Quick answer
Safety shoes should feel secure at the heel and midfoot while leaving enough toe room for natural movement. Your toes should not press into the safety cap when standing, walking or descending stairs.
What to check
Check heel hold, forefoot width, toe clearance and how the shoe feels after your feet have warmed up. Work shoes worn for long shifts should be assessed with the socks you normally wear at work.
Five-minute fit test
Stand, walk, bend, climb a step and lightly kick forward. Stop if the safety cap contacts your toes, the heel lifts excessively, or the forefoot feels compressed.
FAQ
Should safety shoes be bigger than normal shoes? Not automatically. Choose the size and width that provide secure hold with adequate toe clearance.
