If you need footwear that meets U.S. workplace requirements for impact and compression protection, start with ASTM F2413-18 safety shoes. This type of footwear features a permanent protective toe cap that has been tested to withstand 75 foot-pounds (ft-lb) of impact and 2,500 pounds (lb) of compression. Look for the exact marking inside the tongue or shaft. Match any extra codes (EH, PR, Mt, SD) to your actual hazards. The toe must be built in—not added later.
An important update regarding 2026: ASTM F2413-18 is no longer the current version. The current standard specified by ASTM is F2413-24, while F2413-18 remains as a previous version. Although F2413-24 is the current standard, most labels will still display the 2018 version as of 2026. When ordering ASTM F2413-18 safety shoes or custom safety shoes, please choose a reliable safety shoes supplier and ensure they can provide third-party test reports.
What Is ASTM F2413-18?
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ASTM F2413-18 is the 2018 edition of the Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear. It sets the minimum performance levels that a shoe or boot must meet before it can carry the ASTM marking. OSHA references ASTM standards for foot protection under 29 CFR 1910.136. The companion document ASTM F2412 describes the laboratory test methods.
Footwear labeled ASTM F2413-18 safety shoes must first pass impact and compression testing on the toe. Additional protections are optional and appear as separate codes. The protective toe cap has to be an integral part of the construction. Aftermarket inserts, resoling, or strap-on devices void the marking. Independent third-party labs perform the tests and issue a Certificate of Conformity.
ASTM F2413-18 vs ASTM F2413-24
| Edition | Status in 2026 | Buyer Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM F2413-18 | Previous edition | Relevant when specifications or documentation call for it |
| ASTM F2413-24 | Active edition | Current ASTM F2413 specification |
In 2026 the active edition is ASTM F2413-24, published in mid-2024. It keeps the same core impact and compression thresholds and adds clearer language on slip resistance. Many manufacturers and buyers still reference the 2018 version because large volumes of ASTM F2413-18 Safety Shoes remain in circulation and continue to satisfy most site requirements.
While ASTM F2413-18 is the primary standard for safety shoes in the United States, many international buyers also require compliance with the European EN ISO 20345:2022 standard. You can find a clear overview of the latest requirements in our guide to EN ISO 20345:2022 safety shoes.
ASTM F2413-18 Impact & Compression Protection
Every pair of ASTM F2413-18 safety shoes starts with the same baseline.
Impact Protection
Impact protection is designed to withstand sudden impact forces applied to the toe area—for example:
- Hand tools falling from a platform
- Metal parts dropping during assembly
- Building materials falling onto a worker’s feet
- Equipment parts falling within the workshop
The protective toe cap forms a reinforced area at the front of the shoe and must be tested under controlled laboratory conditions.
Compression Protection
Compression is different. Instead of a sudden strike, the toe area is subjected to a crushing or pressing force.
Typical examples include:
- A loaded pallet pressing against the foot
- Heavy equipment rolling over the toe area
- Industrial materials trapping a worker’s foot
- Machinery components creating a crushing hazard
This is why ASTM F2413-18 safety shoes should be selected according to the actual workplace risk rather than simply being described as “steel toe shoes.”
Impact vs. Compression at a Glance
| Protection | Hazard Type | Typical Example |
|---|---|---|
| Impact | Sudden force | Object falls on toe |
| Compression | Crushing force | Heavy load presses on toe |
Extra Protections Available in ASTM F2413-18 Safety Shoes
Once the baseline is met, manufacturers can add and label extra protections.
- Mt – Metatarsal protection. An integral guard over the top of the foot that is also tested to 75 foot-pounds. Useful where objects can strike the mid-foot.
- EH – Electrical hazard. The sole resists 18,000 volts under dry conditions with limited leakage current. Secondary protection only; it does not replace lockout procedures.
- PR – Puncture resistance. A plate in the sole that resists penetration by a 270-pound force applied through a standardized spike. Common on sites with nails or scrap metal.
