Instep guard

Metatarsal guards or instep guards — Protect the upper foot from impacts. In these shoes, metal guards extend over the foot rather than just over the toes. 

Figure 28-4. Foot protection (a) Exploded view of a safety shoe with safety toe and instep protector and (b) metatarsal guard.

Metatarsal guards are made of aluminum, steel, fiber or plastic, and protect the Instep area from Impact and compression. 

The typical steel toe boot or shoe offers protection for the toe area with the exception of the little toe, which cannot be covered. The reason for this unprotected area is that the required flexing of the foot and shoe rules out a steel toe (or fiberglass toe) that extends further back onto the shoe. If the steel toe were larger, employees could not bend the shoe properly to walk, bend, or climb. Metatarsal guards offer more protection to the instep of the foot from falling objects. The metatarsal bones can be easily injured. When the metatarsal bones are injured the victim has difficulty in standing or walking. 

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