what are metatarsal guards
What are metatarsal guards? Metatarsal guards are typically made from lightweight materials, such as plastic or steel. that cover the metatarsal area of your feet from heavy forces including falling objects or rolling objects.
The guards offer additional protection to the top of your feet, which can be vulnerable to injury from impact or sharp objects. They can be worn for a variety of activities, including sports, construction, or industrial work, and are often required for workplace safety.
Metatarsal guards are an excellent way to keep your feet safe, no matter what activity you are engaged in.
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metatarsal foot protection
Protect your feet from workplace hazards with metatarsal foot protection – don’t risk injury!
What do Metatarsal guards protect? Metatarsal guards protect the metatarsal bones of your feet from workplace hazards such as falling objects, sharp objects, slipping, and much more.
They are usually made of steel with padding for comfort, and they fit securely around the top of the foot up to the ankle.
Metatarsal guards protect your feet from dangerous impacts and provide a barrier between your feet and any hazardous objects that may come in contact with them. They also help cushion the impact of hard surfaces, reducing the risk of foot injuries.
With metatarsal guards, you can be sure that your feet are properly protected, no matter what kind of environment you find yourself in. [1]
what protection does a metatarsal guard provide
What do meta guards protect? Metatarsal guards provide extra protection to the top of your foot and toes, helping you to reduce the risk of foot injury specifically the metatarsal bones of your feet.
They are designed to be lightweight and to fit comfortably in your shoes, so that you don’t experience any disruption to your daily activities.
Metatarsal fractures are one of the most common injuries of the midfoot with an incidence of up to 75 persons per 100,000 per year among adults. [2]
Metatarsal guards incorporate the latest technologies and features to ensure that you are always protected. They are designed with comfort in mind, so you don’t have to worry about wearing them for long periods of time.
They are also engineered to be durable and long lasting, giving you the assurance that you are fully protected against workplace dangers.
So, make sure you are prepared for anything with metatarsal guards – the essential safety equipment for your feet.
Metatarsal boots - What They are
You know what metatarsal guards are but what exactly are metatarsal boots? Metatarsal boots are boots with either an internal or external metatarsal guard.
These are usually steel-toe boots or include another type of safety toe. Many brands provide these types of workboots and it is important you make sure the ones you’re purchasing do have the required protection you need. Look for “Metatarsal guard” on the box or on the website you’re purchasing from to ensure you’re getting the right type of boots you’re purchasing.
More often than not these boots also come with adequate electrical hazard ratings and include slip resistant boot soles, that meet industry requirements. Be sure to check with your employer to make sure you getting adequate protection and meeting all of their safety standards.
External metatarsal guards for boots
Other than the attached style of guards, there are attachments you can add to boots that are less stylish but provide protection from heavy weights falling on your feet. These external guards are great for when you have a pair of boots already but now need the extra metatarsal protection. [4]
If you’re looking for the best metatarsal boots I’ve created a comprehensive list you should check out.
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Pros
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Cons
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Don't have to buy new boots
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Annoying to use
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Can be less expensive
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Have to find right size
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Easy to replace
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Add additional weight
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safety shoes with metatarsal guard
Outfitting yourself with safety shoes that incorporate metatarsal guard technology can provide an added level of protection and comfort.
Safety shoes with metatarsal guard technology can provide a higher level of protection for these bones, which can be especially beneficial for those who work in hazardous environments. [6]
Are you looking for the best metatarsal guard boots? I’ve put together a list of my favorite metatarsal boots on the market today. In general, you’ll want to look for a trusted brand with, ideally, a gurantee on the boots and either aan external or internal guard that will provide protection from direct trauma.
This type of guard is typically made of lightweight, flexible material and is designed to absorb impacts and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, metatarsal guards can provide comfort and stability to the wearer, allowing them to move safely and freely.
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Pros
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Cons
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Convenient
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Must buy new boots
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Comfortable fit
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Limited flexibility
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Compliance with safety regulations
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Can't Replace
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OSHA's guidance on metatarsal guards
OSHA does not require metatarsal guards for any specific occupation but they do require safety toe boots when there is a risk of heavy materials falling or in general heavy items causing injury.
This requirement basically states you must wear safety-toe boots in these situations.
Metatarsal boots are an employer-mandated requirement so be sure to check with your employer prior to purchasing any new boots. [7]
Do Employers have to pay for metatarsal boots
When it comes to who pays for these boots your boss can give you “metatarsal guards” to put over your regular shoes or boots.
