How to avoid foot injuries: the most common mistakes when choosing and using footwear

Foot injuries are not just bruises or fractures. It’s also chronic pain, inflammation and fatigue that builds up every day. And often the cause is not hard work, but inappropriate footwear. Especially when it comes to production, logistics, construction or warehouses. Safety shoes should not just be “work shoes”. – They must protect, cushion, stabilise and withstand stress. But, unfortunately, this is where most of the mistakes lie. Let’s analyse them in more detail.

Mistake No. 1: buying shoes without certification

One of the most common mistakes is choosing shoes that are not certified. They may look reliable, have a solid sole and even a metal sole, but without official confirmation of their quality they are just a ‘copy’ of safety footwear.

Important: only shoes certified to EN ISO 20345 or EN ISO 20347 are actually tested for puncture, impact, slipping and other hazards. Pay attention to the labels and documents when choosing. Examples of genuine certified shoes can be seen in our catalogue TALAN BHP.

Mistake No. 2: wrong size and shape

Many people choose their work footwear by eye, especially if they buy online. As a result, the foot is not immobilised, it slips inwards, it bruises and the person loses stability. This can lead to falls, sprains or chronic blisters.

Tip: Always try on protective footwear at the end of the day when the foot is slightly swollen. Make sure the heel is locked, the toes are not resting and the foot is not ‘walking’ wide.

Mistake No. 3: Neglecting cushioning

If you do a lot of standing, walking or carrying weights, the strain on your heels and knees is enormous. Without cushioning, the joints suffer first. Especially on hard surfaces such as concrete, tiles and metal.

That is why you should choose models marked with the letter E (energy absorption). This means that there is a zone in the heel that absorbs the impact energy with each step. These shoes reduce fatigue, lower back pain and prolong activity.

Mistake No. 4: ignoring the working environment

Safety footwear must be suitable for the working environment. S1Ps should not be worn outdoors in winter and lightweight models without anti-slip should not be used in wet areas.

Examples of common mistakes:

• Shoes without a moisture-resistant upper – in rain or snow.
  Such a pair will quickly get wet and cause discomfort throughout the day.
• Soles without SRC – on tiles or metal.
  The risk of slipping and injury is multiplied.
• Without an anti-puncture insert – on the construction site.
  One sharp nail can cause a serious puncture.

Therefore, choose shoes for specific conditions: temperature, surface, dirt level, physical activity.

Mistake No. 5: being too economical

The pursuit of low prices leads to the purchase of models made of low-quality materials that have not been tested. Such shoes can quickly wear out, break or simply not withstand the impact of a heavy object.

Remember: good safety footwear is an investment in your health. Especially if you work 8-12 hours on your feet. Buying a quality pair once will save you money on treatment and replacement.

Mistake No. 6: improper care

Even the most expensive shoes quickly lose their properties without proper care. Dirt, moisture and lack of drying deteriorate the quality of the materials and reduce sole grip and cushioning.

Our recommendations:

• After changing shoes, clean them of dirt and dust. This extends the life and maintains the protective properties.
• Special creams or sprays should be used to protect the material. These help to preserve the moisture resistance and elasticity of the top.
• Dry at room temperature, avoiding high temperatures. Heat can deform the sole and damage the cushioning.

Which shoes are considered truly safe?

True safety footwear combines several key features. Here’s what to look out for when making your choice:

• Soles with impact resistance of up to 200 joules – protects toes from falling heavy objects.
• Anti-scratch insole with a pressure resistance of more than 1,100 N – particularly useful on construction sites.
• Heel cushioning (E designation) – reduces stress on the spine and knees.
• SRC-designated tread – slip-resistant on ceramic and steel.
• Abrasion-resistant upper – maintains durability and breathability in all weather conditions.

These parameters are not just wishful thinking – they are part of international safety standards. If you are looking for footwear that meets these criteria, take a look at the range onTALAN safety footwear.

Examples of markings and their meaning

• S1 – basic protection + antistatic + cushioning. Suitable for dry areas with moderate loads.
• S1P – optional anti-puncture insole. Protects against sharp objects when walking on construction sites.
• S2 – Moisture-resistant upper. Ideal for use in wet conditions.
• S3 – maximum level: everything above + moisture and puncture protection. The all-round choice for heavy outdoor work.
• SRC – anti-slip test. The shoe is safe for walking on tiles, metal and wet surfaces.
• E – cushioning zone in the heel. Reduces impact force and foot fatigue.

Every pair of our TALAN shoes is labelled and tested. This is a guarantee that the boots will perform under realistic conditions for their entire lifetime.

Why TALAN is the right choice

When it comes to health and safety, it’s best not to take risks. At TALAN, we understand that footwear is not just part of the uniform, but a daily cover for those who work on their feet. That’s why every pair is tested not only in the laboratory, but also in real places – in logistics, on construction sites, in workshops. We create shoes based on real conditions, not theory.

TALAN models combine comfort, durability and precise functionality. The catalogue offers solutions that comply with S1, S1P, S3, SRC, E and other standards. All materials are independently tested for wear, puncture resistance, slip resistance and deformation. We don’t chase big promises – we create shoes that work.