Proper footwear should have what?

• A. Steel toe and steel shank
• B. Non-slip sole only
• C. Open toe
• D. Always waterproof

Answer: (A)

Protective footwear is about guarding feet against common workplace hazards like impact and penetration. A steel toe provides a rigid cap that absorbs and distributes the force from falling or heavy objects, reducing the risk of toe injuries. A steel shank sits between the sole and the upper to resist punctures from sharp objects on the ground and to add midfoot support, helping prevent fatigue and injuries during long workdays. Together, these features cover two of the most frequent hazards in industrial settings, making them the strongest overall choice among the options.

The other features address different needs but don’t combine to give the same overall protection: a non-slip sole helps with traction but won’t guard against crush injuries or punctures; open toe leaves toes exposed; being waterproof doesn’t address impact or puncture risks. In many workplaces you’d also want slip resistance and other protections, but the combination of a steel toe and steel shank offers broad protection for common hazards.