Safety Boots & Safety Shoes

How to choose safety footwear

Safety footwear sold in South Africa is tested to SANS 20345, the local adoption of ISO 20345. Every boot or shoe certified to it has a protective toe cap rated for a 200 joule impact. Footwear without a toe cap falls under SANS 20347 (occupational footwear), so check the marking if your site requires a toe cap.

What the S1, S1P and S3 ratings mean

• SB: the basic requirement, a 200 J toe cap.
• S1: adds a closed heel area, antistatic properties and an energy-absorbing heel.
• S1P: S1 plus a penetration-resistant midsole that protects against nails and sharp objects underfoot.
• S2: S1 plus an upper that resists water penetration.
• S3: S2 plus a penetration-resistant midsole and a cleated outsole for grip on rough ground.

Slip resistance is marked separately. Under the 2011 edition of the standard you will see SRA (tested on ceramic tile with detergent), SRB (steel with glycerine) or SRC (both). In the 2022 edition the basic slip test is mandatory for all safety footwear, and SR marks an optional extra test. Product pages list the rating where the manufacturer supplies it, for example the SRC-rated Dromex Ulteco boots and shoes.

Steel or composite toe caps?

Both must pass the same 200 J impact test, so neither is safer on paper. Steel toe caps are slim and usually cheaper. Composite (non-metallic) toe caps are lighter, don't conduct heat or cold, and won't set off metal detectors, which suits security checkpoints, mines and some electrical work. Composite options in our range include the Hi-Tec Teleza Chelsea, the Rebel Non-metallic Safety Work Boot and the Dromex Fibre Lite sneakers.

Lace-up boots, Chelsea boots or safety shoes?

• Lace-up safety boots give the most ankle support on uneven ground: construction, mining, farms and outdoor maintenance.
• Chelsea boots have elastic sides and no laces, so they are quick to pull on and nothing can come undone or snag. They are popular in food processing, warehousing and factories.
• Safety shoes and safety sneakers are lighter and suit flat floors: factories, warehouses, logistics, retail and workshops.
• For wet, muddy or wash-down areas, a gumboot with a steel toe cap is usually the better choice.

Specialist safety footwear

Some jobs need more than a standard boot. The Hi-Tec Imara is a welding boot with leather-covered elasticated sides. The Dromex Arc Flash Tread boot is made for electrical switching work, and the Rebel Chemitrak S3 is built for chemical environments. The Rebel Cruiza Chef-Pro and Medi-Pro shoes are designed for kitchens and healthcare. Hi-Tec Magnum boots are uniform and security boots, so check each product page for the toe-cap and safety rating before choosing one for a site that requires SANS 20345 footwear.

Fit and care

Try boots on with the socks you will work in. Your toes should not touch the toe cap, and your heel should not lift when you walk. Replace safety footwear when the toe cap shows through the upper, the sole is worn smooth, or the boot has taken a heavy impact, because a toe cap that has been crushed once may not protect you a second time.

Frequently asked questions

Which safety boot brands do you stock?

We stock Hi-Tec (including the Magnum range), Dromex, Bata Industrials and Rebel, from budget steel-toe boots to premium leather boots.

Do you have ladies' safety boots and shoes?

Yes. See ladies' safety boots and ladies' safety shoes from Bata, Rebel and Dromex.

Are composite toe caps as safe as steel?

Yes. A toe cap certified to SANS 20345 has to withstand the same 200 J impact whether it is steel or composite. The difference is weight, thermal insulation and whether it will trigger a metal detector.

How quickly will my safety boots arrive?

In-stock orders placed and paid before 12:00 on a business day are dispatched the next business day from Retreat, Cape Town. After dispatch, Cape Town metro deliveries usually arrive the next working day and the main centres within 2–3 working days. Items not in stock can take 3–5 working days to dispatch, and you can also collect from our warehouse at no charge. See delivery and returns.

Can I order safety boots for my whole team?

Yes. For team or site orders, send us your sizes and quantities through a bulk quote request and we will come back with pricing.