ISO 20344 provides standardized test methods for evaluating the safety and performance of protective footwear. This guide covers the main ISO 20344 footwear testing methods, including impact resistance, compression resistance, puncture resistance, slip resistance, sole flexing, abrasion, water resistance, electrical resistance, and thermal insulation. It also introduces common safety footwear testing equipment and explains how these machines are used in footwear manufacturing plants, PPE testing laboratories, third-party testing facilities, and quality-control departments. In addition, the article provides practical buying tips covering standard compliance, test capacity, software and data management, calibration, after-sales service, maintenance, and total cost of ownership. The guide is designed to help footwear manufacturers and testing laboratories select reliable equipment for accurate, repeatable, and efficient safety footwear compliance testing.