Cómo elegir y mantener el calzado de seguridad para trabajos en entornos húmedos y fríos

How to choose and maintain safety footwear for working in wet and cold environments

Technical guide to protecting the worker when the weather is an added risk

Safety footwear is a key component of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). But when work takes place in wet, rainy, cold, or slippery environments, the demands are even greater. Simply meeting the standard isn’t enough: footwear must be designed to withstand water, low temperatures, and slippery surfaces, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the workday. In this post, we analyze, from a technical perspective, the characteristics that safety footwear designed for cold and wet conditions should have, the regulations that influence its selection, the risks it addresses, and how it should be maintained to extend its lifespan without compromising protection.

Why wet and cold environments require specific footwear

Working outdoors, in cold storage facilities, on winter construction sites, in logistics platforms, in the food industry, or in maintenance in wet areas increases the risk of:

  • slips and falls,
  • loss of grip,
  • unstable steps,
  • water ingress,
  • material stiffness due to cold,
  • wet feet and chilling,
  • muscle fatigue due to hardened sole,
  • reduced tactile sensitivity.

If the footwear is not properly prepared, the worker’s safety is compromised from the very first step.

Characteristics that footwear must meet for these environments

Real waterproofing and breathability

Footwear for wet environments should prevent the entry of water, rain, snow or ambient humidity, but at the same time allow perspiration. Recommended features:

  • waterproof and breathable membranes,
  • closed or bellows-type tongue,
  • collars or shafts that prevent leaks,
  • water-repellent materials.

Humidity is one of the main factors in the appearance of cold injuries: keeping the foot dry is a priority.

High-performance slip-resistant (SRC) outsole

On wet or cold surfaces, grip determines safety. A sole should:

  • have SRC rating (slip resistance in ceramic + steel),
  • retain flexibility at low temperatures,
  • maintain the pattern and drainage channels in good condition,
  • offer traction even on greasy or wet floors.

Technical rubbers maintain better grip in cold weather than generic soles.

Thermal insulation

Cold reduces sensitivity and increases muscle fatigue. The footwear should include:

  • thermal inner linings,
  • insulating materials that maintain a stable temperature,
  • design that prevents thermal bridging in the toe and sole,
  • enough space for technical socks without compressing the foot.

A cold foot reacts worse, moves less, and gets injured sooner.

Flexibility in cold conditions

At low temperatures, some soles harden, losing traction and comfort. Proper footwear should:

  • maintain flexibility in cold temperatures,
  • absorb impacts without stiffening,
  • allow for a natural gait.
Enhanced protection

In addition to waterproofing and insulation, the mandatory PPE elements must be included:

  • safety toecap (steel, aluminum or composite),
  • perforation-resistant insole,
  • heel energy absorption,
  • hydrocarbon resistance,
  • torsional stability.

Applicable regulations

Safety footwear used in wet and cold environments must comply with: ✔️ EN ISO 20345, the general standard for safety footwear. Within this standard, the most relevant markings for these environments include:

  • SB: Basic requirements
  • S1 / S1P: Dry areas
  • S2: Partial waterproofing
  • S3: Puncture-resistant sole + water repellency
  • SRC: Slip resistance
  • WR: High water penetration resistance

For humid and cold environments, the most common thing to look for is S2, S3 or WR + SRC.

Specific occupational risks of cold and humidity

In winter or wet conditions, the worker is exposed to:

Slips and falls

Main cause of accidents in:

  • construction,
  • logistics,
  • food industry,
  • maintenance.
Loss of stability

The combination of mud, water, and icy surfaces affects footing.

Localized hypothermia

The foot is one of the main areas of body heat loss.

Muscle fatigue

The cold hardens joints and makes shoes unsuitable.

Moisture-related injuries

They appear because of:

  • skin maceration,
  • prolonged cold,
  • friction with wet materials.

Footwear maintenance: key to extending its life and maintaining safety

Shoe care is just as important as choosing the right shoes. Here are some completely safe and recommended practices:

Proper drying
  • never place on radiators or direct heat sources,
  • remove the insole for complete drying,
  • fill with absorbent paper if moisture has entered.
Regular cleaning
  • Remove mud and salts (which damage the material),
  • use a brush to preserve the sole’s tread pattern,
  • clean outer membranes with neutral and compatible products.
Periodic review

Find out:

  • Wear and tear of the tread pattern,
  • cracks in the sole,
  • tears in the bellows,
  • separation,
  • flexibility of the rubber.
Storage
  • in dry places,
  • avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme cold when not in use,
  • without crushing the footwear.

Practical recommendations for working in winter

  • Wear thermal technical socks.
  • Always carry a spare pair if you work long hours outdoors.
  • Choose mid- or high-cut boots for better lateral insulation.
  • Check the soles before working on icy surfaces. Replace your footwear when it loses grip or flexibility.

When the weather is a risk, footwear is the first line of defense

Working in cold and wet conditions isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous if your footwear isn’t suitable. Choosing boots with true waterproofing, non-slip soles, adequate insulation, and good flexibility is essential for a safe and productive workday. Safety starts with your feet. And in winter, more than ever, choosing the right footwear makes all the difference.