Abstract: The present invention is directed to a safety shoe having improved characteristics of flexibility, weight and style. The shoe, which is of stitch-down construction incorporates a metal toe box retainer which fits within the metal toe box and holds the metal toe box in place. The metal toe box has flanges which fit under the edges of the metal toe box retainer. Durability and comfort are achieved by means of a liner which is lasted to the interior surface of the metal toe box and wraps around and under the retainer.