Safety Glossary
Definitions for common safety footwear and PPE terms.
Alloy Safety Toe
A lighter-weight safety toe meeting ASTM F2413-24 I/C standards.
Antimicrobial
A treatment or lining applied to the interior of footwear to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and odor-causing microorganisms, keeping footwear fresher for longer.
Arch Support
A structural feature in the insole or midsole designed to support the natural arch of the foot, reducing fatigue and discomfort during prolonged standing or walking.
ASTM F2413
The American Society for Testing and Materials standard that specifies the performance requirements for foot protection in occupational footwear, covering impact resistance, compression resistance, and other safety features.
Bloodborne Pathogen Resistant
A breathable membrane that helps protect from diseases caused by blood-borne pathogens. Meets ASTM F1671-07 safety standard.
Composite Toe
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.
Conductive (CD)
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.
Dedicated Rep
In-house representatives that are a single point of contact who understand your business and support your safety footwear program. Dedicated reps help streamline communication and ensure your program runs smoothly.
DryKick
Splash-resistant membrane that protects the foot against food and liquid spills.
Electrical Hazard (EH)
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.
EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate)
Lightweight cushioning that can be die-cut or molded. Absorbs shock well but isn't as long-wearing as PU. Used for footbeds and midsoles.
Footbed
The interior bottom layer of the shoe that the foot rests on. Can be removable or fixed, and may include cushioning, arch support, or antimicrobial properties.
Full-Grain Leather
The highest quality leather made from the top layer of the hide with the full grain intact. It is the most durable and develops a patina over time.
Gore-Tex
A mainstay in the industry, Gore-Tex is a breathable, waterproof membrane lining.
Heat Resistant
These shoes feature outsoles that resist a minimum high heat temperature of 572, 752 or 932 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the icon used with the shoe listing.
Insole
The part of the shoe that your foot actually rests on every day, usually enhanced with extra cushioning. Levels include: Cushioned (padding in the heel), Full Cushion (cushioning in heel and impact zone), and Extra Cushion (maximum cushioning found mostly in athletic shoes).
Insulated
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.
Last
The mold or form around which a shoe is constructed. The shape of the last determines the fit, comfort, and overall structure of the finished shoe.
Leather Upper
The outer layer of the shoe made from animal hide, valued for durability, breathability, and the ability to conform to the shape of the foot over time.
Metatarsal Protection
A guard that shields the metatarsal bones (the long bones on top of the foot) from impact and compression. Meets ASTM F2413-24 Mt standards.
Midsole
The layer of the shoe between the outsole and insole that provides cushioning and support. Common materials include EVA and polyurethane.
Nano Toe
A safety toe manufactured using a composite material reinforced with nano-fibers. This toe cap is incredibly thin yet extremely strong, meeting ASTM F2413-24 I/C standards while maximizing interior space.
Nubuck Leather
Top-grain cattle leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side to give a slight nap of short protein fibers, giving it a velvet-like surface. More durable than suede.
OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a U.S. government agency responsible for enforcing workplace safety regulations, including requirements for protective footwear in certain industries and environments.
Outsole
The bottom exterior layer of the shoe that contacts the ground. Material and tread design affect slip resistance, durability, and performance in specific work environments.
Polyurethane (PU)
A durable, long-wearing material used in midsoles and outsoles. Heavier than EVA but provides better long-term cushioning and durability.
Puncture Resistant
A plate built into the sole of the shoe that protects against puncture from sharp objects such as nails. All styles meet the ASTM F2413-24 PR standards.
Rubber Outsole
An outsole made from rubber, providing durability, slip resistance, and flexibility. Often used in work environments requiring tough, long-lasting footwear.
Safety Toe
A reinforced toe box designed to protect the toes from falling objects and compression hazards. Available in steel, alloy, composite, and nano materials.
Shank
A supportive element placed between the insole and outsole in the arch area of the shoe. Provides torsional rigidity and support, commonly made from steel, fiberglass, or nylon.
Slip Resistant
Outsoles designed with specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds to reduce the risk of slipping on wet, oily, or slick surfaces.
Static Dissipative (SD)
Footwear designed to conduct static electricity away from the body slowly and safely. Intended for environments where controlled dissipation of static charge is needed without the complete conductivity of CD shoes. SD10, SD35, and SD100 are classification levels for static dissipative (SD) safety footwear under the ASTM F2413 standard, representing the maximum allowable electrical resistance in megaohms (MΩ). These ratings define how quickly the footwear conducts electrostatic charge from a person's body to a grounded floor, with lower numbers indicating faster, more stringent dissipation for sensitive environments.
Steel Toe
A traditional safety toe made of steel that protects against impact and compression. Meets ASTM F2413-24 I/C standards. Heavier than alloy or composite alternatives.
Toe Box
The front area of the shoe that surrounds and protects the toes. In safety footwear, the toe box may contain a protective cap made of steel, alloy, composite, or other materials.
Traction
The grip between the shoe's outsole and the walking surface. Good traction reduces the risk of slipping and is especially important in wet, oily, or uneven environments.
Upper
The part of the shoe above the sole that covers the top and sides of the foot. Can be made from leather, synthetic materials, mesh, or a combination.
Vibram Outsole
A high-performance outsole made by the Italian company Vibram, known for exceptional grip, durability, and reliability in demanding work and outdoor conditions.
Waterproof
A construction feature that prevents water from entering the shoe. Achieved through waterproof leathers, membranes (like Gore-Tex), or other barriers to keep feet dry in wet conditions.
Wellington Boot
A pull-on style boot with no laces, commonly used in agriculture, construction, and outdoor work environments. Known for easy on/off wear and waterproof construction.