What Are Steel Shank Shoes?

Steel shank shoes and boots are most commonly worn in the workplace.

Work boots are often designed with steel shanks in the sole to prevent puncture wounds from underneath the shoe.

Shoe Shank

The shoe shank is a flat piece of material located above the outer sole at the waist (the waist is the narrow part of the shoe, located between the heel and toe and just underneath the arch) of the shoe to add support to the arch. Shanks can be made from wood, plastic, cork or steel.

Steel Shank

A steel shank is sometimes inserted at the waist of the shoe for arch support. The natural flexibility and springiness of thin steel makes this material a good choice for a shank.

Steel Insole

Safety shoes have a steel insole that runs from the toe of the shoe to the heel. This piece of steel is installed by the manufacturer to prevent sharp objects from penetrating the shoe from underneath and causing injury.

What is a Safety Shoe?

A steel insole alone does not meet all requirements for a safety shoe. Other items usually include a steel toe, special soles, instep protection and insulation.

Advantages of a Steel Shank

A small piece of stainless steel under the arch provides good arch support and protection from puncture wounds at a reasonable cost.

Disadvantages

Steel shoe parts are sensitive to extreme cold and they set off metal detectors. Since airports now require all passengers to remove their shoes, the latter concern is rarely a problem.

References

• University of Tulsa: Footwear Glossary
• Industrial Shoe Company: Requirements for Safety Shoes