Abstract: A safety shoe instep guard of compound curvature conforming generally to the shape of the human instep is constructed as an integral part of the shoe or secured to the shoe adjacent at least the lower end of the guard and extends upwardly from the region of the toes. The guard includes a plurality of elongated generally arched-shaped rigid strips extending transversely of the instep and are articulated together in overlapping relation to provide an armored protector assembly having sufficient flexibility to permit normal use and movement of the shoe. The articulated rigid strips are provided with an upwardly directed, generally arcuate arch extending transversely of the individual strips, with the arcuate arches of adjacent rigid strips overlapping and cooperating to form a continuous upwardly directed reinforcing ridge extending substantially the full length of the articulated armor assembly.