Top 17 Most Comfortable Safety Shoes Reviews 2020

A safety shoe plays a key role in preventing various types of foot injuries. Let’s take a look at the top 17 most comfortable safety shoes for a quick choice to protect feet from now on. Read on here!

Nowadays, you can find many types of safety shoes on the market because no single type of safety shoe could work perfectly for all applications. Each one is suitable for a different profession. 

For example, if you are working at the construction site, you should wear a safety shoe with impact-resistant, anti-piercing, slip-resistant properties. In this case, it is not just a normal safety shoe that can prevent dirt or scratches.

Choosing the wrong safety shoe could cause health-related foot problems or even other serious damages such as arthritis in your hips, knees, ankles, and so on.

Thus, don’t let yourself in for these troubles; equip yourself with the most comfortable safety shoe based on the following helpful guidance:

Read our latest guide about best work boots.

What are the Most Comfortable Safety Shoes?

The rate of serious industrial accidents have become higher and higher nowadays, more than 80% of the adult population all over the world have problems related to feet such as pain, trauma, paralysis, swelling and etc. 

People do not know how to protect their feet properly when working, they are also not equipped with safety shoes at the workplace. Thus, one of the best solutions to reduce industrial accidents is to own a proper safety shoe with comfortable and durable material at the workplace or in any dangerous circumstances.

Many well-known safety shoe brands such as KEEN Utility or Skechers, are known for their durability, stylish design, comfort, and maximum protection. However, depending on the purpose, each shoe is designed to bring the most comfort to the user.

To save time, let’s check through the comparison of the top 15 most safety shoes below to get the correct and most suitable choice for you.

Best Overall: KEEN Utility Non Slip Work Shoe Construction Shoe

“Oil- and slip-resistant, lightweight compression-resisting midsole and better visibility with reflective webbing.”

Best for Wide Feet: KEEN Utility Wide Work Boot

“Breathable membrane, shock-reducing cushioning, foot protection from sharp and heavy objects, rugged and waterproof.” 

Best for Industrial Safety Shoe: Salomon Backpacking Boots

“Super lightweight and waterproof, good ankle support and grip well and extra-long laces.”

Best for Warehouse: KEEN Utility Industrial Shoe

“Reflective webbing, waterproof leather and mesh, great traction, and heel support with a solid back.”

Best for Electricians: Reebok Work Duty Tactical Boot

“Rubber and sturdy sole, the circumference is adjustable, the grip and the zipper are well constructed and great fission around the ankles.”

Best for Waterproof: Timberland PRO Waterproof Industrial & Construction Shoe

“Premium waterproof leather, fully waterproof, sturdy sole and durable rubber, chemical resistant and good traction on a wide variety of surfaces.”

Best for Men: Florsheim Work Shoe

“Electro-static dissipative, slip-resistant outsole, prevent foot blisters, look stylish, the steel toe is discreet and suitable for formal occasions.”

Best for Walking: KEEN Utility Non Slip Industrial Work Shoe

“Alloy toe, a lightweight, compression-resisting midsole, great traction due to the oil-resistant, non-marking and rubber outsoles.”

Best for Flat Feet: Reebok Work Sublite Cushion Safety Toe Athletic Work Shoe

“Extra wide toe, super lightweight and flexible, full-foot flex grooves, full-foot flex grooves, soft support for flat feet and pretty fit for even wide feet and perfect solution to cramped toes.”

Best for Women: Skechers for Work Women’s Workshire Peril Steel Toe Boot

“Well-made, traditional lace-up design, Relaxed Fit design, lug pattern for traction, durable, oil-resistant rubber outsole, nice foot-bed, and flexible yet sturdy boot.”

Best for Slip Resistant: Skechers for Slip Resistant Work Boot

“Excellent slip resistance, reliable durability and cushioned support, memory foam cushioning, super slip-, oil- and electro- resistant functions, and excellent breathability with soft fabric.”

Best for Concrete: Skechers Men’s Blaine Orsen Ankle Boot

“Hardcore, excellent traction due to deep-tread rubber sole, long-lasting shoe, lightweight and little or no sign of perishing for a long time walking on concrete flooring.”

