GLOSSARY
It seems like the safety shoe world practically has its own lingo. But not to worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are the most widely used terms you’ll see on product labels and packaging, and in product descriptions.
A
A lighter-weight safety toe meeting ASTM F2413-24 I/ C standards.
B
A breathable membrane that helps protect from diseases caused by blood-borne pathogens. Meets ASTM F1671-07 safety standard.
C
A safety toe manufactured using nonmetal materials to make the shoe weigh less while meeting ASTM standards. These shoes meet or exceed ASTM F2413-24 I/ C standards.
Protection from static electricity build-up. Conductive shoes are intended to protect the wearer in an environment where the accumulation of static electricity on the body is likely. These shoes shouldn’t be worn by anyone working near open electrical circuits. ALL styles marked with the “CD” icon meet the ASTM F2413-24 CD standards.
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E
Shoe soles that provide a barrier to protect employees from open electrical currents of up to 600 volts. EH shoes are often needed in maintenance, welding and engineering. All styles marked with the “EH” icon meet the ASTM F2413-24 EH standards.
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I
Shoe construction that helps retain body heat and protect against cold environments. Insulated footwear helps trap warmth without adding excessive bulk and is usually rated in grams to indicate thermal performance. Options range from light insulation for refrigerated work spaces to heavyweight styles built for extreme cold, including subzero outdoor conditions.
When you’re looking for comfortable work shoes, you should definitely pay close attention to the insole. This is the part of the shoe that your foot actually rests on every day and is usually enhanced with extra cushioning.
- Cushioned - Some padding in the heel, generally found in low-profile oxford shoes
- Full Cushion - Cushioning in the heel and impact zone areas, typically found in low-profile athletic shoes
- Extra Sushion - Maximum cushioning for maximum comfort, this is mostly in athletic shoes and styles
- Impact Zone Padding - Extra cushioning at the ball of the foot
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L
A natural material created by tanning animal rawhides and skins. There are several types of leather typically used in work and uniform shoes. Leather has high tensile strength and high resistance to flex. It can be molded and will retain its new shape.
- Action Leather - Suede leather with a PU (polyurethane) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) topcoat that prevents moisture penetration. You’ll find it frequently in athletic or casual shoes. It’s durable and easily cleaned, and it’s more flexible and breathable than full-grain leather.
- Full-Grain Leather - Durable and easily cleaned, contains the full layer of leather, including the top grain and fleshy underside. Wears well and is soft and pliable. Often found on dress shoes. Commonly used for uppers.
- Leather Outsole - Can be thin and flexible or thicker and stiffer for brogue-type shoes. Mostly used in dress footwear. Not recommended for industrial environments.
- Leather/Suede Lining - Allows for airflow and wicking of moisture.
- Nubuck Leather - Full-grain leather that has been sanded or buffed. Commonly used for uppers.
- Pigskin - Leather from pigs that is lighter in weight than cow leather. It is abrasion-resistant, soft and flexible. Often used for shoe uppers.
- Suede (Split Leather) - The fleshy underside of leather that has been split from the top grain skin layer. It is less durable than full-grain leather because it does not have the top skin. Often found on work shoes and on uppers, suede is lightweight, soft and flexible.
M
Our patented MaxTRAX® outsole is uniquely crafted to give you unbelievable slip resistance. The secret’s in the design. Maximizing the outsole surface area gives you better traction, while the precision-cut 90-degree angles channel liquids out of the tread. And since MaxTRAX® excels on dry, wet and oily/wet surfaces, it goes way beyond ASTM F2913-24 and ASTM F3445-24 slip-resistance standards.
Metatarsal guard shoes protect both the toes and the metatarsal bone behind the toes. Metatarsal guard shoes are required in any environment where injuries can occur to the metatarsal bone. They are most commonly used in foundries, welding, air product distribution and other heavy manufacturing. All styles marked with the “MG” icon meet the ASTM F2413-24 Mt standards.
- External Metatarsal Guard - Can be exposed or covered, attached with rivets or stitched down after being enclosed with upper leather or some other material.
- Internal Metatarsal Guard - Totally secured inside the shoe.
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S
The most common type of safety toe. According to the National Library of Medicine, they can reduce your chances of a foot fracture by 67%. Employers require ASTM F2413-24 rated footwear in areas where employees are exposed to injury as a result of falling or rolling objects. All of our steel toe shoes meet or exceed ASTM F2413-24 I/ C.
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V
Footwear made without any animal-derived materials such as leather, wool, silk or adhesives containing animal byproducts. Vegan shoes use synthetic or plant-based alternatives, offering comparable durability, comfort and performance while aligning with animal-free product standards.
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