Protective Footwear FAQs

ASTM F2413 is the Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear. This standard provides minimum design, performance, testing, and classification requirements, and prescribes fit, function, and performance criteria for footwear designed to protect against a variety of workplace hazards. ASTM F2412 provides the test methods used to measure resistance of footwear to hazards that may result in injury to the worker: impact, compression, metatarsal impact, electrical conductivity, electric hazard, and puncture, as well as static dissipative performance.

ASTM F2892, Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Soft Toe Protective Footwear (Non-Safety / Non-Protective Toe), provides performance specifications for protective footwear with soft toe.

Tyndale sells both EH and non-EH rated boots. All safety-toe boots that Tyndale sells meet the requirements of ASTM F2413, the specification for performance requirements for protective footwear. ASTM 2413 requires protective footwear to meet impact and compression-resistance tests, but an EH rating is not necessary for compliance with the standard. Because many utility companies require boots to be EH rated in addition to compliant with ASTM 2413, it is important to carefully read the product descriptions that accompany each item in your catalog.

EH rated boots do not protect against arc flash hazards. Rather, EH rated boots are designed to protect against shock, which can happen when a worker steps on a live electrical current.

A boot is filled with steel BBs and placed on a steel plate. A positive electric wire is placed in the BBs and a negative wire is connected to the steel plate. The test measures how much current can travel through the sole of the boot. EH rated boots must be capable of withstanding 18,000 V at 60 Hz for one minute with no current flow or leakage. Keep in mind that EH protection is deteriorated in wet/humid conditions or when soles show excessive wear.

Footwear is third-party tested as per ASTM F2412 to measure resistance to hazards that may result in worker injury. Each protection criteria test is administered three times, and the lowest score is used to ensure compliance with minimum performance requirements contained in ASTM F2413.

Footwear certified as meeting the ASTM F2413 standard must primarily meet the protection requirements for (I) impact resistance and (C) compression resistance. Then, additional protection criteria, if met, are labeled accordingly, depending on specific footwear protection requirements. Footwear labels should clearly state which of the requirements the footwear meets, and ASTM F2413 includes labeling requirements accordingly.

Steel toe boots provide a steel protective covering over the toe, which protects the wearer from injury - meeting ASTM standard F2412 for impact and compression resistance. Steel toes are generally required by most industries. However, They can be uncomfortable for people who walk long distances (like meter readers) and difficult for those who go through metal detectors in the course of their daily work (like nuclear workers). These workers might instead use composite toe boots, which are non-metal plates protecting the foot. Tyndale offers many boots with protective toe coverings, both steel and composite.

A composite toe boot features a non-metallic, non-magnetic protective covering over the toe, which resists corrosion and serves the same function as the steel toe without setting off metal detectors. Composite toe boots are well-suited for workers who must go through metal detectors at work or workers exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Composite toe boots are tested to the same ASTM standard F2412 for impact and compression as steel toe boots, and offer equal protection to the worker.

A steel shank is a metal plate in the sole of a boot that makes it more comfortable for a worker to stand for a long time on a narrow peg. It provides extra support for the foot and is beneficial when climbing utility poles.

A composite shank is a non-metal plate in the sole of the boot, serving the same function as a steel shank.

Boot height is measured as the height that the boot goes up the wearer's leg. Most utility work requires a minimum boot height of 6". Tyndale sells boots with 6”, 8”, 10”, and 12” heights.

Insulated boots are lightweight and quick-drying, with moisture resistant insulation that helps keep feet warm. Waterproof boots offer seam-sealed construction and waterproof leather, and help keep feet dry in wet environments.

If you typically order a size 9 shoe, order a size 9 overshoe. Overshoes are meant to fit over the size shoe you usually wear.

If you typically require a "wide width" shoe, you will also need a "wide width" boot. Boots typically come in Medium (M) and Wide (W or EE). Most manufacturers refer to wide boots as W; some manufacturers refers to wide boots as EE.

Yes, Tyndale offers women's boots with protective toes. We recommend purchasing these instead of men's boots when a protective toe is needed.

Tyndale does not recommend that women purchase men's sized boots when a protective toe is needed. If you are ordering boots without protective toes, you may consider ordering men's boots for more options. Typically, you would need to order one-and-a-half (1-1/2) to two (2) sizes smaller than your usual size, depending on the manufacturer. For example, if you are usually a size 8 in women's shoes, you would need to order a men's size 6 or 6-1/2. If you have any questions about boot sizing, please call Tyndale Customer Service at 215-755-5660.

If your company offers a boot reimbursement option, you can buy a pair of boots that comply with your company’s safety policy from any store of your choice. Make sure to save your receipt!

Next, sign in to your Tyndale account and complete the Boot Reimbursement Form, which is accessible from the welcome page. Ask your manager to signoff.

Then, within your online account, locate “Resources” in the top-right menu and select boot reimbursement from the drop-down menu. Upload the signed form and a copy of your purchase receipt in the designated areas on the page. We’ll process your claim promptly and pay you back out of your Tyndale program balance (a small transaction fee may apply).

Access our flyer and video for complete information. If you need assistance, contact Customer Service at 215-755-5660.