What hazards do safety-toed/soled shoes protect against?

Safety-toed or safety-soled shoes are designed primarily to protect against impact and puncture hazards. The presence of reinforced toes helps to safeguard the feet from heavy objects that might fall or roll onto them, thus preventing injury. Additionally, many safety shoes are equipped with soles that are resistant to punctures, which can help protect feet from sharp objects like nails or glass that might be present on the floor in a workplace setting.

While safety-toed shoes may offer additional features, such as slip resistance, they are fundamentally aimed at providing protection in situations where sharp objects could pose a risk. This makes the choice a clear fit when considering the primary function of these types of footwear.