Safety Footwear Features: Sole, Toe Cap and Footbed

This article looks at the materials commonly used to manufacture safety footwear. It also covers the different types of hazards that safety footwear can protect against, and what Jaybro can supply to counteract those hazards.

What are safety boots made from?

For protection in harsh environments where work boots are used, certain materials are often required in order to guarantee protection against workplace hazards. These include rubbers such as nitrile and urethane; PVC; leather; as well as steel and composite plastics.

Although each brand of safety footwear has its own terminology for these materials, there are some similarities across the various ranges.

Jaybro carries safety footwear from Aussie favourites Steel Blue, Oliver and Blundstone as well as specialist boots from manufacturers such as Schutze. These reputable brands offer safety boots that meet Australian and New Zealand Standards. Each is made from the toughest materials to offer optimum protection at work.

Safety Footwear Standards

Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2210 covers safety footwear for construction and workplace use. It comprises a number of parts including AS/NZS 2210.1 – Safety, protective and occupational footwear Guide to selection, care and use. Safety footwear brands often quote AS/NZS 2210.3 which is the manufacturer’s specification. This covers materials and construction requirements as well as necessary markings.

Safety Footwear and Hazard Protection

Each workplace will have its own challenges and certain hazards to manage. However in general, safety footwear needs to protect against

• impacts (such as dropped tools)
• cuts and punctures (such as stepping on a nail)
• heat (for worker comfort when working on exposed roads or similar hot surfaces)
• chemicals, oils and acids
• slips and trips

Let’s look at the types of materials that can offer protection against these workplace hazards.

These tough, hard wearing components are chosen by manufacturers to offer the best protection against hazards commonly found on the work site.

Nitrile Sole

Nitrile is a type of rubber that is very resistant to heat – up to 300°C – and is therefore excellent for working in hot conditions. This includes working with asphalt, on steel, or in remote northern Australia where the temperature can soar. Nitrile soles are also good for situations where the sole of your work boots may come into contact with welding spatter or solder.

Nitrile is resistant to chemicals, oil, mild acids and alkalis.

TPU Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) Sole

Low density TPU is very lightweight and offers less heat protection than nitrile. It will resist temperatures up to 130 degrees Celcius. It is hard wearing and provides protection from cuts, abrasion, splitting and cracking. It provides good all-round protection.

Types of Toe Cap

Although safety footwear is commonly referred to as ‘steel caps’, not all toe protection is made of steel. Non-metallic composites can also provide excellent protection and are convenient for workers that need non-conductive work boots. Composites are lightweight and offer some insulation against heat and cold.

Traditional steel caps on the other hand offer more protection against high impact punctures such as nail guns and power saws. Steel is specified on many worksites and offers premium protection for workers.

Both steel and composite toe caps withstand forces up to 200 joules.

Bump caps, scuff caps or toe covers are a different feature altogether. Applied to the outside of the boot, these protect your boots from wear and tear.  Fixed to the toe of the boot, they offer varying levels of abrasion protection.

Making Work Boots Comfortable

Manufacturers go to great lengths to create work boots that can offer all-day comfort. With a wide range of proprietary technology, the overarching themes are support, fit, breathability and cushioning.

The footbed, or inner part of the boot, is commonly treated with anti-microbial agents and manufactured for maximum breathability. Some work boots boost comfort by offering layered footbeds made from different density materials. These work to absorb shocks and support the areas of the foot that take the most impact.

These construction materials and techniques result in a work boot that reduces muscle fatigue and offers maximum comfort.

Jaybro’s work boot range

Our safety footwear range covers a huge number of styles, colours, shapes and fits, ensuring there is a perfect fit for every foot. From popular styles such as the Argyle range from Steel Blue, to highly specialised asphalt boots from Schutze, we can help you find the perfect work boots!

Jaybro's friendly team are always here to help - if you need help choosing the right product simply give us a call.