How to Choose Cold-Resistant Shoes for Working in the Industrial Sector?

In the industrial sector, worker safety is an absolute priority, where every piece of personal protective equipment plays a crucial role, and footwear is no exception. When temperatures drop and become a daily challenge for industrial professionals, choosing the right cold-resistant shoes becomes a strategic decision to ensure the comfort and productivity of your teams.

With this in mind, and with nearly 100,000 people working in cold environments in France, meaning at temperatures below 10 °C, it is important to carefully consider the risks your employees face in order to choose footwear that protects them. At Shoes For Crews, we will guide you through the essential criteria to consider when selecting cold-resistant shoes.

Cold-resistant shoes: why are they important?

To choose cold-resistant shoes, it is essential to understand workers' specific safety and well-being needs in the industrial sector :

• Protection against cold hazards : using cold-resistant shoes helps prevent frostbite, the risk of hypothermia and other serious health issues, as feet are particularly vulnerable in cold environments.
• Improved worker comfort : cold working conditions can be uncomfortable and painful, so cold-resistant shoes provide a better fit and adequate thermal insulation to reduce these risks. Their use enables workers to maintain their focus and efficiency.
• Protecting worker health: cold can have a lasting impact on workers' health, beyond immediate issues. For example, unsuitable footwear can lead to numbness and foot pain, as well as a general deterioration in health, such as the onset of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
• Optimising productivity: by reducing discomfort and preventing health issues, cold-resistant shoes help workers improve overall productivity.

Cold-resistant shoes are therefore essential to ensure the safety and well-being of industrial professionals. It is important to provide your teams with the right personal protective equipment, but to do so, it is crucial to know how to choose it. 

How do you choose suitable cold-resistant shoes?

Now that we understand the importance of cold-resistant shoes, let us explore the essential criteria to consider when choosing protective equipment that perfectly meets workers' needs.

Safety standards and certifications

Safety standards are essential when choosing cold-resistant shoes. They define quality and performance criteria. Look for standards specific to your industry, such as EN ISO 20345 with the additional CI marking, which guarantees insulation against cold, and make sure the shoes meet these requirements. Also check relevant certifications, such as those issued by independent bodies, to ensure that the shoes meet safety standards.

Thermal insulation and outer material

Thermal insulation is crucial for retaining warmth in shoes. Insulating materials, such as polyurethane, play a key role. The outer material must be robust enough to withstand demanding working conditions. It is essential to understand how these components work together to provide protection from the cold.

Insulating material lining

The insulating material lining, placed inside the shoes, adds a layer of warmth and comfort. There are various types of linings, each offering different benefits. Review the differences between lining options, such as wool or synthetic material, and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Comfort and fit

A proper fit is crucial for comfort and safety. Poorly fitted shoes can cause circulation and comfort issues. Learn how to measure foot size accurately and choose shoes that fit perfectly. Also examine design features, such as lacing systems and insoles, to improve comfort.

Working environment

Each industrial sector has its own requirements for protection against the cold. For example, a construction worker will have different needs from someone working in logistics. Identify the specific features of your working environment and choose shoes that match the conditions your workers are exposed to; this will allow you to tailor your choices to meet the unique needs of your industry.

You now have all the information you need to make your selection of cold-resistant shoes, and we invite you to contact our team of experts at Shoes For Crews, a leading manufacturer of slip-resistant work shoes since 1984, who will help you meet your employees' specific needs to ensure their safety and comfort.