One question often comes up: should you choose high-cut or low-cut safety footwear?
The choice may seem trivial, but it actually plays a key role in comfort, protection, and performance at work. Each model has its own pros and cons, and it’s essential to understand their specific features to choose the one that best suits your work environment and needs.
In this article, we’ll compare high-cut and low-cut safety footwear to help you find the right pair.
High-cut safety footwear
Features of high-cut safety footwear
High-cut safety footwear is specifically designed to provide maximum protection, particularly by stabilizing the ankle and enhancing foot safety in demanding work environments.
They stand out thanks to several key technical features:
A high-cut upper that wraps around and supports the ankle, helping reduce the risk of sprains and twists.
Durable materials such as leather, microfiber, or technical textiles, ensuring both lightness and excellent resistance to external hazards (abrasion, cuts, impacts).
A reinforced and typically thicker sole that offers protection against sharp objects and slippery surfaces.
Weather resistance, thanks to water-repellent treatments or waterproof membranes that help keep feet dry in wet conditions.
Ankle protection, providing an effective shield against side impacts—often essential in high-risk environments.
The SCRAMBLER S3model is a perfect example → An all-terrain safety shoe with enhanced ankle protection (AN standard) against side impacts and a reinforced anti-abrasion toecap, ensuring durability, comfort, and safety.
Benefits of high-cut safety footwear
1. Better ankle support
One of the main advantages of high-cut safety footwear is the excellent ankle support they provide.
This support is essential for preventing injuries, especially in sectors where work is carried out on uneven or unstable terrain, such as construction, outdoor work, or logistics.
Thanks to their high-cut upper and adjustable lacing system, they help reduce the risk of sprains and stabilize the foot, offering greater safety to workers who carry heavy loads or move frequently across irregular surfaces.
2. Suitable for tough environments
High-cut shoes are often designed to withstand harsh weather and working conditions.
They are particularly suited for environments where weather and ground conditions are challenging:
- Rain, snow, and mud: many models feature a deep-lug, high-traction sole that allows safe movement across all types of surfaces without slipping.
- Extreme temperatures: some models are built to withstand cold thanks to insulated linings, while others are adapted for hot environments with breathable materials and heat-resistant soles.
- Wet conditions: high-cut safety shoes with Wr certification are waterproof while allowing perspiration to escape, keeping feet dry in any situation.
As such, they are a solid ally for professionals working outdoors who need reliable footwear, whatever the conditions.
Drawbacks of high-cut safety footwear
1. Reduced freedom of movement
The main drawback of high-cut safety footwear is that it can slightly limit the flexibility of the foot and ankle. While the support is a key benefit, it can be a constraint for jobs requiring agility or frequent position changes (squatting, repeated bending).
2. Heavier weight
Thanks to technological advances, lighter models have been developed using materials that are just as durable but less heavy. As a result, wearing safety shoes has become less restrictive over time.
However, high-cut safety footwear is still, on average, heavier than low-cut models, which can lead to additional fatigue during long workdays.
3. Less breathable
Due to their more covering design, high-cut shoes tend to retain more heat, which can be less comfortable in summer or in particularly hot environments. Leather models, known for their durability and excellent protection against external hazards, may offer slightly less breathability than some synthetic materials, which are often lighter.
That said, many models now include breathable membranes to regulate moisture and ensure better comfort, even during prolonged wear.
In short:
High-cut safety footwear is an excellent choice for outdoor workers or those on unstable terrain. It ensures ankle support, enhanced impact protection, and great weather resistance.
However, they can be heavier and less breathable than low-cut shoes, which may be a drawback for workers seeking flexibility and lightness above all.
Low-cut safety footwear
Features of low-cut safety footwear
Unlike high-cut models, low-cut safety footwear offers a balanced mix of protection, comfort, and mobility. They are characterized by:
A cut that ends below the ankle, allowing greater freedom of movement and improved comfort for jobs requiring frequent movement or agile motions.
Lightweight and flexible materials, such as breathable textiles or lighter leather.
Low-cut safety footwear is ideal for professionals looking for lightness, flexibility, and comfort, while still maintaining a solid level of protection.
