Does the employer have to provide work shoes?

March 28, 2025

Work shoes are a guarantee of safety in the workplace, a support for employees’ health and a mandatory means of personal protection. But who should take responsibility for this protection – the employer or the employee?

This question is hotly debated. Some employers believe that employees should take care of their own safety, while others recognise that neglecting such an important aspect can have serious consequences for the company.

Safety is a law, not a privilege

In most countries, providing employees with personal protective equipment (PPE) is not a courtesy of the company, but a direct legal obligation. In Germany, for example, safety shoes is strictly regulated by the EN ISO 20345 standard, which clearly states that employees working in hazardous environments must wear specialised protective footwear. And, very importantly, these must be provided by the employer.

Why is this so important?

Prevention of injuries. A protruding nail on the floor, a heavy object falling on the foot, a slippery or uneven surface — without high-quality protective footwear, any of these factors can lead to serious injuries and lengthy and expensive treatment.
Reduced risk of occupational diseases. Constant strain on the feet without adequate ankle support in work shoes leads to chronic joint, spinal and vascular diseases.
Legal protection of the company. In the event of an accident, the employer who has not provided the employee with protective equipment bears full responsibility for the incident, up to and including criminal liability.

It is important to understand: Work shoes are not a “bonus” from the company, but are just as obligatory as regular safety instructions and medical examinations.

Work shoes are an investment, not a waste

Employers often view the purchase of work shoes as an unnecessary expense. However, this is a strategic mistake. An investment in the safety of employees is an investment in the sustainability of your company.

How does an employer benefit from providing their employees with quality footwear for work?

Lower costs for injuries and sick leave. Fewer on-the-job injuries mean less downtime during the commission process and fewer insurance claims.
Increased productivity. Comfortable footwear reduces fatigue, allowing employees to work more efficiently during their shift. Employee morale remains high throughout the working week despite the increased workload.
Increased employee loyalty. Employees appreciate it when a company takes care of their health. Regularly replacing work shoes and uniforms increases their commitment and reduces staff turnover.
Strengthening the company’s reputation Brands that adhere to safety standards are more trusted by partners and customers. Seeing that the employees of that company are well-dressed and well-trained allows them to make decisions that affect the success of the company as a whole.

Those who neglect safety accumulate current problems, but those who invest in it strengthen their growing company.

Why shouldn’t an employee buy their own work shoes?

When an employer passes on the purchase of safety footwear to the employee, it creates many problems, namely:

Additional financial burden on the employee. High-quality safety shoes are not cheap – they can be a crushing burden for people on low incomes. An employee at the beginning of his career cannot always afford shoes that meet all safety requirements. Therefore, when choosing a new employer, they are forced to favour companies that provide them with the necessary protective equipment.
The risk of non-compliance with standards. An employee who chooses their own footwear may unwittingly buy a model that does not comply with safety standards. As a result, they believe they are protected but actually risk serious injury at work.
In the event of an injury, the employee can blame the company for not protecting him or her adequately. Even if he or she chose the shoes themselves, the responsibility often falls back on the employer. This creates conflict situations, reputational risks and unpleasant legal consequences for the company.
Violation of a uniform standard. If every employee wears different shoes, it is difficult to monitor compliance with safety regulations. The employer loses the opportunity to ensure that all employees are equipped according to standards. As a result, the risk of accidents and work discipline in general increases.
Diminished team spirit. If employees see that their safety is a personal matter and not a company matter, this undermines their trust in their employer. A growing collective sense of injustice can lead to a decline in motivation and even turnover within the organisation.

In other words, the responsibility for the selection, procurement and control of safety footwear should lie solely with the employer. This is a fundamental element of workplace safety that has a direct impact on the health of employees and the stability of the organisation.

How do you choose work shoes?

If a company really cares about its employees, the choice of footwear should be carefully considered and informed. What should be considered first and foremost?

Compliance with safety standards for work shoes. Depending on the area of work, these may include antistatic soles, slip-resistant protective properties, reinforced socks and even fire-resistant materials.
Ergonomics and comfort. A work shift can last 8-12 hours – shoes should support the foot well, cushion it when walking and thus reduce the strain on the joints and spine.
Wear resistance. High quality shoes last 2-3 times longer, saving money on frequent replacement of cheap and inferior models.
Compliance with climate and conditions. Warm protective footwear is necessary for work in cold conditions, for hot climates – models with good ventilation and regulation of the microclimate of employees’ feet.

The TALAN brand is one of the examples of a reliable manufacturer of work safety footwear that combines safety, comfort and durability in its models. The company’s products are widely used in Europe and in the online shop talanshop.de you will find models for a wide range of industries – from construction to medicine.

Safety is an obligation

Work shoes are the direct responsibility of the employer and have an impact on people’s health and the stability of the company.

Companies that adopt a safety-conscious approach create a pleasant working environment in which employees feel protected and safe. This in turn enhances the company’s reputation, increases employee productivity and reduces the risk of additional benefit costs.