Safety shoes

Safety shoes are not just a mandatory accessory: they directly impact your comfort, productivity, and the frequency of workplace accidents. To really benefit from them, choosing the right model, the right level of protection, and the right supplier makes all the difference.

Why choose Oxwork for your safety shoes?

Since 2014, Oxwork has been equipping professionals with safety shoes that meet the strictest standards at some of the most competitive prices on the market. EcoVadis certification confirms a strong commitment to both environmental and ethical policies. Each product is carefully selected from well-known brands such as U-Power, Puma Safety, and Portwest, ensuring quality, durability, and compliance with European regulations.

The work shoes range from Oxwork offers unisex leather models suitable for every professional, whether man or woman. You will find low shoes, high shoes, safety trainers, safety boots, and professional clogs for all activity sectors, including medical clogs. Fast, direct delivery allows Oxwork to meet the needs of both companies and self-employed workers efficiently.

How to choose your safety shoes?

Choosing a pair of safety shoes should not be based only on design or price. It primarily depends on your job, your working environment, and the risks you face every day.

Choosing according to your job and work environment

Every sector has specific risks that guide the selection of your professional footwear. On construction sites, you may be exposed to falling heavy objects, uneven ground, and puncture risks. In industry, resistance to hydrocarbons and chemicals is often required. In logistics, priority is given to lightweight shoes with strong shock absorption to support intensive walking. In healthcare and food service, you need non-slip properties, low weight, and easy cleaning to meet hygiene requirements.

For construction and civil engineering, high S3 SRC safety shoes remain a very safe choice. They offer full protection against puncture risks, slips, and provide solid ankle support on uneven terrain. Industrial workers often opt for S1P or S3 leather models resistant to hydrocarbons, with HRO certification when exposed to high temperatures. In logistics, it makes sense to favour lightweight shoes with excellent shock absorption to limit fatigue at the end of the day. For healthcare and kitchen jobs, choose non-slip SRC models that are easy to clean and disinfect, often in black for greater practicality.

Choosing the right size for safety shoes

Size is a crucial factor for both safety and comfort. Poorly fitted shoes reduce protection and cause fatigue, blisters, and pain. Always measure your feet at the end of the day, when they are slightly swollen. Leave a margin of about 5–8 mm between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. This space allows your toes to move naturally without being crushed while keeping the foot firmly in place to avoid friction. Also remember to try on shoes with the same socks you normally wear at work.

The different types of safety shoes

Oxwork offers a wide range of price points and models suited to all professional needs, for both men and women. Low safety shoes focus on mobility and lightness, ideal for environments that require frequent movement indoors or on flat surfaces. High leather safety shoes provide reinforced ankle protection and are particularly suitable for uneven or unstable terrain, such as construction sites.

Safety trainers for men and women stand out thanks to their modern design while maintaining the technical performance of professional footwear. These lightweight models made from composite materials offer a smart balance between style and protection, with reduced weight for increased comfort. Safety boots are recommended for wet and muddy environments, as they ensure strong protection against water. Finally, professional clogs meet hygiene requirements in the medical and agri-food sectors thanks to their quick slip-on design and easy cleaning.

Understanding standards and certifications

To make a relevant purchase decision, it helps to understand the main standards that structure the professional safety footwear market.

The EN ISO 20345 standard and its classifications

The EN ISO 20345 standard is the European reference for safety shoes. It defines several protection levels adapted to different working conditions.

S1: basic protection with a toe cap resistant to 200 joules and antistatic properties.

S1P: S1 level plus a puncture-resistant midsole to protect against nails and sharp objects.

S2: adds water penetration resistance to S1 protection, suitable for humid environments.

S3: the most complete level for most common uses, combining S1P characteristics with a slip-resistant, cleated sole and water-repellent upper for maximum protection.

Additional certifications

The SRC marking ensures non-slip performance tested on ceramic tile and steel surfaces, clearly reducing the risk of falls. ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) certification prevents static electricity build-up and protects sensitive electronic equipment in industrial settings. The HRO standard certifies that the outsole is resistant to high temperatures, essential in heat-exposed environments. You can find detailed information on these certifications in each product’s technical data sheet.

Technical features of a safety shoe

Beyond standards, several technical elements differentiate models and directly influence your comfort and protection level.

