Aim: Despite improvements in working
conditions, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)
still play an important role in occupational
health. Apart from the well-known association
between MSD and physical risk factors,
a potential association between MSD and
safety shoes is still under scrutiny. The improvement
of safety shoes could be a way
of preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to review
established data for effects of safety shoes on
the musculoskeletal system.
Method: A key-word-based literature research
in a number of databases was used to
address the scientific question.
Results: The main emphases of studies involving
safety shoes were: determination of
accuracy of fit by measurement of foot size,
the investigation of cushioning shoe components
by plantar pressure distribution measurements
and surveys of physical discomfort
caused by wearing safety shoes. Studies involving
normal shoes have demonstrated effects
of shoes on the musculoskeletal system
by measurements of the body angles. The
shoes produced angular changes in the lower
extremities, especially in the ankle.
Conclusions: The question as to how safety
shoes can influence the musculoskeletal system
under real working conditions and
whether they can be a preventive instrument
to avoid MSD still remains unanswered.
