ASTM F2413 & OSHA,
Simply Explained

The standard

What is ASTM F2413?

ASTM F2413 is the U.S. standard that defines how protective footwear is tested and labeled. It sets the minimum performance bar for safety toe caps and for add-on protections like electrical hazard and puncture resistance. When a boot is “ASTM F2413 certified,” it has passed standardized lab testing for those features — not a marketing claim, a tested one.

OSHA, plainly

Does OSHA require steel toe boots?

Short answer: no. OSHA doesn’t test footwear and doesn’t demand steel specifically. It requires employers to provide protective footwear wherever there’s a risk of foot injury, and it leans on ASTM F2413 as the benchmark. Steel, composite, and alloy toes all satisfy the standard when they’re certified. Bottom line: follow your employer’s PPE policy — then pick the toe that fits your job and your feet.

Read the stamp

How to read the ASTM marking

Inside a certified boot you’ll find a marking like F I/75 C/75 EH. Here’s what each piece is telling you:

• F
  indicates whether it is a female “F” or male “M” style
• I/75
  Impact resistance at 75 foot-pounds
• C/75
  Compression resistance at 2,500 lbs
• EH
  Electrical hazard protection
• SD
  Static dissipative — drains static charge safely
• PR
  Puncture resistant sole
• Mt
  Metatarsal guard for top-of-foot protection
• WP
  Waterproof protection

See the full meaning of each add-on on our EH and SD/ESD guides.

The Xena standard

How Xena meets the standard

Every Xena style is ASTM F2413 certified (I/75 C/75) and engineered on a women’s last. Need paperwork for your employer? We’re happy to send certification documentation on request. Go deeper on EH-rated footwear and SD/ESD footwear, or shop women’s safety shoes.