Shoe Size Chart (2024)

Q. What is the difference in length between a men's size 10 and a men's size 10.5?
A. The difference between a half size is about a sixth of an inch. It may not sound like a lot, but it could be the difference between toes rubbing against a safety toe or fitting comfortably.

Q. It's okay to wear my safety shoes outside of work for everyday use... right?
A. It is recommended that footwear "rest" between uses. This "rest" allows built-in cushion to get some of it's spring back... which means your footwear will feel better for longer. The "rest" also allows moisture to dry creating a healthier environment for your feet. Plus, the more hours you wear the shoe, the shorter the life of the product. To get the most out of your safety footwear we suggest wearing them at work only.

Q. Can my shoe size really change? I've worn a men's size 12 my entire life!
A. Yes. Shoe size can change over time because your feet can change (due to injury, weight gain/loss, pregnancy). It is also important to keep in mind that different brands or styles fit different. We recommend trying on footwear and walking around the store (or safety footwear truck) before you make a purchase. You can also wear the product at home on a clean surface to assure for proper fit before wearing the product to work or outdoors.

Q. Can I add an insole on top of what is already in my shoe?A. Adding an insole for cushion or support can lengthen the life of any footwear, but you should always remove the current insole before you add a new one. Putting two insoles on top of each other will compromise the fit and support of your footwear. It can also raise the heel significantly, which will push the foot toward the front of the shoe and into the safety toe.

Footwear Technology Definitions

Parts Of A Boot/Shoe

• Upper – the combination of materials that cover and support the top of the foot (depending on the style of footwear it could be leather or a synthetic upper or both).
• Eyelets/Top Hooks – enhances and protects the lacing capabilities of the footwear.
• Linings – the materials inside the boot that come in direct contact with the foot.
• Footbed – the shock-absorbing layer next to the foot (most of the time removable).
• Insole – the supportive layer directly under the footbed.
• Shank – provides structural and rigid support to the footwear. Made up of steel, fiberglass, or aluminum.
• Midsole – provides cushioning and stability.
• Outsole/Sole – provides grip, traction, stability and protection.

Soft Toe Footwear
Footwear that does not have a protective reinforcement in the toe.

Safety Toe Footwear
Footwear that has a protective reinforcement in the toe which protects the foot from falling objects or compression.

Types of Safety Toe’s

• Steel - this type of safety toe is made of heavy duty steel that provides protection in environments where safety is important. It meets the ASTM Standards for compression and impact rating of I-75/C-75.
• Composite (Non-Metallic Toe) - this type of safety toe can be made of fiberglass, plastic, carbon fiber or Kevlar to eliminate bulk and weight (when compared to a steel toe) while still providing protection. They are around 30% lighter than steel. They are also good for extreme high or low temperatures because they won’t heat up or cool down like metal would. It meets the ASTM Standards for compression and impact rating of I-75/C-75.
• Aluminum – weighs less than steel and meets the ASTM Standards for compression and impact rating of I-75/C-75.
• Alloy - this type of safety toe is made of alloy which is a mixture of two or more metals. It is common that alloy safety toes can include titanium or aluminum, both lightweight metals. Alloy toes are 30-50% lighter than steel, but are just as strong as steel. They are made a bit thinner which gives more room in the toe box as well. It meets the ASTM Standards for compression and impact rating of I-75/C-75.

Met Guard Footwear
Footwear that has a metatarsal guard to protect the upper foot from falling objects or compression.

Types of Met Guard’s

• Internal – the met guard is built into the inside of the boot/shoe
• External – the met guard found on the outside of the boot/shoe

Extra Features That Soft, Safety or Met Guard Footwear May Have

• Electrical Hazard (EH) - this type of footwear protects you from open circuits and electrocution by providing extra protection from accidental contact with electrically energized objects. The soles of EH shoes provide a safety barrier from open electrical currents up to 18,000 volts at 60hz for one minute without leakage.
• Static Dissipative (SD) - this type of footwear absorbs and neutralizes static electricity by absorbing loose electrons and sending them into the floor. SD footwear regulates the accumulation of electrical charge within your body and reduces the risk of static shock.
• Slip Resisting (SR) - this type of footwear provides traction on slick surfaces.
• Waterproof Membrane (WP) – water-impermeable membrane keeps feet drier and delivers superior waterproof protection.
• Water Resistant – it allows water and other liquids to run off the leather in order to keep the foot dry BUT just because the upper may be water resistant it doesn’t mean the footwear is waterproof. It needs to have a waterproof membrane in order for the footwear to be considered waterproof.
• Puncture Resistant – standards for reducing the possibility of puncture wounds to the sole of the foot by penetrating objects.
• Insulation – protects the body from cold by trapping the body’s own heat and preventing it from escaping. Insulation levels can range from as little as 200g to 1200g+. Sometimes insulation is also rated in degrees.