What do the new ASTM standards for footwear specify that it should be?
The new ASTM standards specify that protective footwear should be impact and compression resistant. ASTM F2413 requires non-removable toe caps meeting impact (I) and compression (C) resistance, plus any hazard-specific protections such as puncture or electrical-hazard resistance.
The answer
The new ASTM standards for protective footwear specify that it should be impact and compression resistant. The governing standard, ASTM F2413, requires safety footwear to have a non-removable, built-in toe cap that protects against both impact (I) hazards—objects falling onto the toes—and compression (C) hazards—heavy objects rolling over or pressing down on the foot. These two protections are the baseline; any footwear marked to F2413 must meet both at the minimum rated levels.
On top of that mandatory impact/compression protection, F2413 lets manufacturers add hazard-specific ratings such as puncture resistance (PR), electrical-hazard resistance (EH), static-dissipative (SD), conductive (CD), and metatarsal (Mt) protection. But the core requirement—the thing the standard specifies footwear "should be"—is impact and compression resistant.
Reading the marking code
Compliant footwear carries a stamped code inside the boot. A typical line reads:
ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH
- M = fitted for a male (F would be female)
- I/75 = impact resistant at the 75 ft-lb class
- C/75 = compression resistant at the 75 (2500 lb) class
- EH = electrical-hazard resistant
The number after F2413 (e.g., -18) is the year of the standard revision. The I and C ratings are always present on genuine safety footwear because they are mandatory.
Why other answers are wrong
Students sometimes choose "be made of steel" or "have a steel toe." That is incorrect: the toe cap can be steel, aluminum, or composite (non-metallic)—the standard cares about performance, not material. Another wrong option is that footwear must "only be puncture resistant"; puncture resistance (PR) is optional, added when the job requires it, not a universal requirement. And answers claiming the standard only addresses electrical hazards confuse an optional add-on (EH) with the mandatory core (impact and compression).
One more distinction: F2413 covers the footwear's protective performance. A companion standard, ASTM F2412, defines the test methods used to measure that performance. Together they replaced the older ANSI Z41 standard, which was withdrawn—so "still governed by ANSI Z41" is also wrong.
The bigger picture
Protective footwear exists to prevent crushed and fractured toes, punctures, burns, and shocks—common, serious workplace injuries. OSHA requires appropriate foot protection where such hazards exist and points to consensus standards like ASTM F2413 to define what "appropriate" means. Understanding the marking code lets a worker verify at a glance that a boot is truly rated—non-removable toe cap, impact and compression resistant, plus whatever specialized protection the job demands.
| I | Impact resistance (falling objects) | Required (mandatory) |
| C | Compression resistance (rolling/pressing loads) | Required (mandatory) |
| PR | Puncture resistance (sole) | Optional |
| EH | Electrical hazard resistance | Optional |
| SD | Static dissipative | Optional |
| CD | Conductive | Optional |
| Mt | Metatarsal (top-of-foot) protection | Optional |
Frequently asked
What does ASTM F2413 mean on a shoe?
ASTM F2413 is the U.S. standard for protective footwear performance. A shoe marked with it has a non-removable toe cap meeting impact and compression resistance, plus any optional protections listed in the code. The number after it (e.g., -18) is the revision year.
What do the letters I and C stand for in safety footwear?
I stands for impact resistance—protection from objects falling onto the toes—and C stands for compression resistance—protection from heavy objects rolling over or pressing on the foot. Both are mandatory on ASTM F2413 footwear, typically rated at the 75 class.
Did ASTM F2413 replace ANSI Z41?
Yes. The older ANSI Z41 standard was withdrawn, and ASTM F2413 (performance requirements) together with ASTM F2412 (test methods) replaced it. Modern safety footwear is marked to ASTM F2413, not ANSI Z41.
Are steel-toe caps required to be non-removable?
Yes. Under ASTM F2413 the protective toe cap must be permanently built into the footwear and cannot be a removable insert. The cap itself may be steel, aluminum, or non-metallic composite, as long as it meets the impact and compression requirements.
What is the difference between EH and SD footwear ratings?
EH (electrical hazard) footwear insulates the wearer to reduce the risk of shock from contact with live circuits. SD (static dissipative) footwear does the opposite job in controlled amounts—it safely bleeds off static charge to protect sensitive electronics while still limiting shock risk.