Best for Big Guys: Skechers Men’s Burgin-sosder Industrial Boot

“Wide, stable base, tight bridge of the shoe, suitable for range, driving, and yard work, wide and X-wide sizing available and the insert of a decent heel stack in the sole.”

Best for Lightweight: Skechers Men’s Afterburn M. Fit Wonted Loafer

“High-quality materials and super lightweight, slip-on closure, great traction, fit for lifting weights at the gym or running around and easy-on, easy-off type safety shoes.”

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker

“Alleviate the pain from plantar fasciitis, soft fabric shoe lining, extra shock absorption with a cool leather upper and a padded heel, and clean and crisp design.”

Best for Standing All Day: Skechers for Work Food Service Shoe

“Elastic side, soft fabric shoe lining, increased cushioning with memory foam insole, mesh fabric upper and breathable safety shoe especially for foodservice.”

Best for Budget: Dr. Scholl’s Men’s Winder II Work Shoe

“Anti-compression insole, vented sock for breathability, super comfortable for outdoor activities with the vented sock.”

Most Comfortable Safety Shoes – Comparison Chart

Before going into each product carefully, I would like to give you an overview of some basic product information; it’s important to notice the difference between them:

Top 17 Most Comfortable Safety Shoes Reviews 2020

In this section, I will give a review in-depth of the top 15 most comfortable safety shoes. Each review will have product key features, product specifications, pros, and cons. Let’s find out:

Best Overall: KEEN Utility Non Slip Work Shoe Construction Shoe

Key features

• 100% Textile
• Steel toe
• Compression-resisting midsole

Product specs 

Brand	KEEN Utility
Dimension	13.5 x 10 x 4.9 inches
Weight	3.25 lbs
Material	Textile
Color	2 options

Currently, there are many safety shoes on the market; it depends on your purpose and working environment, you can choose a suitable shoe for yourself. Before looking at the following list of outstanding safety shoes, I highly recommend the best overall pair of KEEN Utility Non Slip Construction Safety Shoe that combines most of the excellent features at a reasonable price.

Firstly, wider steel toe and non-marking sipped rubber outsoles bring maximum comfort and improve the traction for a perfect safety shoe ever

Next, applying KEEN ReGEN technology with lightweight compression-resisting midsole can save 50% energy compared to the other; heel counter contains reflective webbing improve visibility

Oil-, slip-, electro-resistant features prevent your feet from harsh conditions in the workplace such as warehouse, hospital or even construction sites and so on.

Best for Wide Feet: KEEN Utility Wide Work Boot

Key features

• Rubber sole
• Steel toe
• Breathable membrane
• Large range size for wide feet
• Shaft from arch: 6.5”; Heel: 1.5”

Product specs 

Brand	KEEN Utility
Package dimension	12 x 8 x 4 inches
Weight	2.2 lbs
Material	Leather
Color	2 options

The boots are designed with high-quality leather allowing the shoes to dry easily. The material is soft and strong which is a strong property for those with wide feet; besides, this brand’s safety shoes are good looking, which is suitable for either going to work or hanging out.

Applying the technology of breathable membrane helps to keep out the wet environment, prevent slip, and make feet dry all day long.

Particularly, the boots not only could keep your feet dry from outside moisture in winter but in summer as well.

Best for Industrial Safety Shoe: Salomon Backpacking Boots

Key features

• Super lightweight and waterproof
• 100% Synthetic
• Suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking, running
• Good ankle support and grip well
• Extra-long laces

Product specs 

Brand	Salomon
Dimension	13 x 12 x 5 inches
Weight	1.62 lbs
Material	Synthetic
Color	3 options

This industrial safety shoe is designed with a supportive footbed which is smooth for pain-free in all circumstances. You will have no feeling of discomfort when running all-day or hiking because it’s super lightweight.

The material is 100% synthetic of Swede leather type overlay. It makes the appearance look fantastic.

Unfortunately, this boot is not very fit for wide feet because it has a narrow side that should hurt on the edge of your foot. 

