Why do you need a safety boot with a MET Guard?
Why do you need a safety boot with a MET Guard?
A boot with a MET Guard protects your metatarsal bones which are the bones on the top of your feet. The metatarsal bones are right next to the surface of the skin meaning there is no flesh, muscle, or fat to protect them from falling objects and injury.
Typically a steel toe or composite toe work shoe has a toe box that only covers 1 to 1.5 inches of the foot, which leaves the metatarsal bones of your foot unprotected. A MET Guard protects the top of your feet with a stainless steel, composite, or alloy plate and can be part of the boot either externally or internally.
External MET Guard Boots
As the name sounds an external MET Guard boot is outside of the boot itself and usually covers the shoelaces. An external MET Guard typically covers a larger area compared to an internal MET Guard and is backed with a dense foam padding for comfort and impact absorption.
An external MET Guard boot Is good for professions where there is a need to move around heavy objects around, but they also work well for welders and some forestry professions. In a welding setting the external MET Guard will protect the laces and shoes from sparks, falling metal and heat. In addition, an external MET Guard can protect against high powered cutting tools, like chainsaws.
Here are some external MET Guard options we currently have available:
Terra Barricade Men's 6" Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boot With Metguard - 305517
Cofra Kentville Men's Metal Free Pull-On Composite Toe Work Boot with External MET Guard
Internal MET Guard Boots
An internal MET Guard is integrated into the shoe beneath the laces. Typically an internal MET guard is a plate that is wrapped in a soft material that will absorb impact.
An internal MET Guard is typically smaller and less noticeable than the external MET Guard, this makes an internal MET Guard ideal for job sites where getting caught on machinery is a hazard.
One internal MET Guard boot that we`re very excited about that launched a few months ago is the Terra Brenn. The Terra Brenn is woman`s boot with an internal MET Guard, this boot was design specifically for a woman`s foot - making it a safer and more comfortable option for women who need to wear a MET Guard boot on the job site.
Here are some internal MET Guard options we currently have available:
Terra Brenn Women's 8" Composite Toe Work Boot With Metguard TR0A4NRDBLK - Black
Keen Camden Men's 8" Waterproof Internal MET Guard Composite Toe Work Boot 1027693 - Brown
Terra Patton Unisex 8" Aluminum Toe Internal MET Guard Work Safety CSA Boot 839KDB - Brown
Acton Driller Waterproof Unisex 8" Composite Toe Work Boot with Internal MET Guard 9300-11
How can I tell if my boot has a MET Guard?
The symbol for MET Guard protection is a white M in a black square. In accordance to the CSA safety symbol index all metatarsal protective footwear will also have toe protection. For more information about safety footwear and workplace foot injuries check out the CCOHS website here.
At Work Authority, we carry a wide range of Met Guard boots. Whether you are looking for an internal or external MET Guard our in-store or online team can help you find what works for you and your position.
