How do we choose the correct set of safety shoes? When do we choose high-ankle ones over low ankle ones and vice versa? Each type has unique advantages and can be better suited for different work environments. They get you through the day, literally holding your whole body weight. So, when protecting them on the job, choosing the proper safety footwear is paramount.
The National Safety Council reports that data indicates nearly 53,000 foot injuries occur every year at work as the result of slips, trips, and falls. This staggering fact underlines how much there is a need for proper safety footwear. Fear not! Our expert safety shoe manufacturers will help break down the pros and cons of each so that you can confidently pick the perfect pair for your work environment. Let's lace up and explore!
Understand the fundamental difference between High Ankle vs Low Ankle Safety Shoes
High ankle safety shoes, otherwise referred to as high-top safety shoes, are designed to give extended protection and coverage above the ankle. They are largely targeted to provide protection and stability in tough working conditions like Cold and Snowy, Wet and Rainy, Hot and Humid and Dusty and Sandy conditions.
On the other hand, low ankle safety shoes, sometimes referred to as low-cut safety shoes, are basically exactly the same thing as any other kind of sneakers, but with the additional features of protection, like a steel toe and anti-slip soles.
How to Select the Right Safety Shoes: High Ankle or Low Ankle Safety Shoes
Based on Work Environment
High ankle safety shoes are crucial for those people working in hazardous environments, as they offer protection and support from hazardous conditions. By extending above the ankle, they are able to offer increased stability, thus preventing ankle sprains and other injuries, especially for jobs that involve uneven terrain, heavy lifting, and falling objects. Besides that, high ankle shoes protect from impacts and compression, thus saving the lower limb from further damage.
- More Stability : Helps to protect against sprained ankles and other related injuries.
- Enhanced Protection : Protects the shins against impact and compression.
- Ideal for professionals : performing rigorous jobs in construction, logistics, and manufacturing.
When we speak about lower ankle safety shoes, they provide both flex and mobility; hence, they can be worn where agility may be required at work. They light in weight versus their high-ankle brethren and still supply the basic protection with safety toe caps. Perfect for warehouses, light manufacturing, retail, and hospitality, basically any environment where the risk level would be considered low and the requirement for freedom of movement high.
- Increased flexibility : Very ideal for agile work environments.
- Basic protection : Safety caps to withstand the shock on the toes.
- Suitable for lower-risk jobs : Warehouses, light manufacturing, retail, hospitality.
Based on Safety Norms and Safety Features
SB Class shoes provide basic protection with a toe cap that can withstand impacts of at least 200 Joules. While S3 Class shoes include all features of S2 (SB plus closed seat region, antistatic properties, energy absorption in the heel area, fuel resistance, and water resistance) and add a puncture-resistant midsole and a cleated outsole. S3 shoes are waterproof and slip-resistant, suitable for wet environments.
Here’s a table to help you make a better choice :
Ankle Risk | Wet Conditions | Recommended Safety Shoes |
High | High | High ankle S3 shoes |
Low | High | Low ankle S3 shoes |
High | Low | High ankle safety shoes |
Low | Low | Low ankle safety shoes |
- Choose high ankle safety shoes if your work involves a high risk of ankle injuries and you need extra support.
- Choose low ankle safety shoes if ankle protection is less critical, and you want more comfort and flexibility.
- For wet environments, S3 class shoes with their slip-resistant soles are the best choice.
In simple words, high ankle S3 shoes are ideal when ankle support and protection are crucial, while low ankle S3 shoes offer more comfort and flexibility when the risk of ankle injuries is lower. Both types provide excellent protection against impacts, punctures, slips, and water penetration.
Final Thoughts
The choice of safety shoes manufactures is based on comfort vs. protection. High-ankle safety shoes provide vital support and protection where stability comes first, just like in construction and manufacturing. Protection from low-ankle safety shoes gives flexibility and comfort; hence, it's suitable for less hazardous settings like warehouses and retail, where one needs agility.
Knowing the safety standards is equally important. S3 class shoes are designed to be watertight and have slip resistance. Hence, they are highly required in wet and slippery conditions. SB class shoes would only give basic protection for those working in an environment where requirements are not that strict. Wearing proper shoes according to your working environment helps avoid injuries and improves your job performance.
