Patient Education

Work shoes are available in many shapes and have unique features and materials designed for specific occupations and uses. Thick leather boots with steel toe boxes can protect your feet. Boots with varying degrees of traction also are available.

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers the following guide that matches specific occupational hazards with work footwear:

Hazard	Protection
Falling and rolling objects, cuts and punctures	steel-toe safety shoes; add-on devices: metatarsal guards, metal foot guards, puncture-proof inserts, shin guards
chemicals, solvents	footwear with synthetic stitching, and made of rubber, vinyl or plastic