ASTM Standards Explained: What Every Worker Should Look for in 2026
When it comes to safety footwear, materials and design matter — but nothing matters more than standards. If you’re buying work boots in 2026, understanding ASTM safety standards is essential to ensure real protection on the job. These standards define how footwear performs against impact, compression, slips, punctures, and electrical hazards.
The good news? You don’t need to memorize a technical manual. Below is a clear, practical breakdown of ASTM requirements for 2026 and what they mean for your safety, comfort, and daily performance.
What Are ASTM Safety Standards?
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sets safety guidelines used across industries in the United States. For protective footwear, the most common standard you’ll see is ASTM F2413-18, which remains the active reference in 2026.
This standard defines how work boots must perform under real-world risks, including impact, compression, slipping, punctures, and electrical exposure. If your boots meet ASTM F2413, they’ve passed strict testing for jobsite protection.
How to Read the ASTM Code on Your Boots
Every ASTM-certified boot includes a code that looks similar to:
ASTM F2413-18 M/I/C EH
Here’s what each part means:
- M / F: Male or Female footwear
- I: Impact protection
- C: Compression protection
- EH: Electrical hazard protection
Additional codes may include SD (static dissipative), PR (puncture resistant), or SR (slip resistant). The combination depends on the job environment the boot is designed for.
Impact Protection (I)
What it means: Impact-rated boots protect your toes from heavy objects falling from above.
2026 ASTM requirement: Boots must withstand an impact of 75 ft-lbs.
Who needs it:
- Construction workers
- Mechanics
- Warehouse staff
- Anyone working around heavy tools or materials
Tip: Always look for the I/75 marking when impact protection is required.
Compression Protection (C)
What it means: Compression-rated footwear protects against crushing forces, such as vehicles or heavy pallets rolling over the foot.
2026 ASTM requirement: Boots must withstand 2,500 lbs of compression.
Who needs it:
- Warehouse and logistics workers
- Manufacturing and fabrication teams
- Heavy machinery operators
Many workplaces require compression protection under OSHA guidelines.
Slip Resistance (SR)
Slip hazards increase during winter months, especially on wet, icy, or dusty surfaces. Slip-resistant work boots reduce the risk of falls by improving traction.
ASTM testing includes:
- Friction performance on wet surfaces
- Grip on slippery floors
- Tread durability and outsole design
Who needs it: Nearly everyone — slip risks exist across almost all industries.
Electrical Hazard Protection (EH)
What it means: EH-rated boots reduce the risk of electric shock when encountering live circuits.
2026 ASTM requirement: Boots must withstand 18,000 volts for one minute with minimal current leakage.
Who needs it:
- Electricians
- Maintenance workers
- Construction crews
- HVAC technicians
If electricity is part of your work environment, EH protection is non-negotiable.
Puncture Resistance (PR)
Construction and industrial sites often contain sharp hazards like nails, screws, and metal debris. PR-rated boots include a protective midsole plate.
2026 ASTM requirement: The plate must withstand 1,100 Newtons of force.
Who needs it:
- Construction
- Demolition
- Renovation
- Landscaping
Static Dissipative (SD)
Some environments require control of static electricity to protect sensitive equipment or materials.
Who needs SD-rated boots:
- Manufacturing facilities
- Chemical handling operations
- Electronics assembly
How to Choose the Right ASTM Boot in 2026
Always match the ASTM code to your specific job environment:
- Construction: I/75, C/75, EH, SR, PR
- Warehouse / Logistics: I/75, C/75, SR
- Electrical Work: EH, SR
- Manufacturing: I/75, C/75, SD, SR
- Outdoor Winter Work: SR + insulated lining
Rule of thumb: When in doubt, choose more protection — never less.
Why ASTM Standards Matter More in 2026
With increased OSHA enforcement, evolving technology, and higher safety expectations, modern workers need footwear that delivers more than the basics. In 2026, safety footwear must combine:
- Certified ASTM protection
- All-day comfort
- Lightweight construction
- Slip resistance and weather performance
Safety is no longer optional — and neither is comfort.
Proxon’s Commitment to ASTM-Certified Protection
Every Proxon boot is built to meet or exceed ASTM safety standards, ensuring workers stay safe, stable, and comfortable in every environment.
Whether you need soft toe footwear, protective toe boots, slip-resistant outsoles, or EH-rated protection, Proxon designs safety footwear that protects you from the ground up.