Guides & advice
Guides
Plain-English guides to safety footwear ratings, sizing and comfort, and to looking after the feet, ankles and knees that carry you through a working day.
InsolesBest insoles for work boots and standing all dayThe right insole can make your current work boots feel new. Here is how memory foam, gel, arch supports, heel pads and heated insoles compare, and...5 min read
Fit guideHow should safety shoes fit? UK size guideA toe cap doesn’t stretch, so fit matters more in safety footwear than in trainers. Here is the 5-step fit check, a UK to EU size...5 min read
Knee bracesWhich knee brace do I need? Sleeve, strap, hinged or kneeling padKnee supports range from simple compression sleeves to hinged braces and padded kneeling braces for tradespeople. Here is how to match the type to your knee...5 min read
Comfortable safety shoesThe most comfortable safety shoes for 12-hour shiftsComfort over a 12-hour shift comes down to weight, cushioning, fit and breathability. Here is what to look for and the ElytStep models built for long...4 min read
Composite toe capSteel toe cap vs composite toe cap: what is the difference?Steel and composite toe caps pass the same 200 joule test. The differences are weight, thickness, how they handle cold and heat, and metal detectors. Here...5 min read
Safety bootsSafety boots vs safety shoes vs safety trainers: which do you need?Boots, shoes and trainers can all carry the same safety rating. The real differences are ankle support, weight, warmth and water resistance. Here is how to...4 min read
EN ISO 20345Safety shoe ratings explained: SB, S1, S1P, S2, S3 and SRThe letters on a safety shoe tell you what it has been tested to. Here is a plain-English guide to SB, S1, S1P, S2, S3, S6,...5 min read
Ankle bracesSprained ankle: recovery time and when to wear a braceMost sprained ankles feel better within a couple of weeks, but the ligaments take longer to regain strength. Here is a simple recovery timeline and when...5 min read
Heel painPlantar fasciitis at work: what actually helpsSharp heel pain with your first steps in the morning is the classic sign of plantar fasciitis. Here is what helps if you are on your...6 min read
Foot painWhy do my feet hurt after standing all day?Aching soles, burning heels and tired legs after a shift are common. Here are the usual causes and nine practical fixes, from footwear and insoles to...6 min read