Occupational shoes, also known as work footwear or professional shoes, are designed to provide comfort, support, and protection to workers in various occupational environments. Unlike safety shoes, which are typically equipped with features like steel toes or puncture-resistant soles, occupational shoes focus on non-safety features, such as slip resistance, ergonomic design, and comfort for prolonged wear. These shoes are commonly used in professions where the risk of injury is lower but comfort and stability are essential.    Occupational shoes and safety shoes are distinct types of footwear, each designed for specific workplace needs and safety requirements. Here is a breakdown of their differences:   1. Definition and Purpose Occupational Shoes Designed primarily to provide comfort and basic protection in low-risk environments. Commonly used in industries such as hospitality, retail, healthcare, or offices. Standard: Occupational shoes adhere to the EN ISO 20347 standard, which focuses on slip resistance, antistatic properties, and comfort but does not require protective toe caps (LinkedIn). Safety Shoes Intended for high-risk environments where workers face hazards such as falling objects, punctures, or electrical risks. Equipped with reinforced toe caps (steel, aluminum, or composite) to protect against impacts or compression. Standard: Safety shoes must meet the EN ISO 20345 standard, which requires the toe cap to withstand an impact of at least 200 joules (Pharsol-Protect). 2. Key Features Feature Occupational Shoes Safety Shoes Toe Cap Protection Not required Mandatory (steel, composite, or aluminum toe caps) Slip Resistance Essential (prevents slips in low-risk areas) Essential (tested for high-risk environments) Puncture Resistance Optional Mandatory for certain models (e.g., S3-rated) Electrical Hazard Protection Not typically required Often required for electricians or similar roles Comfort High comfort for extended wear in light-duty jobs Balance between comfort and heavy-duty protection Applications Retail, hospitality, healthcare Construction, manufacturing, logistics 3. Examples of Use Cases Occupational Shoes Healthcare Workers: Nurses and doctors often use occupational footwear designed for slip resistance and ergonomic support during long shifts. Hospitality Staff: Chefs and waitstaff need slip-resistant shoes to navigate wet or oily floors. Safety Shoes Construction Workers: Steel-toe boots protect against heavy objects and punctures. Electricians: Non-conductive safety footwear safeguards against electrical hazards. 4. Standards Comparison Standard EN ISO 20347 (Occupational) EN ISO 20345 (Safety) Toe Cap Requirement Not mandatory Mandatory (200-joule impact resistance) Antistatic Properties Optional Required for most safety shoes Water Resistance Optional (can be included for specific roles) Common for outdoor and industrial applications Slip Resistance Mandatory Mandatory, often tested in extreme conditions 5. Choosing the Right Footwear The choice between occupational shoes and safety shoes depends on the work environment and risks involved: Low-Risk Environments: Choose occupational footwear to prioritize comfort and basic protection. High-Risk Environments: Opt for safety shoes with robust features like toe protection and puncture-resistant soles.