release of the Redl ion, Red leve, Red 360 or Red Premium range brings well-being and safety.
Men's safety shoes: robustness and durability
Men's safety shoes are designed to meet the strictest requirements in terms of protection and resistance because working conditions are often more demanding, such as in construction, industry, logistics or the automotive industry . They are generally equipped with a reinforced steel or composite toe cap, offering effective protection against the risks of crushing and falling objects. The non-slip sole ensures optimal traction on slippery surfaces, while the midsole absorbs shocks to reduce fatigue.
Expected features of men's safety shoes
Reinforced toe cap: Protects toes against impacts and crushing.
Non-slip sole: Provides secure grip on slippery surfaces.
Cushioning midsole: Absorbs shock for optimal comfort.
Rugged materials: Durable leather, nubuck or textile for added durability.
High safety standards: Compliance with EN ISO 20345 standards for maximum protection.
Women's safety shoes with priority on comfort and style
Long considered a "unisex" option, women's safety shoes now have their own range, designed specifically to fit the female morphology. Even if mixed models exist, particularly in professions such as catering or in the Upower Red LIon ranges, these models combine protection, comfort and elegance, offering professionals a safe and trendy alternative. As a result, the criteria expected for choosing a women's safety shoe are often incompatible with those previously seen for a men's model.
Distinctive features of women's safety shoes
Tailored fit : Shape and dimensions designed to fit women's feet perfectly.
Feminine Design : Styles, colors and aesthetic details for a touch of femininity.
Lightness and flexibility : Soft and lightweight materials for maximum comfort.
Shock-absorbing sole : Shock absorption to reduce fatigue.
High safety standards : Compliance with EN ISO 20345 standards like men's models.
Why women's safety shoes are suitable
Different morphology : The shape and dimensions of women's feet require adaptation of the shoe to perfectly match the expectation of comfort and reduction of fatigue, especially in professions where standing is prolonged.
Specific needs : The requirement in terms of comfort, lightness and aesthetics is more important linked to sometimes totally different professions with prolonged fatigue and more significant trampling .
Enhancing the professional image : Certain professions require shoes that combine safety and style, particularly when it comes to welcoming the public or customers who are sensitive to their image, such as in hotels, restaurants or communities.
Safety shoes: European standards
Before choosing a safety shoe, a reminder of the CE standards and directives.
In fact, it is important to distinguish between the concepts of safety shoes, protective shoes and work shoes. These correspond to three different EN standards.
DIR 89/686/CEE basic directive of the European Council concerning the methods of homogenization of the different National laws in force in the Member States.
EN ISO 20344:2011 PPE Personal Protective Equipment
EN ISO 20345:2011 PPE Personal Protective Equipment - Safety shoes
EN ISO 20346:2007 PPE Personal Protective Equipment - Protective shoes
EN ISO 20347:2012 PPE Personal Protective Equipment - Work shoes
EN 13287:2012 Test methods for determining slip resistance
IEC EN 61340-5-1 Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena - ESD