Nearly every job has some kind of dress code policy, and USPS is no different.
USPS is particularly adamant about the types of shoes employees wear- so what is their shoe policy, and why is it so particular?
Key Takeaways
USPS Shoe Policy In 2022
USPS only allows employees to wear certain types of shoes for safety reasons since they spend so much time on their feet. The approved shoes for USPS workers are dust-resistant and water-resistant and made of leather and leather-adjacent materials. Approved shoes are also SR/USA labeled and typically black with colored tags allowed.
There are a lot of intricacies in USPS’ shoe policy, so make sure to check out the rest of the article to get the full picture!
What Shoe Materials Are USPS Employees Allowed To Wear?
All shoes approved by the USPS for employees to wear are leather or leather-adjacent materials such as hardy synthetic materials.
Synthetic materials like canvas or nylon are not acceptable materials for USPS shoes.
Other shoe features that are not allowed for USPS footwear are as follows:
- Heels more than 1 ½ inches in height or soles more than ½ inch high
- Shoes with open sides, toes, or heels
- Heels with steel taps
- Tennis shoes, athletic, or jogging shoes except those with the appropriate materials, or moccasins
- Any shoes that have netted material on them
- Shoes that are no longer adequate due to disrepair
If you want to read more about the safety guide for USPS workers, you can read the full USPS handbook here.
Can USPS Employees Only Wear Black Shoes?
USPS employees are only permitted to wear SR/USA labeled shoes at work.
All SR/USA labeled shoes are black with only a few exceptions, however USPS does require that shoes worn on the jobs be black.
While the shoes USPS employees are allowed to wear are largely black, they do not have to be entirely black.
USPS employee shoes are allowed to have tags or tongues that are not black, especially as SR/USA labeled shoes have a green tag indicating that they’re SR/USA labeled.
What Are SR/USA Labelled Shoes?
SR/USA labeled shoes means that the shoes are slip-resistant and made in the United States of America.
SR/USA labeled shoes always have a green label on the shoes- if they do not have the green SR/USA label, they are not SR/USA labeled shoes, regardless of how they’re marketed.
If you do not have SR/USA labeled shoes while working at USPS, if you get hurt on the job you will not receive worker’s compensation.
Where Can You Buy SR/USA Labeled Shoes?
The best way to purchase shoes, or any uniform pieces for that matter, for a USPS position is through Postal Uniforms Direct, which you can find online here.
You can also find SR/USA labeled shoes through popular sites such as Amazon, Skechers, Webstaurant Shoes, New Balance, and Reebok.
It’s likely easiest to shop for and buy SR/USA shoes online as it can be difficult to walk into a brick and mortar store and differentiate between SR/USA shoes and shoes that look like they could be SR/USA labeled.
Why Do You Have To Buy SR/USA Labelled Shoes?
The biggest reason to adhere to USPS shoe policies is for safety reasons.
SR/USA labeled shoes are by definition slip-resistant, and are also water and dust-resistant while providing good arch support and comfort for long days on your feet.
SR/USA labeled shoes are also good for the economy, as they’re created in the United States and help to maintain and create jobs.
Another good reason to wear SR/USA labeled shoes is in case you’re hurt on the job.
If you aren’t wearing SR/USA labeled shoes when you’re on the job and get hurt, you will not be able to claim worker’s comp.
To learn more about working at USPS, you might also be interested in reading our guides on the USPS orientation, if the USPS exam is hard, and if USPS is a federal job.
Conclusion
USPS requires that employees wear SR/USA labeled shoes, which are black, leather, or leather-adjacent shoes that are slip-resistant, dust-resistant, and water-resistant.
Almost all SR/USA labeled shoes are black, and USPS requires that shoes employees wear be black, with the exception of the green SR/USA tag.
You can purchase SR/USA labeled shoes most easily online, typically from places like Amazon, however it’s best to purchase USPS shoes and most USPS uniform pieces from Postal Uniforms Direct.
USPS does not allow for employees to wear any open-toed, heeled, or fabric, canvas, or nylon shoes.