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Best Metatarsal Protection Safety Boots 2024

5 September 2023

Metatarsal boots keep workers safe in hazardous working conditions, by cushioning vulnerable bones (namely, the metatarsals). However, the best safety boots also have a number of other protective features - and in today's blog, we'll run you through the best metatarsal boots with a number of added protective qualities. We'll explain their safety standards, who can benefit from these types of safety boots, and how you can get you hands on them!

Keep reading to find out the Best Metatarsal Boots 2024.


What's Covered in This Guide?

In this blog, we'll cover the following areas:


Best Waterproof Metatarsal Boots

Our Favourite: Portwest Base B0473 S3 Steel Toe Metatarsal Boots

Portwest Base B0473 S3 Steel Toe Metatarsal Boots

Why We Love Them...

 Full grain leather is naturally water resistant and repellent
 Integrated metatarsal protection protects delicate bones
 Hydrocarbon resistant outer layer offsets chemical hazards
 Orthopaedic made to measure foot bed adds total comfort

Perfect For...

 Heavy object lifters including scaffolders, construction workers
 Impact injury prevention, with aluminium toe cap protection
 Easy to wear footwear with a variety of protective qualities

Safety Standards

 EN Standards: S3 M SRC (check out our Handy Guide to EN Standards for Footwear to learn more)

Editor's Verdict: The Portwest Base B0473 S3 Steel Toe Metatarsal Boots keep workers safe no matter how treacherous the weather or the very nature of their job is. With an S3 safety standard which protects against a range of workplace hazards, these boots combine a naturally water resistant design with an orthopaedic sole for total comfort in uncomfortable working conditions. We love the fact that these boots also feature a hydrocarbon resistant outer layer, for protection not only against water, slips, and trips, but also oil, petrol, and more.


Best Heat Resistant Metatarsal Boots

Our Favourite: Portwest FW22 Steelite Metatarsal Boots S3 HRO M (Black)

Portwest FW22 Steelite Metatarsal Boots S3 HRO M (Black)

Why We Love Them...

 Heat resisting qualities protect feet in hot weather conditions
 Sparks, flames, heat, slips, static, fuel and oils resistant for range of protection
 Ideal for a variety of industries and professional uses
 Metatarsal protection is comfortable and absorb shock impacts

Perfect For...

 Heat resistance up to 300°C for protection in hot climates
 A variety of industry uses including construction, manufacturing
 Impact and compression resistance, occupational safety compliance

Safety Standards

 EN Standards: S3 (check out our Handy Guide to EN Standards for Footwear to learn more)

Editor's Verdict: The FW22 Steelite Metatarsal Boots S3 HRO M (Black) are your best bet for foot protection in hot, slippery or generally tumultuous conditions. Perfect for people working with very high temperatures such as welding, powerline maintenance and smelteries, these boots keep workers safe through prevention of heat and impact damage, for a design that doesn't compromise safety. Many employees working in warm environments also have to deal with flying sparks and molten metals too, so these boots are also brilliant in that they protect against these too.


Best ESD Resistant Metatarsal Boots

Our Favourite: Blaklader Workwear Elite Safety Boots 2455 (Black)

Blaklader Workwear ELITE Safety Boots 2455 (Black)

Why We Love Them...

 Static resistant safety boots prevent electrostatic discharge impact
 Ensures workers are safe when handling electronic devices
 Anatomical interior adds comfort and support for wear all day
 Reflective details enhance visibility in darker or high-risk environments

Perfect For...

 Thermal, mechanical, electrical, chemical risks and general injuries
 Enhanced stability on rocky or difficult to navigate landscapes
 Construction, demolition, railway engineering, plumbing, catering

Safety Standards

 EN Standards: S3 SRC ESD (check out our Handy Guide to EN Standards for Footwear to learn more)

Editor's Verdict: The Blaklader Workwear Elite Safety Boots 2455 (Black) offer total resistance to static energy, making them a brilliant solution for safety footwear for dealing with electronics. Essential for outdoor work, these soft work boots protect employees using an additional freelock lacing system for easy entry and removal of boots, helping them to stay professional, light on their feet and protected all day. This Freelock system reinforces protection against ESD since it eradicates the need for metal (which is usually used in laces), keeping employees safe from trips and electrostatic discharge!


Best Metatarsal Welly Boots

Our Favourite: Portwest FD85 Mettamax Safety Wellies S5 M (Black)

Portwest FD85 Mettamax Safety Wellies S5 M (Black)

Why We Love Them...

 Welly design prevents water from penetrating the feet
 Flexible meta-guards keep metatarsals protected from harm
 Fibreglass toe caps prevent toe injuries caused by machinery and more
 Energy absorbing seat region absorbs shock, reducing impact

Perfect For...

 Insulation, for warmth when working outdoors in cold conditions
 Water, static, piercing, shock, slip, fuel, oil and cold resistance
 Construction, demolition, railway engineering, plumbing, catering

Safety Standards

 EN Standards: S3 SRC ESD (check out our Handy Guide to EN Standards for Footwear to learn more)

Editor's Verdict: The Portwest FD85 Mettamax Safety Wellies S 5 M (Black) use a flexible yet tough construction to protect the metatarsals against impacts and various other injuries. Designed for people working outdoors, these wellies ensure safety in construction, farming, warehousing and more using a high top welly design and totally waterproof construction. In addition, these wellies offer added insulation for people working outdoors all year round, in the coldest conditions (as is usually the case with people in agricultural industries), meaning that you can stay safe without compromising comfort or safety. 


Best Anti-Slip Metatarsal Boots

Our Favourite: Blaklader Workwear Elite Safety Boots 2453 (Black)

Blaklader Workwear ELITE Safety Boots 2453 (Black)

Why We Love Them...

 Ergonomic design keeps professionals safe from slips and trips
 Heel reinforcements prevent injuries, add support and stability
 Anti-slip and oil resistant rubber outsole keep patients safe in all terrains
 Can be used in all environments to benefit worker safety

Perfect For...

 Construction, demolition, engineering, plumbing and more
 People on their feet in slippery conditions needing more traction
 Easy applying and removal, with Freelock lace-free fastening

Safety Standards

 EN Standards: S3 SRC ESD (check out our Handy Guide to EN Standards for Footwear to learn more)

Editor's Verdict: The Blaklader Workwear Elite Safety Boots 2453 (Black) offer the best protection of the metatarsal bones with the best resistance to slipping. Using a soft anatomical PU insole for a full range of movement, these boots provide proper heel reinforcement for proper grip, making them ideal for wear while climbing or generally on feet all day. Being lightweight and having a super-comfortable, ankle-high style, these boots support your feet and restrict excess ankle movements, eliminating the risk of twisted ankles and nastier ailments.


Helpful Information About Metatarsal Boots

Metatarsal boots are helpful because they protect the metatarsal bones in the foot from impact and compression. The metatarsal bones are located in the front of the foot, and they are vulnerable to injury from dropped objects, heavy machinery, and other hazards.

Here are some of the specific ways that metatarsal boots can be helpful:

  • They can help to prevent broken bones. Metatarsal bones are small and delicate, and they can easily be broken if they are struck by a heavy object. Metatarsal boots deflect the impact of the object and prevent the bones from breaking.

  • They prevent bruises and cuts. If an object strikes the foot, the metatarsal boots can help to absorb the impact and prevent the skin from being broken.


Hopefully this guide has helped you to find the perfect pair of shoes for your needs, however if not, please check out our full range of Metatarsal Safety Shoes. Alternatively, leave us a comment with your thoughts or questions below!