In the construction sector, safety is a top priority. In this regard, safety footwear is essential to protect workers from the numerous risks they face on a daily basis.

In this article, we guide construction professionals in selecting the perfect safety footwear to meet their specific needs. By considering the various risks and the specific requirements of each trade, we help you find solutions that combine protection, comfort, and durability, ensuring you can work safely.

Why are safety shoes essential in the construction sector?

Specific risks in the construction sector

Weather conditions and extreme temperatures

Working conditions in the construction sector are often harsh, especially outdoors.

Workers are exposed to various weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, extreme cold, and scorching heat.

To effectively protect their feet in these environments, safety shoes must be well adapted: in summer, they should be breathable to prevent overheating and excessive sweating, while in winter, thermal insulation and waterproofing are essential to protect against cold and moisture.

Falls and slips

The risks of falls and slips are ever-present on construction sites. The ground can be uneven, slippery, or littered with debris such as rubble, tools, or construction materials. These obstacles and unstable surfaces make every movement potentially hazardous for workers.

To prevent such incidents, safety shoes must be equipped with slip-resistant soles designed to provide maximum grip on various surfaces, whether wet, oily, or loose.

Specialized soles with well-designed treads not only ensure better traction but also help to channel away liquids to prevent slipping. Additionally, ankle reinforcements and an ergonomic design contribute to better foot support, reducing the risk of losing balance and falling.

Risques de chocs et de perforations

The risks of falls and slips are ever-present on construction sites. The ground can be uneven, slippery, or littered with debris such as rubble, tools, or construction materials. These obstacles and unstable surfaces make every movement potentially hazardous for workers.

To prevent such incidents, safety shoes must be equipped with slip-resistant soles designed to provide maximum grip on various surfaces, whether wet, oily, or loose.

Specialized soles with well-designed treads not only ensure better traction but also help to channel away liquids to prevent slipping. Additionally, ankle reinforcements and an ergonomic design contribute to better foot support, reducing the risk of losing balance and falling.

On construction sites, workers are often exposed to falling heavy and sharp objects. Safety shoes in the construction sector must be equipped with protective toe caps (made of steel or composite) to safeguard the toes, and puncture-resistant soles to prevent sharp objects from penetrating the sole.

Criteria for choosing safety shoes

Comfort and ergonomics

Wearing uncomfortable shoes can quickly turn into a real ordeal. Foot pain, blisters, and fatigue can not only affect your well-being but also lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), ultimately impacting your productivity and workplace safety.

To ensure all-day comfort in your safety shoes, pay close attention to:

→ Cushioning: a key element for optimal comfort. It absorbs shocks, relieves joint pressure, and allows you to work more comfortably.

→ Breathable materials: keeping your feet dry and cool helps reduce the risk of fungal infections and blisters by minimizing foot perspiration.

→ Ergonomic design: providing proper arch support promotes good posture, which is essential for preventing pain and muscle tension.

→ Flexible and lightweight materials: they facilitate movement, reduce fatigue, and help you stay efficient throughout the day.

Type de protection nécessaire

To address the numerous risks encountered on construction sites, safety shoes must provide comprehensive and tailored protection:

  • Puncture-resistant soles: essential to protect against sharp or pointed objects.
  • Protective toe cap: designed to absorb impacts on the toes and withstand crushing forces.
  • Slip resistance: achieved through specially designed soles that provide maximum grip on all surfaces.

Puncture-resistant soles

Puncture-resistant soles are essential for protecting feet from sharp objects such as nails, metal shards, or glass fragments, which are often found on construction sites.

Made from durable materials like high-tenacity composite textiles or stainless steel, they provide an effective barrier against these hazards.

At Lemaitre Sécurité, we have developed an exclusive solution tailored for the construction sector: the DUOPROTECTION® patent.

