What do you do when you can't quite get away with your everyday trainers on-site but you don't want to walk around in heavy-duty boots all day? Well, you find the ideal midpoint aka a pair of durable safety trainers.
Safety trainers are shoes that are designed to protect your feet from injuries in work environments where there may be hazards in your path. Both durable and functional, the best safety trainers keep your feet comfortable without waving goodbye to all of the necessary safety precautions.
One of the most important factors to consider when buying safety trainers is the material. You'll want a material that's breathable, water-resistant and easy to clean. Some of the most common materials for safety trainers are leather, synthetic materials and mesh.
Leather, as the most expensive option, offers good protection, durability and flexibility. Synthetic materials are usually cheaper and lighter than leather, but they may not be as resistant to abrasion and puncture. Mesh is a better choice during the warmer seasons as it allows air to circulate, keeping your feet cool and dry. But keep in mind that mesh trainers may not be suitable for wet or dirty conditions.
When choosing your new safety trainers, you'll want to pay attention to features like toe caps, midsole plates, slip-resistant soles and cushioned insoles.
Toe caps are metal or composite materials that protect your toes from impact and compression. Midsole plates are thin layers of metal or plastic that prevent sharp objects from piercing through the sole. Slip-resistant soles are rubber or polyurethane materials that provide traction and stability on slippery surfaces. And, last but by no means least on those lengthy days, cushioned insoles are soft pads that support your arches and reduce fatigue.
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Timberland Pro Radius Yellow Safety Trainers
Designed with a lightweight HoverSpring foam midsole for industry-leading underfoot comfort, flexibility and durability, the Timberland Pro Radius Yellow Safety Trainers also feature an abrasion-resistant mesh upper and anatomically positioned flex grooves for ultimate comfort.
With an asymmetrical alloy safety toe, they’re suitable for workwear and are fitted with Anti-Fatigue Technology to stop your feet feeling quite so weary after those never-ending days on-site.
Buy now £90.50, Timberland
Line Online U Power Carbon S3 SRC Safety shoes
You’ll feel a spring in your step when you wear these Power Carbon safety shoes thanks to their material makeup. The Polysoft insole of soft polyurethane is breathable and antibacterial, which means it absorbs the moisture that develops inside and “expels” quickly.
Its sole has well-defined shapes that improve grip and increase slip resistance on any type of floor. The Save Flex Plus anti-puncture midsole in the “no metal” fabric is sewn directly on the upper of the shoe protecting the foot and avoiding any irritating movements inside while walking.
Buy now £94.98, Amazon
CAT Workwear Mens Elmore Safety Work Trainers
Working outside in the cold but don’t want the hassle of wearing safety boots? These Caterpillar Elmore trainers come with a steel toe cap but still offer breathability around the ankles.
With energy absorption in the heel and a heat, fuel and oil-resistant outsole, these boots protect against impact and compression no matter what sort of industry you’re working in. The removable PU footbed adds cushioning comfort and makes the shoes ideal for lengthy days on your feet.
Buy now £59.90, Amazon
Solid Gear Hydra GORE-TEX BOA Safety Trainers
While they may be a little on the pricier side, the Solid Gear Hydra GORE-TEX BOA Safety Trainers are some of the best around for ensuring your feet remain safe and protected for years to come.
Combining waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining, which keeps your feet dry and comfortable, with a Vibram outsole and Cordura ripstop fabric, these trainers offer great protection and ruggedness on a daily basis. The unique BOA Closure System, which distributes the pressure evenly across your feet, ensures a glove-like fit.
Buy now £265.17, Amazon
Hanani Lightweight Steel Toe Caps Trainers
Safety trainers don’t have to cost you a fortune and, if you’re working somewhere where they’re necessary but you’re unlikely to come across any danger, these Hanani Lightweight Steel Toe Caps Trainers might offer just the solution.
Lightweight and durable with all of the necessary safety features, they feature a steel toe cap and a breathable design across the rest of the shoe.
Buy now £32.99, Amazon
Dewalt Garrison safety trainers
Add a splash of hi-vis colour to your workwear with these Dewalt Garrison safety trainers. Lightweight safety trainers with a sports-style design, they have a flexible EVA midsole and durable rubber outsole as well as a padded collar and tongue for comfort.
The Shock-Absorbing heel and sole make them ideal for work and their mid-range price offers all the essential protective features without costing a fortune.
Buy now £139.00, Amazon
U-Power Ryder Safety Trainers
The U-Power Ryder has been specially designed to maximise safety and protection while ensuring you have a comfortable pair of safety trainers that can be worn on a day-to-day basis.
These safety shoes feature an Infinity sole, which absorbs the impact of heavy loads. They’re also wear-resistant and durable, meaning they’ll stand the test of time. Comfort compression technology also reduces fatigue for long-term wear, while the Save and Flex composite midsole supports your feet through a variety of movements.
Buy now £90.00, Amazon
Gravity Earth Safety Trainers
The Gravity Earth Safety Trainers feature EASY-FIT technology to increase comfort and stop dirt from getting inside. They are made from soft suede leather and an anti-abrasion breathable textile that will keep your feet feeling cool yet sufficiently protected at the same time.
With a lightweight, antibacterial PU insole, aluminium toe cap and composite midsole, they tick all the boxes for support and safety on site.
Buy now £67.94, ISB Group
Site Donard safety trainers
These budget-friendly safety trainers are some of the most versatile around, offering all of the safety features necessary without setting you back a fortune. The Site Donard safety trainers have a breathable mesh and thermoplastic polyurethane upper as well as a padded collar, tongue and insole.
The steel midsole offers underfoot protection while the water-resistant upper makes them ideal if you’re working somewhere where you could be at risk of the elements.
Buy now £49.99, Screwfix
Exena Kei safety trainers
The Exena Kei safety trainers are specialist work shoes designed for logistics, engineering and dry environments. They make good use of PUTEK textile uppers for optimal protection and a lightweight feel.
While you wouldn’t want to wear these in a wet environment, the non-metallic, polycarbonate toe cap offers exceptional toe protection along with a composite midsole. This shields toes from stub damage and helps prevent objects from piercing the shoe from the front.
Buy now £62.72, ISB Group
Verdict
Durable, resilient and prepared for all kinds of potential danger, the Timberland Pro Radius Yellow Safety Trainers tick all the boxes for a pair of safety trainers that keep you light on your toes.
