Safety guide: Get to know OSHA and ASTM footwear standards

Whether you're working on a construction site, factory floor, or in a warehouse, safety footwear is a critical line of defense against workplace hazards like falling objects, sharp debris, slips, electrical shock, and extreme temperatures – playing a vital role in preventing injuries and keeping workers safe.

To ensure that safety shoes and boots meet rigorous performance criteria, established standards are in place – and in the U.S., that means following the requirements set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the testing standards developed by ASTM.

These standards not only define the level of protection workers need but also help employers stay compliant with regulations and demonstrate due diligence in their safety programs.

There are many different things a work boot can be tested for – everything from impact and compression to heat resistance. Boots can come with all kinds of different ASTM features, all in which have a different standard, and each feature is designed for a worker doing a different type of job.

In this guide, we’ll break down what OSHA requires, what ASTM-certified footwear actually means, and how to make sure your team is both protected – and compliant.

OSHA requirements for foot protection (29 CFR 1910.136)

We’ve heard the question, “What are OSHA’s regulations on work boots?” a lot – the layman’s answer is that OSHA doesn’t regulate the work boot industry; however, they might direct whether the job requires a particular type of footwear for the job (for example safety toe boots or slip-resistant shoes). Then, ASTM steps in to define what that product is, the standard it needs to pass, and the test that it will perform to pass such a benchmark.

The technical answer is that OSHA’s regulation 29 CFR 1910.136 lays out the legal requirements for foot protection in the workplace.

What OSHA requires:

• Employers must identify and assess hazards that could cause foot injuries.
• If such hazards are present, workers must wear protective footwear.
• Footwear must be constructed to meet specific performance standards, which OSHA defines through third-party consensus standards.

The current go-to for compliance? ASTM F2412 and F2413.

ASTM footwear standards

ASTM International develops performance-based standards that define how safety footwear is tested and what protections it must offer.

ASTM F2412 & F2413

ASTM F2412 and ASTM F2413 are both part of the American Society for Testing and Materials' (ASTM) standards for protective footwear, but they serve different purposes.

OSHA recognizes ASTM F2413 as the applicable standard for safety footwear used in U.S. workplaces.

Here’s a breakdown:

ASTM F2412

This is the test method standard. It outlines how manufacturers must test their products for impact, compression, puncture resistance, etc.

ASTM F2413

This is the performance standard. It defines the minimum requirements that safety footwear must meet to be considered compliant.

Footwear labeled “ASTM F2413-18” or “ASTM F2413-24” has passed these required tests and is approved for workplace use under OSHA regulations.

ASTM F3445-21

OSHA does NOT recognize ASTM F3445-21, which is a newer standard specifically developed to test and certify occupational footwear for slip resistance.

Here’s a breakdown:

ASTM F3445-21

This sets the minimum performance requirements for occupational footwear that is not equipped with safety toe caps, designed to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls by establishing slip resistance as a measurable, testable feature.

While F2413 focuses on safety toe and puncture resistance, F3445 addresses footwear used in roles where slip resistance is the primary need, not impact protection.

ASTM or OSHA approved?

We’ve heard the question, “How can I tell if work boots are ASTM or OSHA approved?” and the answer is that boots will only be ASTM approved; you will not see an OSHA number on the product. Every ASTM-approved product will have a tag on the tongue of the product.

Work boots must pass impact and compression resistance standards to be ASTM-certified. They may also be tested for puncture resistance, metatarsal protection, static dissipation, electrical hazard resistance, or conductive protection.

Protective standards marked on a boot will include ASTM 2413-11, ASTM 2413-18, or ASTM F2413-24. More on marking next.

Common ASTM markings and what they mean

Each pair of certified safety shoes or boots includes a label with codes that indicate which hazards it protects against. Here’s how to read them:

• I/75 – Impact resistance (75 ft-lb)
• C/75 – Compression resistance (2500 lbs)
• EH – Electrical hazard protection
• Mt/75 – Metatarsal protection
• PR – Puncture resistance
• SD – Static dissipative
• Cd – Conductive properties

So, a boot marked “ASTM F2413-24 M/I/C/EH” means it meets the 2024 version of the standard, offers male sizing, and provides impact, compression, and electrical hazard protection.

Quick Comparison: ASTM F2413 vs. ASTM F3445-21

What employers need to do

If you’re a safety professional or employer, here’s how to stay compliant:

1. Conduct a hazard assessment to determine if protective footwear is required.
2. Ensure all footwear provided (or required) is ASTM F2413-compliant and labeled accordingly.
3. Train employees on the importance of wearing proper PPE.
4. Document everything, from assessments to purchases to training.

Failing to comply with OSHA’s PPE standards can lead to citations, fines, and serious injuries. Remember: Understanding the difference between OSHA’s legal requirements and ASTM’s performance standards is essential for any safety professional. OSHA sets the rules; ASTM defines the quality benchmarks. Together, they create a framework that helps keep workers protected from the ground up.

HexArmor® can help

All of HexArmor’s safety footwear meets ASTM F2413, with select models meeting ASTM F3445-21 so that you can wear without worry of non-compliance.

Our safety boots were made to solve problems. We’ve created specialized safety footwear – the first ever by a safety manufacturer – with field-inspired design, out-of-the-box comfort, and our signature Wearability® in every pair – because we know the pros need the best.

Step into our cutting-edge technologies:

• Unmatched durability with MACSOLE™ rubber outsole
• Max shock absorption with i-PUREnrj™ technology
• Temperature control with climazone™
• Natural comfort with bionomx™

Learn more about our safety boot technology here.

Let us know if you have questions or would like to start a trial – our Solution Specialists are ready to work with you. Call 1.877.MY ARMOR or send us a message.

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