As one of the largest civilian employers in the United States, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has a significant responsibility to ensure the health and safety of its workforce. With over 600,000 employees, including nearly 450,000 mail carriers and processing plant personnel who spend the bulk of their workdays on their feet, it‘s no surprise that USPS takes footwear very seriously. The postal service has a strict and specific policy dictating the types of shoes that can be worn by employees while on the job – and for good reason.
The Risks of Improper Footwear for Postal Workers
Postal work is physically demanding, requiring long hours of standing, walking, climbing stairs, and carrying heavy loads in all types of weather conditions. Without proper footwear, these tasks can take a serious toll on the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back over time. In fact, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common work-related injuries among postal employees. According to USPS injury data, there were nearly 33,000 reported cases of MSDs among postal workers in 2019 alone, representing over 40% of all OSHA-recordable injuries and illnesses within the postal service that year.
Slips, trips and falls are another major hazard for postal employees who navigate wet, icy or uneven walking surfaces on a daily basis. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene found that slip-resistant shoes can reduce the risk of slipping incidents by as much as 50%. Yet a survey conducted by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) revealed that only about 60% of city carriers wear USPS-approved slip-resistant footwear while on the job.
Wearing improper shoes not only increases the risk of acute injuries like ankle sprains and fractures, but can also lead to chronic problems like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bunions, and stress fractures. Over time, these painful conditions can result in missed workdays, reduced productivity, and costly medical treatment. A 2018 analysis estimated that the indirect costs of foot/ankle disorders among US workers (including absenteeism and lost productivity) may exceed $10 billion annually.
USPS Footwear Requirements for Safety and Performance
To mitigate these risks and keep postal workers safe on the job, USPS has established clear guidelines around acceptable footwear. According to the Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM), shoes worn by postal employees must meet the following criteria:
- Made of leather or a leather-like synthetic material that is polishable, durable, and water-resistant
- Fully enclose the foot – no open toes, heels or sides
- Slip-resistant soles with a tread depth of at least 1/8 inch
- Built-in protective toe cap (for plant/processing personnel)
- Green SR/USA tag indicating slip resistance and domestic manufacturing
- Black in color (colored tags or accents are permitted)
- No heels higher than 1.5 inches or soles thicker than 0.5 inches
These requirements have been carefully developed based on research and input from safety experts as well as feedback from postal workers themselves. The slip-resistant soles and protective toe caps help to prevent acute injuries from slips/falls and dropped objects, while the durable, water-resistant uppers keep feet dry and comfortable in inclement weather. Wearing only black shoes maintains a professional appearance and aligns with USPS uniform standards.
Perhaps most importantly, the SR/USA tag signifies that the shoes have been independently tested and certified as slip-resistant by the Brungraber Mark II tester, the industry standard slip resistance testing equipment. This rigorous testing provides assurance that SR/USA-labeled shoes will perform on the job and help keep postal workers on their feet. The "USA" component of the tag indicates that the shoes are fully manufactured or assembled in the United States, supporting American jobs and reducing the carbon footprint associated with overseas transportation.
Finding the Right USPS-Approved Shoes
While the USPS shoe requirements may seem restrictive at first glance, there are actually a wide variety of compliant footwear options on the market today. Many major shoe brands including New Balance, Skechers, Rockport, Reebok, and Bates offer SR/USA-labeled styles in both men‘s and women‘s sizes. These shoes are engineered for the unique demands of postal work, with features like:
- Cushioned insoles to absorb impact and reduce foot fatigue
- Reinforced heels and arch support to promote proper alignment
- Breathable lining to wick away moisture and prevent odor/fungal growth
- Flexible soles that move with the natural motion of the foot
- Extra-wide toe boxes to accommodate foot swelling
When shopping for USPS-approved shoes, employees should focus on fit, comfort, and durability rather than just style. It‘s worth investing in a high-quality pair that will hold up to the wear and tear of daily postal work and provide lasting support. Ordering from a reputable retailer like Postal Uniforms Direct can provide peace of mind that shoes are SR/USA-compliant and covered by warranty.
Proper fit is essential for maximizing the safety benefits of work footwear. Shoes should have about a thumb‘s width of space between the end of the longest toe and the front of the shoe to allow for natural foot expansion throughout the day. The toe box should be roomy enough that toes can wiggle freely without rubbing or feeling constricted. The heel should be snug but not tight, and the instep should feel secure without pinching. Gently bend the shoe sole to make sure it flexes easily at the ball of the foot. And always try on shoes with the type of socks you plan to wear on the job.
Breaking in new work shoes gradually can help prevent blisters and discomfort. Wear them for just a few hours at a time at first, and use adhesive bandages or moleskin patches to protect any areas that rub or chafe. Switch out insoles or laces as needed to achieve a customized fit. If shoes are still uncomfortable after a week or two of break-in, consider returning or exchanging them before wearing outside.
Caring for Feet On and Off the Job
Postal workers can further support their foot health through regular care and maintenance practices. Washing feet daily, keeping toenails trimmed, and wearing clean, moisture-wicking socks can help prevent fungal infections and skin irritation. Massaging feet and applying ice after a long shift can relieve pain and inflammation. Stretching the calves, rolling out the arches, and elevating the legs while resting can improve flexibility and circulation.
It‘s also important for postal employees to pay attention to any persistent foot or ankle pain and seek medical attention when needed. Podiatrists recommend having a lower extremity musculoskeletal exam before starting a physically demanding job like mail carrying, and then annually after that. Catching and treating foot problems early can prevent them from worsening over time and resulting in long-term damage or disability.
The Bottom Line on USPS Shoe Policy
At the end of the day, USPS‘s shoe policy is all about enabling postal workers to perform their best while staying safe and healthy on the job. By providing clear guidelines around acceptable footwear and rigorously testing shoes for slip resistance, the postal service is investing in the well-being of its most valuable asset – its people. Though no shoe is perfect, choosing a pair that meets USPS requirements and fits properly can make all the difference for postal workers who spend long days on their feet in all types of conditions.
Of course, footwear is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to promoting musculoskeletal health and preventing injuries among postal employees. Ergonomic workstation design, proper lifting techniques, and regular breaks are also key. But as the foundation that carries the weight of the body throughout the workday, shoes play an outsized role in keeping postal workers comfortable, stable, and protected on the job. That‘s why the USPS shoe policy is an essential part of a comprehensive approach to employee health and safety – one that deserves attention and respect from postal workers and leadership alike.
