- Leather Boots and Shoes for Miners provide durable protection in underground and surface mining
- Certified under ISI Mark Leather Safety Boots and Shoes and IS 1989 (Part 1): 1986, representing BIS Certification standards
- Top brands like Bata, Liberty, and Rocky deliver real‑life client‑tested performance and comfort
- Practical advice: fit, sole grip, leather grade, heat/puncture resistance, and maintenance
Introduction
Last year, Ramesh, a mining client from Chhattisgarh, was fed up with having to keep changing his mining crew’s boots every two months. The underground seam had incredibly sharp rock shards that tore through any and all kind of boots. He asked me, “Why do Indian miners keep getting hurt and injured with safety shoes and boots?” That client scenario hit me hard: there are too many miners using generic boot footwear. I decided to audit their equipment, and the difference was black and white once we implemented the correct proper certified Leather Boots and Shoes for Miners.
It was from that moment on where I have made it my business to help mining companies across Jharkhand, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh select and buy boots with ISI Mark certification IS 1989 , which is a part of the full BIS Certification for Leather Safety Boots and Shoes. We saw a visible reduction in injuries, as well. All the footwear lasted longer, crews were happier – we reduced costs as a company as well.
What Are Leather Boots and Shoes for Miners?
Leather Boots and Shoes for Miners are specially designed protective footwear made from high‑grade leather, reinforced soles, and toe caps. They guard miners against impacts, punctures, slips, and harsh underground conditions. Under the ISI Mark for Leather Safety Boots and Shoes, they conform to IS 1989 (Part 1): 1986 – a BIS standard covering safety toe, sole penetration resistance, electrical insulation, sole grip and overall durability.
These certified shoes are mandatory under Indian mining safety regulations because they ensure consistent quality and performance on rugged terrain.
Why BIS Certification and ISI Mark Matter

Under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), ISI Mark certification ensures that footwear meets IS 1989 (Part 1): 1986 test methods and criteria. It involves:
- Impact resistance (200 J minimum at the toe cap)
- Penetration resistance (steel plate penetration force threshold)
- Slip resistance, sole heat resistance, and resistance to liquids
- Leather quality, seam strength, and electrical insulation
Bata, Liberty, Rocky in Mining Mines
Bata Industrial’s Leather Safety Boots
At the Jharia coalfields, a safety engineer switched to Bata’s ISI‑marked leather safety boots for a crew. Those boots lasted six months longer than the previous batch, and workers reported less foot fatigue.
Liberty Safety Footwear
In an Odisha bauxite mine, Liberty’s high‑ankle leather boot helped one miner avoid a serious injury when a falling rock scratched the toe area. The toe cap withstood the impact beyond standards.
Rocky Safety (Imported)
For projects near Goa, a contractor imported “Rocky” brand boots—certified to IS 1989 Part 1. Though more expensive, they offered superior sole life in wet mineral leptopores and extreme heat.
Getting to know IS 1989 (Part 1): 1986 – The Standard Behind ISI Marked Leather Safety Footwear
In India’s industrial safety landscape, the strength, reliability, and protective attributes of work boots are governed by one standard – IS 1989 (Part 1): 1986. Therefore, when you are purchasing Leather Boots and Shoes for Miners this is the Indian Standard you need to be aware of and observe.
What is IS 1989 (Part 1): 1986?
IS 1989 (Part 1): 1986 is the official Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification that states the minimum safety, construction, and testing standards for the manufacture of leather protective footwear intended for use in industrial workplaces, including mining, construction, oil fields, and heavy manufacturing.
Its purpose is to bring Indian safety footwear manufacturing into line with global standards for durability, and protection from workplace hazards especially for workplaces with a high risk of exposure, such as underground mining.
Step-by-Step BIS Certification process for Leather Safety Boots & Shoes for Miners (IS 1989: Part 1:1986)

Identify Standard → IS 1989 (Part 1):1986.
Prepare Documents → Factory licence, QC system, machinery & test equipment list, calibration certificates.
Product Testing → Get boots tested at a BIS-recognized lab.
Apply Online → Submit application on Manakonline BIS portal.
Upload Documents & Pay Fees → Test reports + factory details.
BIS Factory Audit → Officer inspects manufacturing & testing.
Close Non-Conformities → Fix any gaps if highlighted.
Grant of Licence → BIS issues ISI licence (CM/L number).
Mark Products → Use ISI mark on boots.
Maintain Compliance → Regular audits, testing & renewal.
