What does ANSI Z87.1 mean and do I really need it?

ANSI Z87.1 is the U.S. impact standard for occupational eye protection. Across the reviewers we read — including specialist subreddits like r/Machinists — the strong consensus is that anything not marked Z87 (or Z87+ for high-velocity impact) should not be considered safety eyewear, regardless of how rugged it looks. All five picks here meet Z87.1.