- SD – Static dissipative. Controlled resistance that allows static charge to bleed off safely. Different resistance ranges exist; match the level to your process.
- Cd – Conductive. Very low resistance that drains static quickly. Used in explosive or highly sensitive environments and the opposite of EH.
When ordering ASTM F2413-18 safety shoes, always make sure your purchase order (PO) includes the complete label identification found inside the shoe.
Toe Cap Materials Under ASTM F2413-18: Steel vs Composite vs Alloy
The standard does not dictate the material of the toe cap. Steel, composite, and alloy can all meet the same I and C numbers when properly designed and tested.
Steel remains the most common and usually the least expensive. It is heavy and conducts cold and heat. Composite toes cut weight and do not set off metal detectors; newer fiber-reinforced versions introduced in recent years have closed much of the durability gap. Alloy (often aluminum or titanium blends) sits between the two in weight and cost.
| Toe Type | Main Advantage | Potential Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | Proven durability and strength | Heavier than many alternatives |
| Composite | Lightweight, non-metallic | May have different dimensions and performance characteristics |
| Alloy | Lightweight metal option | Still contains metal |
The best choice depends on the risk assessment, weight requirements, workplace regulations, and product certification status.
How to Read ASTM F2413-18 Safety Shoe Markings
Open the tongue or look inside the shaft. You should find a multi-line marking, often inside a rectangle.
Typical layout:
ASTM F2413-18
M/I/C
EH PR
or
ASTM F2413-18
F/I/C
Mt
Line 1 names the standard and year. Line 2 shows gender (M or F) plus the mandatory impact and compression codes. Additional lines list the extras that were tested. Some older stock still shows the numeric form I/75 C/75; the performance is the same.
If the label is missing, incomplete, or printed only on a removable sticker, the footwear should be considered noncompliant with relevant U.S. workplace regulations.
Why Choose MKsafety for ASTM Safety Footwear?
MKsafety shoes is a safety shoes supplier based in Gaomi, Shandong. The factory manufactures safety shoes, industrial boots, and related personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with the ISO 9001 quality management system and holds CE and 3C certifications for its target markets.
For buyers who need ASTM F2413-18 Safety Shoes or custom safety shoes built to U.S. requirements, the company functions as an astm f2413 compliant factory that can produce to the necessary performance levels and supply supporting documentation.
FAQs About ASTM F2413-18 Safety Shoes
Q1: Are ASTM F2413-18 safety shoes still valid in 2026?
A1: Yes, safety shoes certified to ASTM F2413-18 remain widely accepted and fully valid for workplace use. As long as the corresponding protection level is clearly indicated on the insole label, existing inventory or compliant shoe models that have already been manufactured may be used as normal.
Q2: What is the difference between ASTM F2413-18 and the newer F2413-24?
A2: The core I and C requirements remain the same. The 2024 edition updates definitions and formalizes slip-resistance classifications. Many ASTM F2413-18 safety shoes still perform the jobs they were selected for.
Q3: Is composite as protective as steel under ASTM F2413-18?
A3: When both pass the same impact and compression tests, the protective performance is considered equivalent. Material choice affects weight, conductivity, and comfort, not the baseline rating.
Q4: How often should I replace ASTM F2413-18 safety shoes?
A4: Replace them when the sole is worn smooth, the upper is cut or cracked near the toe, or the protective structure shows damage. There is no fixed calendar date; condition and exposure determine service life.
Q5: What is the MOQ for ASTM F2413-18 safety shoes?
A5: Our MOQ varies by product style and manufacturing process. Standard styles require 300-500 pairs, while certain special styles may have higher minimum orders.
Q6: What are the time, costs, and shipping fees for sample production?
A6:
- The sample preparation time depends on product complexity and scheduling, with standard safety shoes typically requiring 7-10 days.
- Free sample for the first pair, additional pairs incur a sample fee refundable with bulk shipment.
- The customer shall bear the cost of mailing.
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