What are Disposable Overshoes?

Disposable overshoes, also commonly known as shoe covers, are common items of personal protective equipment worn over footwear to maintain a clean environment or reduce the risk of contamination. They are typically made of a disposable material such as polyethylene or polypropylene and are designed to be worn once and then discarded, hence ‘disposable’. 

When to Wear Overshoes 

There are a number of different situations and industries which require the use of disposable overshoes, most commonly the food industry, medical industry, private contracting jobs and DIY jobs. 

Private contractors such as plumbers, carpenters, electricians, renovators and many others are expected to use overshoes once they enter the customers’ homes to ensure they don’t bring in any dirty materials from the outside. Whereas in the medical industry, those working in sterile environments such as emergency rooms, theatre rooms or laboratories use overshoes to prevent cross-contamination. 

Disposable overshoes are also commonly used by sales agents who are either working on a new build site or visiting a client’s home, to protect the inside of the home. It can also be handy to carry a few spares on you for prospective buyers looking round homes. This will go down very well with the home owners which will only benefit you in the long run.

Another common use for disposable overshoes is to protect newly laid, recently cleaned or pale coloured carpets, whether you’re carrying out DIY at home, or you’re working in someone else’s home. 

Are Overshoes Worth It? 

The simple answer is – yes, disposable overshoes are absolutely worth it and bring a number of benefits to the user, customer and workplace, such as ensuring a clean environment, reducing the spread of contamination and improving customer satisfaction. Let’s look a little deeper:

The Benefits of Wearing Disposable Overshoes:

1. They ensure a clean working environment 

As shoe covers act as a barrier between a normal shoe and the floor, they prevent the spread of substances around the workplace which could otherwise hinder the cleanliness of the area, pose a slip hazard or damage flooring. 

Even the spread of general dirt can be prevented by contractors such as plumbers and carpenters when walking in and out of a client’s house with the help of disposable overshoes. 

2. They help to reduce the spread of contamination

Disposable shoe covers, as it says in the name, can be simply chucked away once leaving the work environment. This significantly reduces the spread of cross-contamination and prevents employees from tracking potentially dangerous material to other building locations or even into the local community.

3. They improve customer satisfaction

Regardless of the industry, whether its hospitality, medical or construction, the level of professionalism and care shown by personnel who use overshoes is seriously appreciated by customers. Not only that, but in circumstances where shoes are expected to be removed in the home, overshoes offer a logical alternative when it’s not appropriate for personnel to remove their shoes.

4. They keep your shoes clean

In working environments which require employees being exposed to materials which may damage or stain their shoes, shoe covers provide the ideal barrier. 

5. They are super easy to use

Unlike safety shoes which often require a bit of time fiddling with the laces, overshoes simply slip on and off within a couple of seconds. Their elasticated nature also means they fit basically any shoe size. 

Our Range of Disposable Overshoes:

Deluxe Disposable Overshoes / Shoe Covers – Non Detectable (800)

Widely used in the food industry, these blue/white disposable overshoes feature a special non-woven upper with a deeply embossed CPE sole for non-slip use. Available to bulk purchase in a pack of 800. 

Disposable Overshoes / Shoe Covers – Non Detectable (2000)

In a large quantity of 2000, these handmade disposable overshoes are perfect for larger workplaces or environments which overshoes are widely used by all employees. Featuring quality CPE deeply embossed soles for non slip use with elasticated edges. Intended to be used for low risk applications. Widely used in the food industry. Dimensions: Length 36cm (14″) Depth 15.3cm (6″) Thickness 40 microns.

Learn about the different types of PPE here and do not hesitate to get in touch if you need help in buying the right PPE for your workplace. Browse our full range of first aid equipment and related products on our website. 

Written by Kate, for Morsafe Supplies.