TALAN Safety Shoes: How to Choose the Right Footwear for the Workplace

Learn how to choose the right TALAN safety shoes for the workplace, with tips on fit, protection, comfort, durability, materials, and job-specific needs.

When selecting safety shoes for a business in the UAE, it is important to start by considering the actual working conditions. The risk of impact or puncture, wet and dirty surfaces, contact with chemicals, high temperatures and long shifts all place different demands on footwear. First, the hazards at a specific workplace are assessed, and then these are compared with the protection class under EN ISO 20345, the materials used and the design of the model.

Protection against impacts and punctures at high-risk work sites in the UAE

On construction sites and in heavy industry, the main hazards to the feet are falling objects, sharp debris and materials capable of piercing the sole. The fiberCap composite toe cap provides toe protection without the use of any metal components. The 2 mm-thick aluminium aluComfort features a slimmer profile, leaving more space inside the footwear. If a workplace assessment identifies a risk of stepping on a nail, a piece of metal or another sharp object, the flexible maxFlex textile puncture-resistant insert provides additional protection.

Regulation of temperature and humidity inside footwear

In warehouses, logistics centres and facility management departments across the UAE, staff may spend 8–12 hours on their feet, constantly moving around or working whilst standing on hard surfaces. In such conditions, the microclimate inside the footwear is crucial. TALAN safety shoes features the three-dimensional airSurf lining. According to TALAN, its breathability is 30 times higher than the specified standard. The removable Vildona insoles can be washed at 30 °C, which simplifies regular footwear maintenance during intensive daily use.

Wet, oily and areas containing hazardous chemicals

A deep tread pattern alone does not necessarily mean that safety shoes is suitable for a dirty industrial floor. It is essential to take into account the material of the sole, the type of flooring and the substances with which it will come into contact:

• Certain models utilise BASF two-component polyurethane systems, and the SR marking confirms that the product has passed the required additional slip resistance test;

• The designation ‘FO’ indicates the sole’s resistance to exposure to petroleum products, whilst the marking ‘A’ indicates antistatic properties, where these are specified in the specifications for a particular model;

• Moulded PVC boots containing up to 8 per cent nitrile are designed for use in damp and dirty industrial environments, as well as for contact with substances that are compatible with this material.

However, the SR rating should not be regarded as a universal guarantee against slipping. Actual grip also depends on the nature of the dirt, the floor material and the tread pattern.

Outdoor work sites in the UAE

Working on outdoor sites in the UAE involves a combination of specific stresses. High air temperatures and abrasive dust can take their toll on footwear on a daily basis, whilst at certain sites, exposure to water is also a factor. According to the manufacturer, the PU Tek upper material can withstand up to 1,000,000 abrasion test cycles. A water-repellent finish helps to improve the upper’s resistance to moisture. When selecting safety footwear for such conditions, one should assess not just a single technology, but the entire construction as a whole: the upper, lining, sole and protective elements.

Alignment of operational risks with TALAN technologies

The table compares typical operating conditions with TALAN technologies that meet the relevant protection and performance requirements.

The table helps to identify the key requirements for a model, but does not replace a professional risk assessment. The final choice of safety footwear is based on the documented protection class, labelling and suitability for the specific working conditions in the UAE.

TALAN’s engineering solutions and B2B supplies for the UAE market

TALAN has been manufacturing safety shoes since 1923. For corporate clients, it is not only the specifications of individual pairs that matter, but also their consistency when purchasing large batches. A company that supplies footwear to staff in different specialisms, departments or across multiple sites needs to establish uniform requirements for PPE, taking into account the risks associated with each work area. Laboratory testing and documented specifications for each model provide health and safety and procurement specialists with a technical basis for comparing footwear and standardising requirements within the company.

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