If your boss makes you wear shoes or boots with built-in metatarsal protection, then they have to pay for them. But, if your boss gives you the metatarsal guards and you choose to wear shoes or boots with built-in protection instead, then your boss doesn’t have to pay for them.
Types of Guards
Metatarsal guards are a type of safety footwear designed to protect your feet from workplace accidents or injuries. They are typically a part of a boot that covers your feet and shins and are made of a rigid material to provide a barrier between you and any external elements.
The most common type of metatarsal guards are external metatarsal guards, which are attached to the outside of the boot. They’re usually made of steel and provide extra protection against heavy objects or sharp objects that may land on your feet.
Another type is an internal metatarsal guard. These boots come with a metatarsal guard built into the top of the boot to provide extra protection.
Whichever type of metatarsal guard you choose, make sure it fits snugly and securely so that it can provide the best protection for your feet.
Internal metatarsal guard
If you’re looking for maximum protection when on the job, an internal metatarsal guard is a great way to go!
What is an internal metatarsal guard? An internal metatarsal guard is built into the boot, there is no exterior indication that there is a guard there. The guard sits between the exterior of the boot and your foot.
Internal metatarsal guards provide complete coverage for the top of your foot and toes. They are made with a strong alloy or composite plate that comes built into your work boots. This plate is designed to provide protection from impact and compression, which is essential for jobs that require workers to be in dangerous environments.
The internal metatarsal protector is an excellent choice if you need maximum protection and comfort when working in hazardous conditions.
External metatarsal guard
external metatarsal guard is designed to protect the top of the foot from impacts or objects that can injure the metatarsal bones. It’s also effective against hazardous materials that can cause harm.
What is an external metatarsal guard? An external metatarsal guard can come as an attachment or they can come built into the boots but they sit on the exterior of the boot.
Usually, you’ll see these covering the lace part of a boot and can swing open to allow you to adjust the laces. This is more noticeable than the internal metatarsal guard.
External metatarsal guards are made to meet industry standards and regulations for safety in workplaces. The external metatarsal guard is created using a durable material to provide maximum protection. It’s designed to fit the shape of the foot and can be adjusted for a secure fit.
With an external metatarsal guard, you can be sure that your feet are protected from potential hazards that may be present in the workplace.
Conclusion
You’ve now learned just how important metatarsal guards are for your safety and overall well-being.
Not only do they provide protection for your feet, but they also help to ensure that your boots remain in good condition for a longer period of time.
So, if you’re looking for a way to protect your feet and your boots, metatarsal guards are the way to go.
Don’t wait any longer; get yourself a pair of metatarsal guards today and give yourself the protection you need.
FAQs
Metatarsal guards come in a variety of types, including external guards that attach to the outside of footwear, internal guards that are built into the shoe, and strap-on guards that can be added to any type of footwear for added protection.
Metatarsal guards work by absorbing and distributing the force of impact away from the foot, reducing the risk of injury. The guards are designed to protect the metatarsal bones in the foot from impact, compression, and other types of injury.
Metatarsal guards work by absorbing and distributing the force of impact away from the foot, reducing the risk of injury. The guards are designed to protect the metatarsal bones in the foot from impact, compression, and other types of injury.
Metatarsal guards are designed to cover the metatarsal bones in the foot, which are located just above the toes. They may also provide additional protection to the toes and other parts of the foot, depending on the design of the guard.
No, metatarsal guards and steel toe protection are different. While steel toe protection provides impact and compression protection to the toes, metatarsal guards provide protection to the metatarsal bones in the foot.
There is no difference between met guards and metatarsal guards. Met guard is an abbreviation of “metatarsal”
The method for putting on metatarsal guards will vary depending on the type of guard being used. External guards may attach to the outside of the footwear with straps or clips, while internal guards are built into the footwear itself. Strap-on guards can be attached to any type of footwear and typically have adjustable straps that secure the guard in place over the top of the foot. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and placement of metatarsal guards.
References
- Evolution of the Met Guard — Occupational Health & Safety from https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2015/01/01/Evolution-of-the-Met-Guard.aspx
- Functional outcome of 103 fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal bone | European Journal of Medical Research | Full Text from https://eurjmedres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40001-021-00623-6
- MJS Brochure Foot_S5 from https://www.mjscannell.ie/sites/admin/plugins/elfinder/files/mjscannell/MJS%20Brochure%20Foot_S5.pdf
- Gale – Steel-toed boots protect without hindering mobility or comfort from https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA109269182&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=00092460&p=AONE&sw=w
- OSHA STANDARD FOR EMPLOYER PAYMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT | Occupational Safety and Health Administration from https://www.osha.gov/news/speeches/11142007