Work Boot Safety Ratings: EH, Composite Toe, and More

What ASTM F2413 covers

Most work boots sold in the United States carry a label that refers to ASTM F2413, the standard for performance requirements for protective footwear. The label is usually printed on the inside of the tongue or on the shaft lining. It tells you which hazards the boot was tested against and to what level.

The standard describes several categories of protection. The most common are impact-resistant toes (I), compression-resistant toes (C), metatarsal protection (MT), electrical hazard protection (EH), static dissipative properties (SD), and puncture-resistant soles (PR). Each category has its own test method and performance threshold. A boot can carry more than one code, so you might see a label like "ASTM F2413-18 I/C EH."

The standard is updated periodically. The year in the label, such as F2413-18 or F2413-23, refers to the edition of the standard that the shoe was tested against. Newer editions may have different test conditions, so if you are replacing a pair, compare the edition year on the old and new labels rather than assuming the protection is identical.

• I: impact-resistant toe, protects against falling objects
• C: compression-resistant toe, protects against rolling objects
• MT: metatarsal protection, shields the top of the foot
• EH: electrical hazard protection, reduces the risk of shock from live circuits
• SD: static dissipative, controls the buildup of static charge
• PR: puncture-resistant sole, blocks penetration from below

Toe impact and compression ratings

The impact rating (I) means the toe area was tested against a falling object. The compression rating (C) means the toe area was tested against a crushing force. These are separate tests, and a boot can pass one without the other. Many boots carry both, but not all do.

The toe cap material affects weight, bulk, and heat conductivity. Steel toe caps are the traditional choice and offer strong impact protection, but they conduct cold and heat more readily than non-metallic materials. Composite toe boots use fiberglass, carbon fiber, or plastic compounds that do not conduct temperature as much and are often lighter, though the protection level depends on the specific design and test result. Alloy toe options use metals such as aluminum or titanium and sit between steel and composite in weight and bulk.

The ASTM F2413 standard requires that the toe cap retain its shape within specified limits after the impact or compression test. If a toe cap deforms beyond that limit, it is considered a failure regardless of how the boot looks in normal use. That is why you should not assume a boot is protection rated just because it has a stiff toe. Check the label.

Electrical hazard (EH) ratings

An EH rating means the boot is designed to reduce the risk of electric shock when you accidentally come into contact with live electrical circuits. The outsole and heel are made of electrically insulating materials, and the boot must pass a dielectric test at a specified voltage. The ASTM F2413 standard lists the test voltage and the maximum leakage current allowed.

EH boots are not for work on energized lines. They are for environments where you might step on a live wire or touch an energized component while standing on a conductive surface. They provide an extra layer of protection, not a guarantee of safety. If you work directly on live electrical equipment, you need specialized insulating rubber footwear that meets a different standard, not an EH work boot.

The EH rating can be compromised by damage. A cut or puncture through the outsole can create a conductive path that defeats the insulation. Likewise, metal shanks or nails exposed through the outsole can ruin the rating. For more on what happens to the EH rating over time, see our article on EH rating after resoling.

Metatarsal and puncture protection

The metatarsal rating (MT) indicates protection for the metatarsal bones, the long bones on the top of your foot behind the toes. A boot with MT protection has an additional guard or padding over this area, often built into the upper or provided as a removable flap. This is a distinct test from the toe impact test, because the metatarsal area extends beyond the toe cap.

The puncture-resistant rating (PR) means the sole was tested against penetration by a sharp object, such as a nail or shard of metal. The standard specifies a test method that presses a steel spike against the insole or outsole from below. A puncture-resistant boot has a flexible metal or fabric plate embedded in the sole.

Both MT and PR add stiffness and weight to a boot. If your job site does not require them, they may be unnecessary. A boot with a heavy metatarsal guard can feel bulky, and a puncture plate can reduce the flexibility of the sole, which matters if you walk or climb all day. For more on how sole flexibility affects comfort, see our guide to boot sole flexibility for work vs hiking.

Static dissipative (SD) ratings

The static dissipative rating (SD) means the boot is designed to control the buildup of static electricity on your body. It is not the same as an EH rating. An SD boot lets a controlled amount of electrical charge flow from your body to the ground, while an EH boot is meant to block the flow of current from the ground up.

