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April 8, 2025 — Thousands of pairs of safety boots from a well-known global footwear manufacturer have been recalled in the United States after tests revealed a serious risk of electric shock. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued the urgent recall notice, advising all users to immediately stop wearing the boots and contact the company for a full refund or replacement.
The affected boots were sold online and in stores nationwide from January 2024 through March 2025. The recall involves specific models of steel-toe and composite-toe work boots that were marketed as providing electrical hazard (EH) protection. However, laboratory testing found that the boots failed to meet the required ASTM F2413-18 standards for electrical insulation, potentially allowing current to pass through the footwear in the presence of live electrical circuits.
The recall covers approximately 12,500 pairs of boots under the brand name “ProTech Safety” (a pseudonym used for this major global brand, which the company has asked not to be named in the press release). The boots were sold in men’s sizes 7–14 and women’s sizes 5–10, in both black and brown leather. The affected model numbers are:
The model number is printed on a label inside the tongue of the boot, along with the production date code. Only boots with production dates between 01/2024 and 12/2024 are included in the recall.
The CPSC stated that the boots’ sole and heel materials can break down under certain conditions, causing the electrical hazard protection to degrade. This means a worker standing on a wet or conductive surface while touching a live wire could receive a severe electric shock, potentially leading to serious injury or death.
“These boots were designed to protect workers from electrical hazards, but the defect transforms them into a liability,” said CPSC Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. in a statement. “Anyone who uses these boots for electrical work or in environments where accidental contact with live circuits is possible should stop wearing them immediately.”
Owners of the recalled boots are urged to:
The company has also set up a dedicated email address: recall@protechsafety.com.
The recall has raised concerns among workplace safety advocates. “This is a wake-up call for the entire industry,” said Dr. Maria Lopez, a senior occupational health specialist at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). “Manufacturers must not only claim compliance but also perform ongoing quality checks. A single failure in a batch of thousands can put countless workers at risk.”
Safety equipment distributors have been instructed to remove the affected models from their shelves. Several major retailers, including Home Depot and Lowe’s, have confirmed that they are cooperating with the recall and have removed the boots from their online listings.
Sources close to the CPSC indicate that the agency is now considering a new mandatory testing protocol for all electrical hazard footwear sold in the U.S. The proposed rule would require manufacturers to submit random samples from each production batch for third-party testing before sale. Currently, only self-certification is required, with periodic audits by third-party labs.
If adopted, this change could significantly reduce the risk of future recalls and improve worker safety across the construction, electrical, and utility industries.
Workers who rely on electrical hazard boots should verify that their current footwear is not part of any active recall. The CPSC website (www.cpsc.gov) maintains a searchable database of all recalls. Additionally, wearers should inspect their boots regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or moisture damage, which can compromise electrical insulation.
For those who need immediate replacement boots, the company is offering a voucher for a free pair of an upgraded model (with a retail value of up to $250) while the refund is processed.
ProTech Safety is a subsidiary of a global conglomerate that manufactures personal protective equipment (PPE) for industrial and construction use. The company has been in business for over 40 years and sells products in more than 50 countries. In a statement, the company apologized for the defect and said it is cooperating fully with the CPSC investigation.
If you own a pair of ProTech Safety work boots, especially the EH-1000, EH-2000, or EH-3000 models, stop using them immediately. Check your boots today and take advantage of the recall program. No one should risk their life for a pair of boots that were supposed to keep them safe.
For more information, visit the official recall page or call the hotline. Stay safe, and stay informed.
This article is based on the latest CPSC recall notice and independent expert analysis. The model numbers and brand name have been used for illustrative purposes; actual recall details may vary. Always verify with official sources.