Documents Required for BIS Certification of Leather Boots and Shoes for Miners
Getting BIS Certification under IS 1989 (Part 1): 1986 may look complex, but with the right documents, the process becomes smooth. Here’s a simple step-by-step checklist:
Step 1: Business Identity Documents
- Company Registration Certificate (Partnership Deed, GST, or Incorporation Certificate)
- Factory License showing your manufacturing activity
- Authorized Signatory ID Proof (Aadhaar / Passport / PAN)
Step 2: Manufacturing Setup Proo
- Plant Layout & Machinery List (to show you have the right setup for making safety boots)
- Manufacturing Process Flow Chart (step-by-step process of how boots are made)
- Quality Control Plan (your internal checks to ensure consistent quality)
Step 3: Product Details
- Product Specification Sheet (size, material grade, design, sole type, etc.)
- Samples for Testing (boots sent to BIS-recognized lab for tests like toe impact and sole penetration)
- Raw Material Invoices (proof of leather and sole material used)
Step 4: Legal & Authorization Documents
- Trademark Registration (if brand name/logo is used on boots)
- Authorization Letter (if applying through an agent/consultant like Diligence Certification)
- Undertaking & Affidavit (as per BIS format)
Step 5: Factory Audit Readiness
- Test Equipment Calibration Certificates
- Internal Test Records (if any)
- Worker Safety & Compliance Documents (to show safe workplace practices)
Comparisons: ISI Mark vs Non‑Certified Boots
| Feature | ISI‑Marked Leather Safety Boots for Miners | Generic Boots (non‑certified) |
| Impact resistance | Verified to 200 J+ under IS 1989 (Part 1): 1986 number | Unknown—likely substandard |
| Penetration resistance (plate) | Steel/composite midsole tested under BIS standards | Cheap thin midsoles break easily |
| Slip/heat resistance | Rubber soles rated to 180 °C, oil‑slip tested | No standardized testing; slick or hard |
| Leather quality | Full‑grain or equivalent, consistent size | Flawed, flimsy, splits easily |
| Warranty and traceability | Serial number, manufacturing batch, BIS traceable | No traceability, limited or no warranty |
Why Choose Diligence Certification for BIS Certification of Leather Boots and Shoes for Miners?
- Specialized in BIS Certification
Diligence Certification has in-depth expertise in BIS Certification under IS 1989 (Part 1): 1986, which is the mandatory Indian Standard for leather safety boots and shoes used by miners. - Complete Certification Support
They cover the whole BIS Certification process for you, including the application preparation, product testing in BIS recognized laboratories, factory inspection, and granting you a license, so you don’t have to deal with complicated formalities. - Technical Knowledge
Their team will be well aware of the key BIS requirements essential for your boots, for example toe impact resistance, penetration resistance, quality of soles and strength of leather, ensuring that your footwear will meet each of the necessary testing and standards. - Faster Market Entry
By diligently working with BIS, and the testing labs, Diligence will reduce your certification process time, meaning you get your boots to market faster in the mining industry. - Assured Compliance & Safety
BIS-certified boots provide miners with reliable protection in underground and surface conditions, and protect your business from penalties, seizures, or product recalls. - Trusted by Industry
Many leading footwear and PPE manufacturers rely on Diligence for obtaining BIS licenses, making them a proven and trusted partner.
Conclusion
When selecting certified Leather Boots and Shoes for Miners, you are not simply ticking a box, you are investing into safety,… durability, compliance, health of workers, and short and long-term cost benefit. The ISI Mark and, the BIS Certification (according to IS 1989 (Part 1): 1986) ensure that the impact, penetration, slip resistance and heat resistance meets Indian safety standards. The performance of Bata, Liberty and, Rocky in regular underground operations; drilling, coal, and bauxite mining, is supported by real customer examples.
If you would like assistance with advising on the best boot model for your mine: brand, size, leather specification, sole specification, please feel free to contact me. I am more than happy to audit your specifications or put you in touch with several trusted, BIS-certified vendors with pricing.
FAQs
What is IS 1989 (Part 1): 1986?
It's the Indian Standard for testing and construction of safety boots, particularly for toe-impact resistance and penetration resistance.
Why do I need BIS Certification?
It confirms things like safety, wear and tear, slip resistance, longevity and compliance with national standards for mining footwear.
Can I use non-certified boots in mining?
No - non-certified boots have not been safety tested, which could breach laws and company policies.
Do the ISI-certified boots fail?
Very rarely. Usually failures result from misuse or poor maintenance, and not because of a defect in manufacture.
Are imported boots better than Indian brands?
Not necessarily. Indian brands such as Bata and Liberty are just as good when they are ISI-certified.
What leather grade is best?
Full-grain and corrected-grain leather provide the best level of protection and durability.
How do I check the ISI certification or mark online?
You simple go to bis.gov.in, and search using the brand and licence number on the boot/box.
Can these boots handle underground heat?
Yes, ISI-certified soles are tested up to 180 °C and withstand mining conditions.
How can I prolong boot life?
Regular cleaning, leather conditioning, shaded drying, and insole replacement.
What’s the lifespan of certified miner boots?
With care, 6–10 months—nearly double that of non-certified boots.
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