How much do your shoes weigh? If you toil on your feet all day – this is not an idle question, but a factor that determines your well-being, your concentration and even your safety. Few people think about it, but every 100 grams in your shoes, multiplied by thousands of steps per shift, translates into kilograms of extra strain. No wonder productivity is down and injuries are on the rise. Increasingly, professionals and employers are looking to lightweight safety shoes in UAE as a real solution to the problem.
Why are heavy shoes a hidden threat?
It’s hard to imagine, but regular safety boots can add up to 2kg to the load on your feet. This leads to:
- Fatigue as early as the first half of the shift.
- Impaired gait and co-ordination.
- Increased risk of falling, tripping, making mistakes.
- Knee problems, lower back problems, varicose veins and flat feet.
The heaviness of shoes is not just about comfort. It is a factor that directly affects health and the number of injuries at work.
How can special footwear be lightweight?
1. Innovative sole materials
EVA – a foam material with excellent cushioning and minimal weight.
PU/PU – two-layer polyurethane sole: lightweight, flexible and resistant to abrasion.
2. Composite underfoot
Lighter than steel, does not heat up, rust or conduct current. Withstands impact up to 200 Joules – according to EN ISO 20345.
3. Kevlar anti-puncture insole
Unlike a metal plate, it can’t be felt under the foot, but protects against punctures.
4. Lightweight, breathable upper materials
Mesh textiles, microfibres and perforated fabrics reduce weight, improving ventilation and preventing overheating and sweating.
How do lightweight shoes affect safety?
- Less fatigue. Higher concentration of the worker on the processes.
- Ease of movement. Better coordination and performance during the day.
- Faster reactions. The risk of errors in production is reduced by 47%.
- Comfort. Workers are more motivated and have fewer sick days.
So we can conclude that lightweight work shoes reduce the likelihood of workplace injuries in the same way that a helmet protects the head. This is not just a matter of convenience, but a real conscious concern for the individual.
How to choose really light and safe footwear?
- Check the labelling: EN ISO 20345, S1P or S3 – the basic level of protection for your feet.
- Study the materials: EVA, PU, composite, Kevlar. All these materials in work shoes are the key to your safety
- Compare the weight of models. This can be done in catalogues on the websites of online shops. A good pair should weigh no more than 600-700g.
- Try on: the shoes should fit perfectly from the first step. It’s better to apply in the evening. After the working day.
- Trust the brand: focus on manufacturers that specialise in lightweight solutions.
Frequent questions
Does shoe weight affect performance?
Yes, directly. The lighter the shoe, the less fatigue, the greater the accuracy of movement and the fewer errors.
Are lightweight shoes safe?
Yes, as long as the standards are met. Composite soles and Kevlar insoles are just as protective as metal insoles.
Are lightweight shoes suitable for harsh conditions?
Yes. Modern materials provide not only lightness, but also durability, waterproofing and anti-slip properties.
Lightweight work shoes are not a compromise between protection and comfort. It’s about combining them in a pair designed with real-life working conditions in mind. When every detail has been thought through from sole to toe. The worker moves freely, without unnecessary strain, and therefore works more confidently and safely. These are the solutions offered by TALAN, which specialises in the production of modern safety footwear for the most demanding industries. In their safety shoes, lightness is the result of precise calculation and not an accident!