SD boots are used in environments where a static spark could ignite flammable vapors or damage sensitive electronics. The ASTM F2413 standard specifies a range of electrical resistance for SD footwear. The resistance must be low enough to prevent static buildup but high enough to limit current flow in case of accidental contact with a live circuit.

Because the SD performance depends on the condition of the outsole, dirt, moisture, and wear can change its effectiveness. An SD boot that is wet or heavily contaminated may not perform as designed. If you rely on SD protection, check the outsole for wear and keep it clean. For more on how outsole materials and tread affect performance, see our guide to tread pattern and slip resistance.

How to read the label

The label inside a work boot tells you exactly what protection the boot offers. It lists the standard edition, the protection codes, and sometimes a performance level number. A typical label might read "ASTM F2413-23 I/C EH" or "ASTM F2413-18 EH SD."

The order of the codes does not indicate priority. "I/C" means the boot passed both impact and compression tests. "EH" means it passed the electrical hazard test. "SD" means it passed the static dissipative test. If a code is absent, the boot was not tested for that hazard. Do not assume a boot has a rating just because it looks sturdy. The only way to know is to read the label.

Some boots are labeled as "safety toe" without a specific ASTM code. That wording is not a substitute for a test rating. A boot that says "safety toe" may be built for comfort or light duty but not tested to any standard. If your job requires certified protection, look for the ASTM F2413 label. For a deeper look at the ASTM F2413 standard itself, see our article on safety toe standard ASTM F2413.

Which rating you need

The right rating depends entirely on the hazards in your workplace and the requirements set by your employer or a regulatory body. A construction worker on a site with falling debris needs an impact-rated toe. A warehouse worker driving a forklift may need compression protection. An electrician or a worker near live wiring needs an EH rating.

If your employer specifies a particular rating, buy a boot with that exact rating. If you are choosing on your own, think about the tasks you do. Do you carry heavy objects that could drop? Do you kneel or crawl where something could roll onto your foot? Do you work near live electrical parts? Do you work in an area with flammable dust or vapors?

A boot with more protection is not automatically better. Higher protection often means more weight, bulk, and stiffness, which can affect your comfort and movement throughout the day. A composite toe boot may be lighter than a steel toe boot, but the protection level depends on the test result, not the material. For more on choosing between toe cap types, see our steel toe vs composite toe comparison.

If you are buying boots for general work use, start with the basics: a boot with an impact and compression rated toe, and add EH or SD only if your work requires it. For a wide selection of certified work footwear, browse our best work boots guide, our best steel toe shoes guide, and our best safety toe shoes guide.

What to pick for your work

Questions

What does EH mean on a work boot?

EH stands for electrical hazard. An EH-rated boot has an outsole and heel made of insulating materials that reduce the risk of electric shock when you come into contact with live circuits. It is tested under the ASTM F2413 standard.

What is the difference between I and C ratings?

I is impact resistance, which protects the toes from falling objects. C is compression resistance, which protects the toes from rolling or crushing forces. A boot can have one without the other, so check the label for both codes.

Are composite toe boots as safe as steel toe boots?

The safety of a toe cap depends on the test result, not the material. A composite toe boot that passes the ASTM F2413 impact and compression tests offers the same level of certified protection as a steel toe boot that passes the same tests. Composite materials are often lighter and do not conduct cold or heat as much.

Can an EH-rated boot be used for electrical work?

An EH boot is for accidental contact with live circuits, not for working directly on energized equipment. For work on live lines, you need specialized insulating rubber footwear that meets a different standard. Always follow your employer's safety requirements.

What does SD mean on a work boot?

SD stands for static dissipative. An SD-rated boot is designed to control the buildup of static electricity on your body by allowing a controlled flow of charge to the ground. It is used in environments where static sparks are a hazard. It is not the same as EH protection.

How do I know if my work boots are safety rated?

Look for a label inside the tongue or on the shaft lining. It should list the standard (such as ASTM F2413), the edition year, and the protection codes (such as I, C, EH, MT, SD, PR). If there is no label, the boot is not certified.