Safety boots and shoes provide protection from falling objects, impact of other objects and even burns and electrical shock. This is why many companies require them at all times in the workplace and many states have instituted regulations demanding they be used in certain situations.

Construction sites, industrial plants and even engineering and manufacturing companies require safety shoes. Consider the following when purchasing from a safety shoes provider:

1. Select safety shoes appropriate for your line of work.

2. Take advantage of corporate discounts or sign your company up for one.

3. Take advantage of shoemobiles that bring the shoes directly to the workplace.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select safety shoes appropriate for the hazards of your industry

Safety shoes and boots are designed for a multitude of different industries. Most are steel capped and some are even chemical and water resistant. Safety shoes and boots come in a variety of styles for men and women from elegant to sporty.

I recommend: Not sure where to find safety shoes that are right for your line of work? DirectIndustry provides an extensive safety shoes directory that lists either the industry the shoe is made for or a safety benefit. The safety shoes list on Lehigh Valley Safety Shoes' website offers brief summaries about each manufacturer that can also help you figure out which shoe is best.

Utilize corporate discount programs for deeper discounts on safety shoes and boots

As an employee, corporate discounts are a great way to save money on an essential piece of equipment required to do your job. As an employer, safety shoes providers will pass along savings to you by discounting prices and omitting sales tax based on order volume!

I recommend: BootPro Solutions offers a 27 percent discount on any boots just by clicking on your union's logo. Steel-Toe-Shoes' corporate rewards program gives pre-paid voucher cards that employers can pass along to their workers. Work Shoe City's corporate discount program includes deep discounts, bilingual ordering forms and, more importantly, a warehouse stocked with thousands of name brand safety shoes.

Arrange for a shoemobile to bring their safety shoes to your place of work

Shoemobile programs are literally traveling shoe stores on wheels. Safety shoe experts travel along to provide safety shoes information, answer industry specific questions and make recommendations. You can try on shoes and purchase them on the spot, eliminating the need to come to a store to try on footwear.

I recommend: Vulcan Safety Shoes and Saf-Gard Shoe offer shoemobile programs. Both companies will tailor the inventory on their trucks to make sure it is customer or industry specific.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider lightweight slip-on covers as an alternative to safety shoes. This product is perfect if your job requires that you visit hazardous areas on an occasional basis. Steel toe slip-on covers can be comfortably worn over street shoes, sneakers and most boots.