Beauty & Fashion

Footwear: Metatarsal Boots

Metatarsal boots are more commonly referred to as steel-toed or protective boots or shoes, and are worn by folks who work in hazardous conditions. There is actually a number of Occupational Foot Protection Standards issued by OSHA that dictate under what conditions a pair of metatarsal boots should be worn. For instance they state that this type of boot must be worn in any working environment where an employee is exposed to dangers from falling objects, electrical hazards, or objects that could pierce the sole of the boot.

Performance Standards for Metatarsal Boots
OSHA also states that metatarsal boots or protective footwear must comply with ANSI Z41-1991, American National Standard for Personal Protection–Protective Footwear. This standard essentially means that the boots have to meet a compression test and an impact test. The best way to check if the boot has met this requirement is to look for a marking in the shoe that reads ANSI Z41.1.

The only reason for this standard to exist is to prevent or reduce the seriousness of injuries to the toes of the employees who are open to such dangers. Metatarsal boots are crafted to provide the proper protection for the toes against accidents through the use of a protective box, or steel tip. Obviously if a work site demands that you wear a pair of these boots you should know that no other shoe will be sufficient–not sneakers, dress shoes or regular work boots.

Steel toed boots are worn to resist impact to the toes and metatarsal guards are made to resist impact to the top of the foot. Both are essential to any worker who has the potential to be exposed to dangerous conditions. An employer who fails to demand that his or her employees wear the required protective footwear can be fined if an accident should occur.