Safety shoes are essential for workplace protection, offering a variety of types and key functions. In the 20th century, the development of materials science and manufacturing technology led to a qualitative leap in labor protection shoes. Advanced protection technologies emerged, and the types of safety shoes became increasingly diverse to meet the needs of different working environments.

There are numerous types of safety shoes, including those for toe protection, puncture prevention, insulation, and acid – alkali resistance. For example, anti – impact safety shoes are designed to prevent falling objects from injuring the feet, with their toe caps made of impact – resistant materials. The anti – smashing function is also fundamental, especially in industries like construction and machinery manufacturing. The shoe toes of these labor protection shoes, usually made of steel or composite materials, can disperse the impact force when a heavy object falls, protecting the toes from serious injury.

When it comes to the soles of safety shoes, there are several main materials such as rubber, plastic, rubber – plastic combined materials, polyurethane, and natural leather. It’s crucial to check the quality of the sole when purchasing. A good sole should be flat with clear patterns, elastic when gently pressed with a fingernail, not too hard, and should not peel off. Otherwise, a low rubber content and excessive recycled rubber filler can make the sole prone to breakage and less durable.

The selection of safety shoes should be based on the nature and degree of hazards in the working environment. They should come with a product certificate and an instruction manual. Before use, workers should read the manual according to the usage conditions and use the shoes correctly. For special protective safety shoes, proper after – use care is necessary, including checking, keeping them clean, and storing them in a pollution – free and dry place. In conclusion, understanding the types, functions, and selection criteria of safety shoes is vital for ensuring workplace safety.