Best for Warehouse: KEEN Utility Industrial Shoe

Key features

• Steel toes
• Rubber sole
• Reflective webbing
• Waterproof leather and mesh
• Great traction

Product specs 

Brand	KEEN Utility
Dimension	13.6 x 10.3 x 5.4 inches
Weight	3 lbs
Material	Leather
Color	6 options

The warehouse is a hazardous workplace with high moisture and sometimes easy to explode due to static electricity, this shoe is designed with anti-static properties, ensuring safety for users.

When working in the warehouse, you might face many dangers such as falling heavy and sharp items so that to ensure the safety of your feet, the shoe is designed with thick leather which will help to protect your feet perfectly.

Besides, it is a good shoe with great traction; you will not feel cumbersome anymore even on wet pavement or snow and ice floor and of course the hard of the warehouse floor as well.

Read our complete guide about best shoes for warehouse.

Best for Electricians: Reebok Work Duty Tactical Boot

Key features

• 100% Leather/Textile
• Rubber and sturdy sole
• Circumference is adjustable

Product specs 

Brand	Reebok Work
Dimension	12 x 4 x 8 inches
Weight	1.69 lbs
Material	Leather
Color	3 options

In the working environment of electricians such as construction sites, hydroelectricity, workers often face the risk of electricity leakage, which cannot be recognized by the naked eye. Labor accidents such as electric shock have become very common with high death rates. Thus, electricians need to choose for themselves insulating protective shoes to protect their lives.

This tactical boot is designed with good electrical insulation properties; protect electricians from live circuits, wires, or highly charged electrical equipment.

In addition, this safety shoe is highly resistant to abrasion and can be used in lubricant slippery environments, with high friction. 

When using this shoe soles made of rubber, the electricians could move easily, smoothly and comfortably without causing pain all a working day.

Best for Waterproof: Timberland PRO Waterproof Industrial & Construction Shoe

Key features

• Synthetic sole
• Premium waterproof leather
• Dual-density polyurethane (PU) midsole
• Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) outsole

Product specs 

Brand	Timberland PRO
Dimension	14.09 x 12.09 x 5.12 inches
Weight	4 lbs
Material	Leather
Color	Black Full Grain Leather

Applying a new technology with a premium waterproof membrane, this safety shoe not only keeps your feet dry but also helps to increase evaporation ability, high durability by keeping water from entering inside.

The shoe body is designed to be wide enough and gradually narrow towards the toes, it will give you a feeling of your feet being wrapped tightly and warmly.

This shoe should protect your feet from rain, mud, and snow, and keeps your feet comfortably dry in any weather conditions.  

Check out this page about best waterproof work boots for more.

Best for Men: Florsheim Work Men’s Shoe

Key features

• Electro-Static Dissipative
• Slip Resistant outsole
• Prevent foot blisters
• Look stylish
• The steel toe is discreet

Product specs 

Brand	Florsheim Work
Dimension	12.9 x 9.5 x 4.6 inches
Weight	3 lbs
Material	Leather
Color	Black

This item is a must-have safety shoe on any mature and gentlemen’s shoe shelf. This shoe is made of shiny leather making you feel extremely comfortable.

The biggest advantage of this leather shoe is the elegance and nobility; the toe part is not pointed but rounded, shoelaces and knotting are also very stylish.

Furthermore, black is very clean, even if it gets dirty, it will not stand out as bright colors. It is also easy to mix and match, wearing a pair of black shoes will make your outfit flatter and stand out much more.

Best for Walking All Day: KEEN Utility Non Slip Industrial Work Shoe

Key features

• Alloy toe is lighter than steel toe
• Electrostatic dissipative shock reduction
• Keep feet cool in high temperatures

Product specs 

Brand	KEEN Utility
Dimension	0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches
Weight	16.8 oz
Material	Leather
Color	Black/Grey Flannel

This design of Keen is the combination of many good properties such as flexibility, comfort, less fatigue, versatility, and especially super lightweight with only 1.05 pounds, you will feel super comfortable with this amazing shoe at your workplace even though walking all day.

This safety shoe is suitable for both men and women due to its attractive appearance. The insoles are removable which can be easily replaced with a new one and the blend of lightweight cushioning and bounciness makes this shoe ideal for long-distance runs.

Visit this article about best shoes for walking on concrete all day.

