Heel energy absorption

Absorbing shocks during falls or jumps, the energy absorption in the heel area limits the risk of heel injury, as well as ankle sprains or fractures. Needless to say, this is one of the main characteristics of work shoes. The presence of a shock absorbing heel on a safety shoe is indicated by the letter E. Details below.

Characteristics of a shock-absorbing heel

You should know that each ISO or ASTM certified safety shoe has a minimum absorption of heel energy. Current standards have set this minimum absorption force at 20 joules. Know that this corresponds to the impact force of an 80 kg weight falling from a height of 25 centimeters. Although it may seem low, the absorption is sufficient to greatly limit the risk of sprains, fractures or injuries, as well as to optimize the feeling of comfort during long working days.

S1P, S3 safety shoes covered by this standard

Footwear from P1, S1 and O1 standards are all required to feature shock-absorbing heels. On protective shoes (PB) and safety shoes (SB), the presence of these heels is verified by the letter E placed next to the name of the category. These work shoes with shock-absorbing heels are particularly recommended for outdoor work where the risk of foot injuries is high: construction sites Construction, work in forests and on fishing vessels, etc.

The benefit of a shock-absorbing heel

Knowing that foot injuries account for approximately 7% of workplace injury cases, getting suitable safety shoes becomes a priority. False movements, falls and excessive stress on the feet can cause various ailments such as ankle sprains, fractures of the calcaneus, diaphyseals or even aponeurosis.

Even without an accident, constantly going up and down stairs, jumping off a low wall or even walking while carrying loads throughout the day will accumulate tension in the joints. Indeed, each jump or step generates a shock wave which, starting from the heel, goes up to the top of the skull. The shock absorption provided by the heel of the safety shoe reduces these impacts, which will relieve the knees and ankles.