Look for a safety shoe with the right protection for your job

Workboots should have a tag on the shoes indicating the protection they offer. Steel-toe boots should have either a green or yellow triangle on the tag. Other protective shoes will have different symbols, such as a yellow square for anti-static protection.

I recommend: Vanderbilt’s sells a range of work boots with different protection certification.

Choose workboots with the additional protection you need

Although you may need one particular type of safety shoe, such as a steel toe shoe, look for work boots that also provide other protective benefits. For example, you may want water proof or water resistant boots if you work outside in wet or muddy areas.

I recommend: MetBoots sells a number of steel-toe boots that also feature electric hazard protection and slip resistant soles.

Buy comfortable safety footwear

Although you need the right protection, you also need boots that are comfortable to wear and that provide you with good foot and ankle support. Even if you decide to order online, visit a local retailer to try the shoes on if it's the first time you're buying a particular brand or style.

I recommend: Wolverine work boots are popular, comfortable choices for many workers.