Best for Flat Feet: Reebok Work Sublite Cushion Safety Toe Athletic Work Shoe

Key features

• Rubber sole
• Extra Wide Toe
• Super Lightweight and Flexible
• Full-foot flex grooves
• Alloy Toe

Product specs 

Brand	Reebok Work
Dimension	16.93 x 15.16 x 5.51 inches
Weight	1.63 lbs
Material	N/a
Color	4 options

Flat-footed people face a variety of challenges in buying the right safety shoe; this safety shoe can add arch support and fit exactly to your feet

With high elasticity and absorb maximum shock, the safety shoe helps your legs to move steadily and firmly.

To choose a good safety shoe, you should pay attention to the size of the toe box; the flex of the shank or middle part – not too rigid, but not too flimsy.

Best for Women: Skechers for Work Women’s Workshire Peril Steel Toe Boot

Key features

• Synthetic sole
• Traditional lace-up design
• Relaxed Fit design

Product specs 

Brand	Skechers
Dimension	12 x 4 x 8 inches
Weight	1.6 lbs
Material	Leather
Color	4 options

Although women’s safety shoes are somewhat limited compared to men’s, it is still available.

Skechers has been extremely dedicated when designing a shoe that is perfect for women with a lightweight, traditional design and a plastic leather upper. This safety shoe exceeds the expectations of a normal safety shoe because it also helps women look more stylish and fashionable.

Just like the other safety shoes, this design also contains water-resistant, slip-resistant, and oil-resistant properties, which can protect women’s feet in all harsh workplace environments.

Best for Slip Resistant: Skechers for Slip Resistant Work Boot

Key features

• Excellent slip resistance
• Reliable durability and cushioned support
• Relaxed Fit design
• Memory Foam cushioning

Product specs 

Brand	Skechers
Dimension	13.5 x 9.8 x 5.3 inches
Weight	1.2 lbs
Material	Leather
Color	5 options

Finding slip-resistant shoes, which don’t have to be uncomfortable or unfashionable, are a challenge for years. Skechers solved that problem by releasing this safety shoe.

This safety shoe is made of a new Relaxed Fit technology, which is both extremely slip-resistant and comfortable and fits your steady step throughout the day.

With the support of Memory Foam cushioning, lace-up sporty, textile upper, scuff-resistant leather, all make a perfect design safety shoe, and excellent slip resistance.

This shoe must be your good friend when working in a wet environment or even in ice.

Best for Concrete: Skechers Men’s Blaine Orsen Ankle Boot

Key features

• Sole: rubber
• Insole: Fabric
• Outsole: Rubber
• Upper: Smooth and soft Leather

Product specs 

Brand	Skechers
Dimension	5 x 5 x 5 inches
Weight	1.38 lbs
Material	Leather
Color	4 options

The comfortable feeling when wearing a safety shoe is important, especially when you have to work long hours on hard surfaces like concrete. Florsheim released this shoe specialized for workers in an industry with concrete flooring.

This high ankle boot can protect your ankle; the soft rubber is thick enough to reduce pain and fatigue when walking all day in a harsh environment without taking a rest.

On the other hand, this safety shoe is designed with a slightly distressed leather upper, which makes it more flexible and fit; a breathable fabric design, anti-bracing, slip, oil wear could prevent your feet from the hardness of concrete.

Best for Big Guys: Skechers Men’s Burgin-sosder Industrial Boot

Key features

• Sturdy rubber sole
• Memory Foam
• Electrical Hazard
• Wide, stable base

Product specs 

Brand	Skechers
Dimension	12.9 x 11.4 x 5 inches
Weight	2 lbs
Material	Leather
Color	2 options

If you are a big guy and trying to find a good safety shoe, you first need to choose shoes that can provide sufficient support and resistance to shocks that are suitable for your personal weight and size. And then, you also need something that is durable enough not to break after a few times of use.

Choosing safety shoes for big guys will not be too difficult with this new Skechers design, the shoes with a wide stable, supportive midsole and multiple heel cushions are ideal for big guys with wide feet.

The padded heel is especially good for shock absorption for big guys and the upper is airy and breathable to keep your feet cool and comfortable all day long in any circumstances.