This innovative system, the result of extensive research and collaboration with construction professionals, offers enhanced protection against site hazards. By combining a double layer of stainless steel and high-tenacity composite textile, DUOPROTECTION® ensures maximum safety, even in the most demanding conditions.

PROTECTIVE TOE CAP

The protective toe cap is essential for safeguarding toes against impacts and crushing. Whether made of steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, composite fiber, or carbon, these toe caps provide reliable and tailored protection for construction professionals.

At Lemaitre Sécurité, we use four types of protective toe caps:

  • Aluminum: lightweight and thin, offering optimal comfort.
  • Stainless steel: thin and wide, providing an excellent balance between comfort and safety.
  • Polycarbonate: resistant to extreme temperatures, while remaining lightweight and non-magnetic.
  • Composite fiber: also non-magnetic, with superior thermal insulation.
  • Carbon: a lightweight and robust solution for demanding environments.

All our toe caps comply with the EN ISO 20345 standard, ensuring resistance to impacts of 200 joules (equivalent to a 20 kg object falling from a height of 1 meter) and compression resistance of 1500 daN (more than 1500 kg).

Slip resistance

Construction sites are often unstable environments, where floors can be wet or oily, significantly increasing the risk of slips. SR-marked soles, designed to provide maximum grip, are essential for preventing accidents.

Durability and robustness

Durability and robustness are also fundamental criteria for safety shoes intended for construction professionals.

The shoes need to be made from materials resistant to wear and extreme conditions, such as leather or reinforced technical textiles. These materials provide resistance to abrasion, tears, and harsh weather conditions.

Additionally, reinforced stitching contributes to the longevity of the shoes by preventing premature tears and openings.

The different types of safety shoes for the construction sector

Safety boots

Safety boots are essential for comprehensive protection in demanding environments such as wet, muddy, or chemically exposed construction sites.

Unlike standard safety shoes, safety boots do not feature fastening systems like laces. Their comfort primarily depends on the quality of their design, particularly the shape and fit of the boot.

A proper fit is crucial to ensure the wearer’s comfort throughout the day, especially during long working hours.

There are two types of safety boots:

  • Leather boots rated S3: The S3 marking indicates that they are made from water-repellent materials, offering resistance to water penetration. They are ideal for outdoor work where exposure to moisture is likely, especially in rainy conditions.
  • Rubber or polyurethane boots rated S4 and S5: Completely waterproof, these boots are perfect for working in extremely wet conditions. The S4 standard guarantees full waterproofing, while the S5 standard provides additional protection against punctures.

Low-cut safety shoes

Low-cut safety shoes stand out for their lightness, flexibility, and comfort, making them particularly suitable for tasks that require frequent movement and a high degree of mobility.

  • Lightweight: Less heavy than boots, they help reduce fatigue during frequent movements.
  • Mobility: Their low-cut design provides greater freedom of movement, ideal for tasks that demand agility and flexibility.
  • Comfort: Often equipped with breathable materials and ergonomic soles, they enhance comfort during long workdays.

High-cut safety shoes

High-cut safety shoes are designed to provide additional ankle support, making them ideal for rough terrains and working at heights.

  • Ankle support: They help prevent sprains and provide increased stability on uneven surfaces.
  • Protection from debris: They prevent the entry of debris, dust, and dirt into the shoe, making them ideal for construction sites.
  • Thermal insulation: Some high-cut models offer better insulation against the cold, protecting feet from extreme temperatures.

Eco-designed safety shoes

In a world where sustainability has become essential, safety shoes for the construction sector are no exception.

The eco-designed MISTRAL S3S and LEVANTE S3S models from the TRAILIUM LSG range represent a new generation of safety footwear that combines performance and sustainability.

Environmental responsibility: Composed of 25% to 30% recycled materials, these shoes reduce the ecological footprint while maintaining high-quality standards.


Safety standards: They comply with the latest PPE regulations (EN ISO 20345), ensuring guaranteed protection.


