High-top shoes

A high model limits sideways movement of the ankle and thereby reduces the chance of spraining it on uneven ground. It doesn't replace good muscle strength and a sturdy sole, but on rubble, scaffolding and loose ground most people notice the difference immediately.

Yes, there's more material around your foot and ankle, which can feel warm in summer. There are high models with breathable textile inserts, though. If you work indoors on a flat floor, a low model is often more comfortable.

HRO means the outsole is resistant to contact heat: according to EN ISO 20345, the sole is tested at 300 °C for one minute without melting or cracking. This is important if you walk on hot surfaces, for example when doing asphalt work, roofing or near welding spatter. Without HRO, a sole can become soft in the heat and lose its grip.

A crawler toe cap is an extra wear layer of rubber or PU over the toe of the shoe. It protects the leather and the safety toe cap against abrasion when you kneel or crawl a lot, such as floor layers, paviors and installers. Without a crawler toe cap, the front of a work shoe often wears through quickly in this kind of work, while the rest of the shoe is still fine.

Lace the shoe tightly around the instep and use the top hooks or eyelets to close the shaft firmly around your ankle. With a so-called heel-lock lacing, where you pass the lace through the top eyelets in a loop, your heel sits even more securely. If your heel still slips, the shoe is probably too big or the last does not suit your foot.