Our Mistral S3S model is the perfect example → in addition to being made from recycled materials, this low-cut safety shoe is lightweight and comfortable, while keeping you safe thanks to its fluorescent inserts in regenerated leather, its HDFC composite toe cap, and its anti-perforation insert made from recycled textile.
Benefits of low-cut safety footwear
1. Lighter and more comfortable
One of the main advantages of low-cut safety footwear is its lightness. Less bulky than high-cut models, their more ergonomic and lightweight design makes them ideal for professionals who spend long hours on their feet.
2. Greater freedom of movement
With their shorter upper, low-cut safety shoes offer better flexibility and mobility.
They are perfectly suited for workers who:
Perform tasks involving repeated movements (squatting, bending, twisting)
Need speed and agility in their movements (order pickers, maintenance technicians, craftsmen...)
Want a feel closer to a sports shoe, while still meeting safety standard
3. More casual look
Low-cut safety footwear features a more casual, sporty design—similar to sneakers. They usually have a more versatile look that’s easier to wear on a daily basis.
Drawbacks of low-cut safety footwear
1. Less ankle support
One of the main drawbacks of low-cut safety footwear is the lack of ankle support. Unlike high-cut models, they don’t provide protection against twists, sprains, or side impacts, which can be an issue for workers operating on uneven or unstable terrain.
2. Limited protection against major risks
While they comply with safety standards, low-cut shoes offer more limited protection compared to high-cut models:
Less suited for harsh environments: they provide lower thermal insulation, making them less effective against cold, moisture, or rain.
Reduced protection against falling heavy objects: even with a protective toe cap, the ankle area remains exposed to impacts and splashes.
In short:
Low-cut safety footwear is an excellent choice for workers seeking greater freedom of movement. Perfect for indoor jobs or roles that involve frequent movement.
How to choose between high-cut and low-cut safety footwear?
Based on your industry sector
Each profession comes with specific requirements that influence the choice of safety footwear.
Choose high-cut shoes if you work in:
Construction and building sectors
Working on uneven ground (gravel, mud, scaffolding)
High risk of ankle twists and side impacts
Protection against falling heavy objects
Increased resistance to bad weather and extreme conditions
Heavy industry
Presence of machinery and heavy objects that can cause serious injuries
Need for optimal protection against crushing
Environments with high thermal risk
Logistics and outdoor transportation
Work exposed to weather conditions (cold, rain, snow)
Risk of slipping and falling on wet surfaces
Need for enhanced support to prevent injuries when carrying heavy loads
On the other hand, we recommend low-cut safety footwear if you work in:
Jobs requiring mobility and agility
Craftsmanship, maintenance, electrical work, plumbing: these fields require freedom of movement for bending, squatting, or moving quickly
Light construction sites and technical interventions: low-cut shoes help avoid the discomfort of high-cut models during long work hours
Dry and hot environments
Light industries, logistics warehouses: lower weather-related risks, need for a lightweight and breathable model
Jobs requiring speed and responsiveness
Delivery personnel, mobile technicians, maintenance agents: frequent movement and the need for lightweight, flexible shoes for maximum comfort
Retail and sales professions: often on the move, requiring versatile and stylish footwear
Based on personal needs
In addition to your industry, choosing the right safety footwear should also consider personal comfort and individual preferences.
→ Comfort and fatigue: if you spend long hours standing or moving around, it’s important to choose shoes that are:
Lightweight to reduce muscle fatigue
Well-cushioned to protect your joints
Properly fitted to your feet to avoid pain and blisters
→ Style and appearance: in certain work environments, the look of your safety footwear can also matter. Low-cut shoes offer a more modern and sporty appearance, while high-cut models tend to be more rugged and robust.
Conclusion
Choosing between high-cut and low-cut safety footwear ultimately depends on your professional needs and personal comfort. There’s no one-size-fits-all model—each type of shoe has its own pros and cons that should be considered based on your industry, working conditions, and individual preferences.
By selecting a pair that combines protection, comfort, and durability, you ensure not only your safety but also better productivity and optimal comfort throughout the day.