Innovation and durability: These models incorporate advanced technologies such as fluorescent inserts made from regenerated leather, recycled arch supports, and HDFC composite fiber toe caps.

Choosing safety shoes based on your profession

Safety shoes for masons

Masons often work outdoors on wet and unstable surfaces.

We recommend S3-rated high-cut shoes with a flexible sole to provide:

  • Protection against impacts and punctures: Heavy or sharp tools and materials pose a constant threat. Reinforced puncture protection is essential to prevent serious injuries.
  • Moisture resistance: Wet surfaces and outdoor conditions require waterproof shoes that can keep feet dry.
    Flexibility and comfort: Shoes with good flexibility to accommodate frequent bending and squatting movements.

Our recommendation → ENDURO S3 SRC: the ideal safety shoe for construction, featuring the patented DuoProtection® anti-puncture solution. This technology combines the advantages of textile and steel inserts to provide maximum puncture resistance. Additionally, it offers standardized ankle protection (AN) and enhanced resistance to concrete and plaster dust.

Les chaussures de sécurité pour un.e charpentier.e - couvreur.se

Les charpentier·es ont besoin de chaussures de sécurité offrant protection et confort tout en restant légères et flexibles, pour se déplacer facilement sur les toits et autres surfaces inclinées.

Nous vous recommandons des chaussures de sécurité :

  • Avec un bon soutien de la cheville : indispensable pour les travaux en hauteur.
  • Protègent contre les intempéries : offrent une protection contre l'abrasion et l'usure, tout en restant respirantes pour un confort optimal, même dans des environnements changeants
  • Légères et flexibles : pour faciliter les mouvements, même dans des positions inconfortables.
  • Avec un embout fin : pour pouvoir passer facilement entre les lattes du toit.

Notre sélection → STAR S3 SRC : bien que ce soit un modèle bas, il offre une semelle souple pour une meilleure stabilité sur les toits. La tige en textile haute ténacité, associée à une croûte de cuir hydrofuge et un surbout renforcé anti-abrasion, assure une protection durable tout en gardant le pied léger et mobile.

Plumbing professions

Plumbers often work in humid environments where keeping feet dry is essential. For this, S3 WR leather shoes are ideal.

  • Water resistance: Leather provides superior protection against splashes and moisture, ensuring feet stay dry even in challenging conditions.
  • Slip resistance: Maximum grip is crucial on wet surfaces to prevent accidents.
  • Comfort and flexibility: Comfortable and flexible shoes are necessary to accommodate various and often uncomfortable working positions.

Our recommendation → SAXO S3 SRC: timeless, flexible, and comfortable sneakers with a slightly cleated flat Street sole for improved stability.

Site managers

Site managers need comfortable safety shoes, whether high or low-cut, that are not too rigid and provide good ground grip.

  • Comfort and lightness: Lightweight shoes to reduce fatigue during frequent movements.
  • Impact and puncture protection: Essential for site inspections.
  • Grip: Soles with excellent traction to prevent slips.

Our recommendation → MAKAN S3L SR: high-cut shoes with a sole designed for slippery surfaces and enhanced grip on ladder rungs.

Tiling professions

Tilers spend a lot of time on their knees and need very flexible and easy-to-clean shoes.

  • Flexibility: A textile puncture-resistant sole to facilitate frequent bending and squatting movements.
  • Comfort and support: Ergonomic shoes to prevent knee and back pain.
  • Easy cleaning: Materials that are easy to clean to maintain hygiene and keep shoes in good condition.

Our recommendation →PLANET S3S SR: safety shoes with NBS System quick lacing and a memory foam insole made mostly from recycled materials.

Choosing the right safety shoes for your profession is crucial to ensuring protection, comfort, and safety for construction professionals.

At Lemaitre Sécurité, we understand these challenges and offer a comprehensive range of shoes designed to provide the optimal protection you need.

Whatever your activity, you will find the perfect safety shoe with us to support you on your worksites.