This type of shoe must not be used by personnel working near exposed energized electrical circuits. Foot powders must be avoided because they are insulators and interfere with electrical conductivity. The insulating qualities may be compromised if the shoe is wet, the rubber sole is worn through, or metal particles are embedded in the sole or heel. Electrical-hazard shoes are not intended for use in explosive or hazardous locations where conductive footwear is required. This footwear should be used in conjunction with insulated surfaces.
Foundry shoes protect the feet of foundry workers when handling or pouring molten metal.
They are made so that hot metal cannot lodge in crevices made by eyelets, tongues, or other parts. The shoes fit snugly at the ankle and are made of leather or leather substitutes. The soles are either leather or rubber, and heels are rubber. Foundry shoes must always have safety-toes built in. Spark-resistant shoes prevent sparks in areas such as storage of explosives or petroleum tank cleaning where a spark might ignite the atmosphere with catastrophic results.