Four of the coolest brands that make safety footwear

Let's face it, safety boots don't sound like they should be stylish. You'd be forgiven for thinking workplace regulations and street cred might not go hand in hand, but in fact there are plenty of well-respected brands making safety boots that workers will happily wear. Here are some of the big names to choose from...

Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc had been making industrial machinery since 1925 but Cat, as it's known, didn't branch out into licensed footwear until 1994. One of our favourites, the Brode range of safety shoes, is also available for women. It offers toe protection, heat resistance and extreme slip resistance; some pairs are anti-static too. You can rest assured that all Cat safety shoes fit the English standard, ranked as SB (the basic requirement) or more, but there's no compromise on style.


Dickies

Established in Texas in 1922, Dickies has always focused on workwear. Since 1989 it's had a UK presence and can also be seen in the work uniforms of companies like Volkswagen and Morrisons, but the brand always stays true to its American roots. The Antrim Super Safety Boot is oil resistant and has a steel midsole, slip resistance and anti-static properties. For something more subtle, the Fife Dealer Safety Boot [https://www.totalworkwear.co.uk/dickies-safety-boots/dickies-fife-dealer-safety-boot-fd9214.html], with a steel toecap and midsole, ticks all the right boxes - it's breathable, slip-resistant and has Goodyear welt technology - plus it resembles a classic Chelsea boot.

Lee Cooper

This East London brand, founded in 1908, is known for its denim and work wear. Lee Cooper also created uniforms and kit bags for British troops in WWI and WWII. Our top current pick is the Leather Safety Boot, available in black or brown, and looking suspiciously like a smart pair of hi-top trainers. The design is sharp but the safety elements are there too: steel toe caps, with a puncture-resistant midsole and an anti-slip rubber sole.

Timberland

The Timberland company is forever connected to its waterproof Original Yellow Boot™, launched in 1973. Its black safety boots might not be the iconic Timberland colour, but the quality remains. Look out for the Trail Grip™ sole to keep you on the right track; the Pro Trapper High-Leg model also has an S3 safety rating and heel energy absorption.

Safety at work needn't mean boring footwear - pick safety shoes or boots you'd be proud to wear all day long.