Lightweight and metal-free safety shoes

Modern safety shoes, particularly some professional trainers, feature composite toe caps that provide equivalent protection to steel while being significantly lighter. This solution reduces the overall weight of the shoe and the fatigue experienced during long work days, with a positive impact on productivity. Metal-free safety shoes are also suitable for environments with metal detectors, such as airports or certain industrial sites. These safety models are a versatile unisex solution for many sectors.

Water resistance and breathability

WR (Water Resistant) and WRU (Water Resistant Upper) technologies ensure good protection against moisture while allowing perspiration to escape. Modern breathable synthetic materials such as microfibre keep your feet dry throughout the working day, preventing irritation and improving thermal comfort. Leather remains a key material, valued for its robustness, abrasion resistance, and long-term durability.

Puncture resistance and non-slip soles

The puncture-resistant midsole effectively protects against nails, screws, and sharp objects commonly found on building sites or in storage areas. SRC non-slip soles provide reliable grip in a wide range of conditions, whether on wet, greasy, or dusty floors. Heel energy absorption reduces impact on joints and the spine during repeated movements, helping to prevent chronic pain.

Our advice for buying safety shoes

Investing in quality unisex safety shoes is a strategic choice: they last longer over time and play a direct role in preventing workplace accidents. Entry-level models start at around €30 excl. VAT and provide essential protection that complies with current standards. Mid-range shoes, between €60 and €120, feature advanced technologies such as composite materials, lightweight puncture-resistant midsoles, and breathable membranes. High-end unisex models can cost up to €150 and deliver optimum performance in the most demanding working conditions.

The final price will depend on technical features, size, and selected options: sole type, ESD properties, water resistance level, materials (leather, microfibre), and certifications like SRC, ESD, or HRO. On Oxwork, every professional footwear selection comes with a detailed technical sheet to make your choice easier. Each product page lists the technical specifications, weight, standards, and safety information. Fast delivery helps meet urgent needs, whether you are a business or a self-employed professional.

Oxwork safety shoes FAQ

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about safety shoes and the Oxwork range.

Which safety shoes should I choose for construction work?

For construction sites, high S3 SRC safety shoes are strongly recommended. They provide full protection thanks to a shock-resistant toe cap, puncture-resistant midsole, water-repellent upper, and non-slip properties. Ankle support is crucial on uneven ground. For more specific needs, you can refine your choice using filters by standard and use case on the Oxwork website.

How do I choose lightweight safety shoes?

Safety trainers with composite toe caps are the best option for combining lightness and protection. These models can be up to around 30% lighter than versions with steel toe caps, while still complying with the same safety standards. The reduced weight helps limit muscular fatigue and makes long workdays easier to handle.

How do I measure my size for safety shoes?

Measure your feet at the end of the day, when they are slightly swollen, and leave a margin of 5–8 mm between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. Always try on both shoes with the socks you wear at work. The correct size should keep your foot firmly in place without compressing it, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the day.

Which safety shoe brands are the most reliable on Oxwork?

Oxwork offers a selection of leading brands such as U-Power, Puma Safety, and Portwest safety shoes. These manufacturers provide unisex safety shoes that comply with EN ISO 20345, recognised for their quality, durability, and excellent performance-to-price ratio.

What budget should I plan for safety shoes?

In general, a pair of safety shoes costs between €30 and €150 excl. VAT, depending on protection level, materials, and integrated technologies. For intensive daily use, it is wise to invest between €60 and €100 to obtain a good balance between comfort, durability, and protection. The final price depends on technical specifications, materials (leather, microfibre), and certifications (SRC, ESD, HRO). Black models are often preferred for their practicality and versatility across many work environments.

How do I maintain safety shoes to extend their lifespan?

Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your safety shoes. For leather models, brush off dirt after each day, let them dry in the open air away from direct heat sources, then periodically apply a suitable leather care product. For synthetic materials, warm soapy water is usually enough. Also check the condition of the sole regularly and replace your shoes as soon as grip or structure begins to deteriorate.

Can I order my safety shoes online from Oxwork and return them if they don’t fit?

You can order your safety shoes directly online from Oxwork, using filters by size, standard, sector, and brand. If the size or model does not suit you, the return and exchange conditions allow you to adjust your choice. This gives you the flexibility needed to find the safety shoes that best match your job and foot shape.