Full-soled safety-toe overshoes fit over existing shoes to provide temporary protection against impacts to the toe area of the foot. The sole of the overshoe covers the entire bottom of the foot. They are intended for short-term use by site visitors, inspectors, and others who do not need continuous protection.

Safety toe caps fit over the front part of existing shoes of site visitors, inspectors, and others who do not need to continuously wear safety footwear. Toe caps cover the front of toe area of the foot and have a sole that extends to the arch to protect the front of the foot from minor injuries caused by walking into obstacles. They also protect footwear from damage. An adjustable strap is placed around the heel to hold the toe cap in place. Toe caps can be worn over larger boots than full-soled safety-toe overshoes.

Metatarsal guards provide impact protection to the top of the foot. They protect the top of the foot from the toe cap to the front of the ankle and are worn when temporary protection is required or it's not practical to use footwear with an integrated metatarsal guard. Metatarsal guards are attached to the shoe using laces or an adjustable strap.

Leg guards (sometimes called shin guards) protect against injuries cause by walking into hazards. They protect the front of the leg below the knee and often incorporate metatarsal guards to protect the top of the foot and extend to cover part of the knee. They are attached using an adjustable strap and are intended for intermittent use.