Best for Lightweight: Skechers Men’s Afterburn M. Fit Wonted Loafer

Key features

• Synthetic sole
• Slip-on Closure
• Memory Foam Insole
• Great traction

Product specs 

Brand	Skechers
Dimension	12.7 x 9.7 x 5.1 inches
Weight	0.75 lbs
Material	Leather & Synthetic
Color	5 options

If your work needs you to walk all day without taking a rest for a long period of time, you will somehow put your body through stress and lead to discomfort or injuries and your feet must be the most vulnerable part; in this case, a lightweight safety shoe could be your best solution

In order to avoid pain caused by poor quality shoes, Skechers once again launched a design for those who need to walk all day at the workplace but still feel cool and comfortable. 

This safety shoe is super lightweight with only 0.75 pounds; the manufacturer uses synthetic materials with extremely light memory foam insoles, which provide absolute support for your feet, allowing you to move smoothly and quickly at work. 

Finally, it must be a perfect safety shoe for your busy day. 

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker

Key features

• 100% Synthetic
• Rubber sole
• Soft fabric shoe lining

Product specs 

Brand	Skechers
Dimension	12.2 x 9.4 x 4.6 inches
Weight	1 lb
Material	Synthetic
Color	Various

Plantar Fasciitis is a common heel pain that causes discomfort at the bottom of your feet every morning. The arch pain usually starts from the heels, then diffuses along the bottom of the feet, making it difficult for the patient to walk normally.

Therefore, it is very important to choose a suitable safety shoe for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis disease, this Skechers Energy Afterburn Lace-Up safety shoe is extremely suitable for those people.

The shoe is made of 100% synthetic, extremely soft fabric lining, hugs the heel, the upper part is cool leather, and shock absorption. Non-slip rubber outsole with excellent traction, providing effective support for your pain.

Best for Standing All Day: Skechers for Work Food Service Shoe

Key features

• Synthetic sole
• Fabric upper and slip-resistant traction outsole
• Elastic side
• Memory foam insole for cushioning
• Soft fabric shoe lining

Product specs 

Brand	Skechers
Dimension	12 x 9 x 5 inches
Weight	10.6 oz
Material	Synthetic
Color	3 options

No matter what your profession is, you can be a nurse, food service, or anyone who needs to stand continuously for hours during working time, in this case, the right shoes are a must. 

you could suffer extremities under a lot of stress when being on your feet all day. Thus, if you wear unsupportive shoes, it could be achy arches, joint pain, and other uncomfortable problems.

The properties of memory foam insole, roomier toe box, soft fabric shoe lining, mesh fabric upper and slip-resistant traction create a perfect safety shoe. Once again, this safety shoe is super fit for people who stand all-day.

Best for Budget: Dr. Scholl’s Men’s Winder II Work Shoe

Key features

• Synthetic sole
• Oil-resistant, slip-resistant
• Anti-compression insole
• Vented sock for breathability

Product specs 

Brand	Dr. Scholl’s Shoes
Dimension	12.7 x 8.7 x 4.8 inches
Weight	1.3 lbs
Material	Leather
Color	Black

Until now, you already have a lot of useful information on choosing a suitable safety shoe for your requirements as well as the workplace environment. However, you can also see that a safety shoe is often expensive and if you are on a tight budget this Dr. Scholl’s Men’s Winder II Work Shoe is offered for you.

This shoe is absolutely raved by their comfort and breathability, no matter you suffer from neuropathy in your lower legs, you are working in industrial sites or anything, it will make you super cool at a reasonable price.

Most Comfortable Safety Shoe Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Most Comfortable Safety Shoes? 

Many types of safety shoes are available in the market nowadays; it is not easy to choose a suitable safety shoe that has all of the safety requirements and good quality. The following tips can help you choose a perfect safety shoe. Let’s check it out!

Safety Requirements

Of course, the main point of safety shoes is safety requirements. I have found out that many people do not pay much attention to this step but actually, it is the most important.

You first determine which kind of workplace you are working at (oil, electrical, forklifts, pallets, concrete, stock, parcels, and so on). You must have their requirement confirmed before looking for your own safety shoe.

Some parts you may look at the tongue of the shoe, the size, the manufacturer, the appearance, standard number, and year.

