Protective shoes are footwear designed to protect the wearer's feet from hazards such as falling objects, sharp objects, electrical hazards, and slippery surfaces. They are commonly used in industrial and construction settings, as well as in healthcare and food service industries. Protective shoes can come in a variety of styles, including steel-toed boots, composite-toed shoes, and metatarsal guard shoes. Steel-toed boots are designed with a reinforced steel cap in the toe box to protect against crushing injuries, while composite-toed shoes offer similar protection using materials such as Kevlar or carbon fiber. Metatarsal guard shoes provide additional protection for the upper foot and toes, while slip-resistant shoes can help prevent falls on wet or oily surfaces. Some protective shoes are also designed to be anti-static or electrically conductive to prevent electrical hazards.
