Why a metal-free work shoe?
A metal-free safety shoe or work shoe without steel can be important for certain activities and locations. For example, when working at a location with metal detection gates, metal-free work shoes prevent the need to remove them to go through them. A metal-free work shoe also offers a solution if you have to work with metal-corroding substances or if a higher level of electrical insulation is required. If you need a shoe that discharges electrostatic charge, we recommend ESD work shoes.
Lightweight comfort and insulation metal-free work shoe
A non-metallic safety shoe is lighter than a work shoe with a metal toe and other metal parts. On longer days with heavy work boots, the weight is significantly noticeable at the end of the day. Lighter work shoes reduce pain and pressure from the work shoes.
Another advantage is that metal-free materials and work shoes without steel toes offer better heat and cold insulation. Metal parts conduct heat and cold better, so higher and lower temperatures are less felt when wearing these work shoes. This creates better comfort during the day. Metal-free work boots or winter work shoes can therefore also help you improve your working comfort. With work shoes with a BOA closure, you no longer have to worry about loose laces.
Are metal-free work shoes safe?
Thanks to modern techniques, it is no longer necessary to have a heavy steel toe cap or protective midsole. These have been replaced with a plastic, such as carbon fiber, plastic injected, glass fiber or Kevlar. The advantage of these materials is that they offer the same protective properties as metal variants. They are only lighter in weight and offer better cold and heat insulation.
Other metal-free parts
A work shoe often has other metal parts in addition to the toe, such as rings, hooks, buttons and zippers. With a metal-free work shoe, these parts are completely replaced by plastic parts. This makes no difference to the weight or heat and cold insulation, but if work is carried out near detection gates, it is important that they are completely metal-free.