| Safety shoes or steel toe boots are hard wearing | | | | workers in a supervisory capacity who have to |
| shoes or boots that have a protective plate in the | | | | wear safety shoes by law. In some sub cultures |
| toe to stop the wearer being hurt from heavy | | | | the wearing of steel toed safety shoes has |
| objects falling on them. Often these toe plates | | | | become something of a fashion statement, for |
| are combined with a plate in the sole to protect | | | | instance with punks and skin heads who can often |
| the foot from sharp objects on the ground which | | | | be see sporting brands of safety shoe like Dr. |
| could pierce the sole and foot. | | | | Martens and Grinders. |
| Traditionally the toe plates and sometimes the | | | | In the USA, safety shoes have symbols displayed |
| sole plates too are made of steel. They can also | | | | on the exterior which describe the level of |
| be made of a composite or a plastic like TPU | | | | protection the shoe gives. For example a green |
| (Thermoplastic polyurethane). These safety shoes | | | | triangle signifies a class 1 steel toe with a |
| are very important in industrial occupations, | | | | reinforced sole. A yellow triangle shows it is a |
| particularly in the construction industry, and often | | | | class 2 toe cap with a reinforced sole. A white |
| job roles have legislation attached to them | | | | square means the safety shoe protects the |
| insisting that these safety shoes are worn. Not | | | | wearer from electrical currents, and a yellow |
| wearing safety shoes can infringe health and | | | | square offers anti static protection. A red square |
| safety legislation, or can invalidate insurance. | | | | is the opposite of these and can conduct |
| Safety shoes are now available in a variety of | | | | electricity, whereas a picture of a fir tree shows |
| styles, including clogs and trainers or sneakers. | | | | the safety shoe will protect the wearer from |
| Some are smart, formal shoes, possibly for | | | | chainsaws. |