Work shoes are an important part of personal wellbeing and safety at your job.
Why do some people prefer minimalist footwear? It’s not because they are less expensive. Generally, they’re a bit more expensive than similar shoes that aren’t minimalist. It’s not because minimalist shoes are available in a wide array of styles from a plethora of manufacturers. They aren't.
Minimalist shoes are still relatively new, and are available in a relatively small number of styles, especially for dress or work situations; most minimalist shoes are sandals or casual shoes. If you prefer minimalist shoes it’s almost certainly because you believe they are better for your feet.
In this article we discuss the important features of minimalist shoes, highlight what to look for when choosing a minimalist steel-toe boot, and recommend 3 boots that would be good for you to consider.
What makes a shoe minimalist?By definition, minimalist shoes interfere as little as possible with the foot’s natural movement. Generally, this means that “less shoe is more.” Because of this, minimalist shoes provide little in the way of cushioning and arch support. The foot has great freedom of movement in the shoe so that the foot muscles are exercised in nearly the same way they are when you are walking barefooted. Here are the most common features of minimalist shoes.
Very lightweight and made of leather or synthetic materials. A significant portion of minimalist shoes are vegan-approved, and therefore, may incorporate cotton or another plant material along with the synthetics.
Thin--or ultra-thin--soles that are quite grippy. These soles allow you to appreciate the contours of the road, path or trail beneath your feet, and also provide good traction. Ample toe boxes that allow the forefoot to splay naturally as you walk or run. Take an aerial snapshot of several minimalist shoes and you’ll note that they resemble the shape of the human foot. This is by design.
Zero-drop, or just a few millimeters of drop, between the toe and heel. If you look at minimalist shoes from the side, you immediately see that the heel isn’t elevated as it is in “regular” running shoes. Minimalist footwear is designed that way so that you’ll more naturally strike the ground with your forefoot or midfoot rather than your heel. When you learn to walk, you naturally plant the front of the foot first. You learn to change your stride when you wear stiff, cushioned shoes.
What to look for in a steel-toe minimalist bootYour options forsteel-toe minimalist boots will be limited, especially if the safety toe must be actual steel and not a composite or alloy material. You’ll want to gather as much information as possible before you decide to purchase. Manufacturers’ websites and customer feedback are great sources. As you gather information, note carefully what is said about:
Comfort--Because of the differences in how minimalist shoes are made, they will fit your foot differently than regular shoes do. This will be especially the case with your initial pair of minimalist boots.. You want the arch, or lack of arch, support in the shoe to match your foot. You need the toe box to be spacious, but not so roomy that your foot shifts in the shoe. Your work boots need to fit comfortably.
Durability--Minimalist shoes aren’t cheap when compared to similar non-minimalist shoes. You don’t want to replace them every few months. Look for sturdy material that can hold up to your work environment. Genuine leather is usually the most durable in rugged situations. It’s a good option unless you prefer vegan footwear. Note, too, what reviewers say about the durability of the soles, which is often where shoes fail initially.
Safety features--Look for labels that verify the safety features of your work boots. Are the steel toes ASTM rated? If so, for what grade? Do they protect against electrical hazards? Are they puncture-resistant? Do the soles dissipate static electricity? Do the boots have a metatarsal guard? All the ASTM details can be found on the underside of the boot’s tongue. Read the information before you purchase.
3 Great Minimalist Steel-toe BootsAll 3 of these work shoes feature a safety toe made of steel. It will protect your toes if you drop something on your foot or stub your toe on something hard.
They all capture the essence of minimalist footwear--lightweight materials fashioned into work shoes that provide ample toe space, a relatively thin sole, and have little drop from back to front. Two are low-rise work shoes that look like sneakers. The third is a work boot.
Here are the strengths and weaknesses of each
Caterpillar Men's Brode Steel-Toe Work Shoe<--The Brode work shoe combines classic minimalist features with a durable steel-toe design. This lace-up shoe features a slip-resistant outsole, a nylon lining, and a removable footbed. The leather-and-suede upper has a roomy toe box, even with the steel toe. If you’d like extra room, the shoe comes in a wide version. Possible drawbacks are the low-rise shank and the lack of EH protection. And, obviously, vegans won’t appreciate this shoe.
Reebok Work Men's Soyay RB1910 Skate Style EH Safety Shoe- Here’s a sturdy minimalist steel-toe shoe that’s ASTM-rated and EH rated. It features slip-resistant rubber sole, too. Extra features we like include 1) a removable EVA cushion insole, 2) a steel toe that is completely enclosed, and 3) a shoe that looks good enough to wear outside of work. We like the leather upper, but others may not. Weaknesses include the low-top shank height and a few glitches with fit.
Golden Fox Steel Toe Work Boots Men's 6" Moc Toe Wedge--This steel-toe work boot by Golden Fox may not seem to fit this category. Note, though, that the boot has a wide toe box thanks to the moc toe. The nearly-level platform from front to back gives the Golden Fox a front-to-back drop close to zero. Although it’s heavier than the 2 shoes, the Golden Fox boot is lightweight for a boot that’s 6” tall. We like these features as well as the heavier leather upper and the anti-fatigue insole. This boot doesn’t provide as much flexibility as the others do, but the wedge outsole is oil-resistant and chemical-resistant. Another plus is the insulated lining.
ConclusionOur favorite is the Reebok Men’s Soyay RB1910 Skate Style EH Safety Shoe. It embodies all of the minimalist traits, but also provides lots of protection for your feet. In addition to an ASTM-rated steel toe, the Soyay has a slip-resistant rubber sole that’s EH rated to prevent electric shock.
Customer reviews indicate that it’s very durable and a good value for the money. It also gets great feedback for comfort. The shoe’s low-rise shank is a drawback if you need ankle protection. If you’re a vegan, you’ll need to try a different shoe; otherwise, this is an excellent choice that’s affordable and sturdy.
