Start with the protection class under EN ISO 20345. S1 shoes have a protective toe and an antistatic, energy absorbing heel; S1P adds a penetration resistant midsole against nails; S2 adds a water resistant upper but no midsole; S3 combines both for wet outdoor and construction work. Delta Plus makes several models in more than one class, such as the JUMPER3 and JET3 in S3, S1P or S1. Karam's range runs from S1 leather shoes to S1P moccasins and ladies shoes and S2 water repellent ABAWRF shoes. Rider's S3 models pair a 200J steel toe with a 1100 N steel mid-plate or Kevlar insole, while the 2205 and 2206 are S1P shoes with a 100J toe that Rider states with EN ISO 20346, so check which standard your site rules name.
Next, match the toe cap and sole to the hazard. Karam's leather range and all Rider models use a steel toe, while Karam's Flytex, FS65, FS73, FS226, FS249BL and EVA and rubber soled FS251, FS252OL, FS258, FS259 and FS260BL are metal-free, and Delta Plus models such as PHOENIX, PHOCEA, SAGA and AURIBEAU3 are non metallic. For electronics assembly, the Delta Plus SAULT2 and MIAMI come in ESD versions tested to EN 61340. For hot surfaces, look for the HRO marking: Karam's RO models on a nitrile sole are stated for hot surfaces up to 300 degrees C for one minute, Rider's RUNNER, JUMPER and JOGGER have HRO nitrile rubber outsoles, and the Delta Plus COBRA4 is made for welding with the WG marking.
Then check special conditions. For cold outdoor work, the Delta Plus TAKU boot, the fur lined JUMPER3 and the CADEROUSSE carry the CI cold insulation marking, and Delta Plus states the TAKU and JUMPER3 fur soles keep their properties down to -30°C. For food plants, the Delta Plus MIAMI S2 can be machine washed at up to 30°C and Karam offers the white FS13 water repellent slip-on. Where objects can land on top of the foot, the Delta Plus MIWA and COBRA4 (S3 M) and Karam's metatarsal guard shoe protect the metatarsal bones, and Karam's FS151 jungle boot and FS152 tactical boot are made for paramilitary forces to IS 15298(Part-04).
Finally, choose height and size. Low ankle shoes suit shop floors and staff who move between office and plant, high ankle boots give more support on uneven ground, Karam's FS51 is a tall rigger boot for oil, gas and petroleum work, and its FS22 has a quick release keeper so it can come off fast if the foot is injured. Delta Plus lists sizes such as 35 to 48 or 36 to 47 depending on the model, Rider lists EU 37 to 46 for the 2205 and 2206, and Karam lists sizes 3 to 13, so confirm the size system when ordering for a mixed team. For wide feet, the Delta Plus SANTANA, CALYPSO, MAESTRO and CADEROUSSE are wide fitting (mondo 11), and Karam's FS100 and FS101 are slimmer ladies shoes with a narrower sole.