the new astm standards for footwear specify that it should

The new ASTM standards for footwear specify that protective footwear should be impact and compression resistant at the toe , and then meet additional performance requirements (like metatarsal, electrical, puncture, or slip resistance) depending on the hazard.

Core ASTM Footwear Requirements

ASTM F2413 is the main standard that sets performance requirements for safety footwear used in workplaces.

Under this standard, compliant safety boots or shoes must provide toe protection against both impact (falling/rolling objects) and compression (crushing forces).

Key baseline requirements include:

• Impact resistance at the toe, tested with a dropped weight.

• Compression resistance at the toe, tested with a compressive load.

Additional Protections Often Specified

Beyond toe impact and compression resistance, ASTM F2413 allows and defines several optional protections that may be required by job risk assessments.

These are indicated by additional codes in the marking (for example, on the boot label or stamp).

Common additional features:

• Metatarsal protection over the upper foot.

• Electrical hazard (EH), conductive (Cd), or static dissipative (SD) properties for electrical or static control risks.

• Puncture resistance in the sole to protect against nails and sharp objects.

• Slip-resistant performance where specified using related ASTM slip standards such as F3445 and test method F2913.

How Footwear Is Marked

ASTM-compliant footwear is labeled so users can see which protections it actually provides.

At least one shoe in a pair must be legibly marked with the current ASTM standard designation (for example, “ASTM F2413-18”) and the applicable protection codes.

Typical markings may include:

• “I” for impact resistance and “C” for compression resistance.

• Additional letters such as “M” or “F” for gender design, “EH,” “SD,” “Cd,” “PR” (puncture resisting), or “SR” (slip resisting), depending on features.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.