Insole Fit

When trying a new safety shoe, you should check toecap first. If you cannot press your finger at the toebox, it means the toecap is solid and sturdy enough for safety standards. Another vital tip, you should also try your new safety shoes with your regular work socks in order to make sure that it fits your feet perfectly. 

Shoe Width

If you notice that your foot is causing a stretch, that is if your foot is hanging over the midsole then a different style of boot is required. If your foot is tight but the whole foot is sitting on the midsole (with no overhanging sides of the feet) without the stretch then a half-size larger is needed.

Shoe Depth

Now, as you know what kinds of safety shoes are necessary for a particular work, you can purchase one suiting your requirements. However, there are a few factors that should be kept in mind at the time of buying safety shoes.

Toe Cap

There are 3 types of toe caps:

• Steel
• Composite
• Fiber Toe Caps

Comfort Level

The comfortable property is the most important factor during this review, you need to make sure that your new safety shoe has appropriate space for toes, no pinching, and cramping. It could help your feet warm in winter, cool in summer. In order to get these properties, your safety shoe should provide adequate support in the arch and heel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ESD mean?

ESD (Electrostatic discharge) range is a confinement of the antistatic range from the EN ISO 20345 safety guards. An ESD-capable safety shoe means that it is capable of antistatic.

What is the difference between safety shoes, protective shoes, and professional shoes?

The difference between safety footwear (marking S, EN 20345) and protective footwear (marking P, EN 20346) lies with a lower protection level for the toes (protective caps). Protective shoes are practically no longer used today. Professional shoes (marking O, EN 20347) do not have toe protection. However, they have at least one other protective component (e.g. puncture-resistance).

Which kind of safety shoes are necessary at work?

It depends on the hazards that you deal with in the workplace. Accordingly, there are a lot of safety components on shoes such as waterproof, slip-resistant, oil-resistant, lightweight, and so on.

Is it also possible to wear private rugged shoes at work? What about sandals or flip-flops?

If the workplace does not require safety shoes, private rugged shoes could be used. In case, the workplace environment is not very dangerous, sandals or flip-flops are acceptable; however, a proper safety shoe is also a priority.

What does the labeling mean at the tongue?

The marking refers to the categories of safety shoes according to the International Standard EN ISO 20345 for safety shoes.

SB: Basic requirements according to standard (incl. toe cap)

S2: Toe cap + Waterproof

S3: Toe cap + Waterproof + Protective cover + Profile sole

S1P: Toe protection cap + protection

S1: Toe cap

P: Puncture-resistance

E: Energy absorption capacity in the heel area

A: Antistatic shoes

C: Conductive shoes

I: Electrically insulating shoes

HI: Heat insulation of the sole

CI: Cold insulation of the sole

WR: Waterproofness of the shoes

WRU: Water resistance of the boot top

HRO: Resistance of the soles against contact heat

FO: Fuel resistance of the sole

CR: Cutting resistance of the upper material

AN: Ankle protection

M: Metatarsal foot protection

SRA: Slip resistance on floors of ceramic tiles with NaLS

SRB: Slip resistance on a steel base with glycerol

SRC: Fulfills the slip resistance according to SRA and SRB

My Top Picks

I have outlined all the information you need to get a pair of safety shoes that are right for your intended use, suitable for your circumstances, but still fashionable and affordable. I know that the final choice is still yours. 

However, in my opinion, I highly recommend the KEEN Utility Non Slip Work Shoe Construction Safety shoe. Because as I mentioned before, it has all the properties of a proper safety shoe such as oil- and slip-resistant, non-marking sipped rubber outsoles, lightweight compression-resisting midsole, protect feet from electricity at the workplace, reduce scratching surfaces with non-mutilating leather upper, better visibility with reflective webbing and durable life span. 

Another great option should be Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker. This safety shoe is already sold for more than ten thousand items. This also means that this shoe is super suitable for most of the cases at the workplace and especially it is reasonable, you will feel flexible for not only working but also for jogging or hitting the gym.

Thank you for reading until now. If you feel this is a useful review, do not just keep it for your own, please share it with your friends, family members, and others who are looking for the safest shoes. Besides, if you have any information or experience that you want to share with us, do not hesitate to comment below. We cherish all of your contributions.