Everything about safety shoes

Safety shoes protect your feet from falling objects, nails, slips and electrostatic discharge. But which class do you need, what do codes like SR, HRO or ESD mean, and what should you look for in terms of fit and maintenance? On this page you will find everything you need to know to choose the right work shoe for yourself or your team.

On this page: The EN ISO 20345 standard · Safety classes SB to S7 · Additional codes · Which class is right for your work? · Low, high or boot? · Toe and midsole · Size and fit · Maintenance and replacement · Frequently asked questions

What is the EN ISO 20345 standard?

In Europe, safety shoes must comply with EN ISO 20345. The most important requirement is a protective toe that withstands a drop energy of 200 joules, comparable to a 20-kilogram weight falling on your toes from a height of one metre. The standard also sets requirements for the sole, slip resistance and the strength of the upper.

The current version of the standard dates from 2022. A few things have changed compared to the 2011 version: new classes have been added (S6 and S7), slip resistance is indicated differently and sole oil resistance has become an additional requirement with the code FO. Shoes that are still certified according to the old version remain safe; you will only sometimes see different codes on the label.

Shoes without a protective toe fall under EN ISO 20347 (occupational footwear, classes O1 to O7). These are intended for work where there is no risk of falling objects, such as in healthcare or hospitality.

Safety classes SB, S1, S1P, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 and S7

The class tells you in one code which protective properties a shoe has. Most classes build on a lower class.

After S1P and S3 you sometimes see an extra letter, such as S1PS or S3L. This indicates the type of puncture-resistant midsole; you can read more about this under toe and midsole. More background can be found in our blog work shoe standards: what do S1, S1P, S2 and S3 mean?

What do the additional codes mean?

In addition to the class, a shoe can have extra properties. These are shown as separate codes on the label in the shoe or on the tongue.

• SR – extra slip resistance, tested on a tiled floor with glycerine. Since 2022, a basic slip test for all safety shoes has been mandatory; SR is the more demanding additional test.
• FO – sole resistant to oil and fuel.
• HRO – sole resistant to contact with hot surfaces up to 300 °C, for example during asphalt paving or welding.
• CI / HI – sole insulation against cold (CI) or heat (HI).
• WR – the entire shoe is tested for water resistance, not just the upper.
• M – protection of the instep against falling objects.
• AN – extra ankle protection.
• ESD – not part of EN ISO 20345, but tested according to IEC 61340. An ESD shoe safely discharges static charge and is required in electronics environments. View our ESD work shoes.

Which safety class is right for your work?

Start with the risks at the workplace. The company's risk assessment and evaluation (RA&E) often already states which protection is mandatory. As a rule of thumb:

• Warehouse, logistics and indoor production: S1 or S1P, preferably with SR. A lightweight sporty work shoe is comfortable for walking a lot.
• Construction, installation and outdoor work: S3, preferably with SR and possibly HRO. For wet weather, S7 or a high S3 shoe with waterproof lining is a good choice.
• Wet environments and the food industry: S4 or S5 safety boots, which are easy to hose down.
• Electronics and cleanrooms: an S1 or S2 shoe with ESD marking.
• Working in heat or with hot asphalt: a shoe with HRO, possibly HI.

Unsure between two classes? Choose the higher one. An S3 can do everything an S1P can, but not vice versa.

Low shoe, high shoe or boot?

Low work shoes are lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for work involving a lot of walking or kneeling. High work shoes provide more ankle support and keep out dirt, gravel and water more effectively; they are the standard for construction and uneven terrain. Choose boots for water, mud or when shoes need to be cleaned frequently. For warm environments or indoor work, safety sandals are also available.

Women often have narrower feet and a lower instep. Special women's work shoes therefore fit better than a small men's size.

Steel or composite toe, metal or textile midsole?

A steel toe is thin and strong and usually slightly cheaper. A composite toe is lighter, conducts much less cold and heat and will not set off a metal detector. Both meet the same 200-joule requirement.

A similar rule applies to the puncture-resistant midsole. A metal plate (code P) is tested with a 4.5 mm nail. A textile, non-metal midsole is more flexible and lighter; since 2022, it is tested with a 4.5 mm nail (code PL) or a 3 mm nail (code PS). If you work in places with small, sharp particles, such as in metal or glass processing, P or PS offers the most protection against thin, sharp particles.

How do you choose the right size and fit?

A safety shoe that pinches will not be worn. Therefore, pay attention to:

• Length: your toes must not touch the toe cap. Leave about a thumb's width of space in front of your big toe.
• Width: some models have a wider fit. If you have wide feet, choose a model with a wide fit.
• Fitting at the end of the day: feet swell slightly during the day. Try on shoes with the work socks you will also wear during work.
• Insoles: if you use your own or an orthopaedic insole, check that it has been tested with the shoe. A different insole can affect the certification.

Sizes vary by brand and model. View the size charts, and if you want to try them on before placing a larger team order, request fitting sizes or samples.

Maintenance and when to replace your work shoes?

Brush dirt and sand off the shoes after work, let wet shoes dry at room temperature and never place them on a heater: leather will dry out and crack. Treat leather shoes with a protector regularly and, for daily use, preferably alternate between two pairs so they can dry properly. Replace accessories such as laces and insoles separately.

Replace a safety shoe immediately if the toe cap is visibly damaged or exposed, after a heavy impact on the toe, if the sole tread is worn down, or if there are holes or tears in the upper. There is no fixed timeframe; it depends on how intensively you use the shoes.

Frequently asked questions about work shoes

What is the difference between S1P and S3?

Both have a protective toe and a puncture-resistant midsole. An S3 also has a water-repellent upper and a profiled sole with more grip. S1P is therefore mainly suitable for dry indoor areas, while S3 is for outdoor work and construction.

Is my employer obliged to pay for safety shoes?

Yes. Safety shoes are personal protective equipment. If they are required based on the RA&E, the employer must provide them free of charge in accordance with occupational health and safety legislation. Read more on our page everything about PPE.

Are sporty work shoes as safe as classic work shoes?

Yes, as long as they are in the same class. A sporty S3 shoe meets exactly the same requirements as a classic S3 shoe. The difference lies in weight, appearance and comfort.

What does SRC mean on my old work shoes?

SRC is the slip code from the 2011 version of the standard. It means that the shoe has been tested on a tiled floor with a soap solution and on steel with glycerine. In the 2022 version, the codes SRA, SRB and SRC have been replaced by a mandatory basic test and the additional code SR.

Can I order work shoes on a business account?

Yes. Businesses, institutions and employment agencies can register as a business and then order on account.

View our full range of work shoes and safety shoes, including the Compositelite Volga Sportschoen S1P Portwest FC09 and the Eco-composiettrainer S3S SR Portwest FC07.