Trends in ... foot protection

From 2021 to 2022, more than 93,000 foot injuries resulted in lost workdays, according to Injury Facts, an online source of preventable death and injury statistics compiled by the National Safety Council.

Why do foot injuries continue to happen?

“Many workers are often wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, which can lead to discomfort, fatigue and even serious long-term injuries,” says Tito Warren, president of global industrial sales and operations at Red Wing Shoes. “Ensuring an accurate fit is not only essential for comfort but also critical for overall safety.”

Added Dan Feeney, senior director, partner product innovation and development at BOA Technology: “The fit of footwear has been shown to materially impact a worker’s stability, control and energy efficiency. Most workwear products have a safety toe and, therefore, a wide forefoot. This causes workers to compensate by finding a narrow last or squeezing their instep with an overtight boot in a standard U-throat design.”

What’s a U-throat design? Feeney said it’s one in which traditional laces and tongue cover the top of the foot. 

“This design, coupled with a safety toe, causes workers to either overtighten and stress one aspect of a boot in order to lock in their heel, or sacrifice stability and efficiency through a loose fit.”

Foot protection manufacturers are working to address the issues. Warren noted “a growing emphasis on footwear designed for specific job functions and environments.” He pointed to better slip resistance, improved puncture protection and metatarsal guard protection for workers in hazardous conditions. Feeney added that many foot protection boots are using a wrap design that locks the heel in place.

For employers looking to improve their workplace foot protection program, Warren says to take into consideration the environment, terrain, chemicals, impact sources and compression sources. “This ensures that the footwear provides optimal protection for specific tasks while reducing foot-related injuries and keeping workers safe throughout the day.

“Employers should also encourage regular foot measurements, as foot shape can change over time.”

Compiled with the assistance of the International Safety Equipment Association

Coming next month:

• Cold-weather protection
• Facility and warehouse safety/materials handling