SB class safety shoes represent the most basic level of protective footwear under European standards (EN ISO 20345). Their primary requirement is a toe cap certified to withstand 200 joules of impact and 15 kN compression, without mandating additional protections like closed heels or specific slip resistance. While they meet fundamental workplace safety needs, higher classifications (S1-S3) offer expanded protection for more hazardous environments.
Key Points Explained:
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Core Protection Requirements
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Toe Cap Certification: Must comply with DIN EN 12568, demonstrating resistance to:
- 200-joule impact (equivalent to a 20kg object dropped from 1m height)
- 15 kN compression (~1.5 metric tons of force)
- No Mandatory Heel Coverage: Unlike higher classes (e.g., S1-S3), SB shoes may have open-back designs, similar to some athletic shoes.
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Toe Cap Certification: Must comply with DIN EN 12568, demonstrating resistance to:
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Standard Compliance
- EN ISO 20345: The governing European standard for safety footwear, where SB denotes "Basic" protection.
- Optional Slip Resistance: May include SRA/SRB/SRC ratings (tested on ceramic tile/steel with glycerol or water), though not required for SB classification.
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Performance Testing
- Impact/Compression Tests: Conducted per ASTM F-2412 methods, though SB specifically aligns with European norms.
- Material Durability: Must show abrasion resistance despite minimal structural requirements.
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Comparison to Other Classes
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SB vs. S1/S3: Higher classes add features like:
- Closed heels (S1)
- Water penetration resistance (S2)
- Puncture-resistant soles (S3)
- North American Equivalents: ASTM standards emphasize electrical hazard protection (not required for SB).
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SB vs. S1/S3: Higher classes add features like:
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Practical Considerations
- Workplace Suitability: Ideal for light industrial settings where toe protection is the primary concern.
- Cost Efficiency: More affordable than advanced safety shoes due to simplified design.
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Certification Marks
- Look for the CE mark alongside EN ISO 20345:SB labeling to verify compliance.
- Independent testing body certifications (e.g., SATRA in Europe) add credibility.
Summary Table:
| Feature | SB Class Requirement |
|---|---|
| Toe Cap Protection | 200-joule impact resistance, 15 kN compression resistance (DIN EN 12568 certified) |
| Heel Coverage | Not mandatory (open-back designs allowed) |
| Slip Resistance | Optional (SRA/SRB/SRC ratings available but not required) |
| Standard Compliance | EN ISO 20345 (Basic protection) |
| Workplace Suitability | Light industrial settings where toe protection is the primary concern |
| Certification Marks | CE mark + EN ISO 20345:SB labeling; independent testing body certifications add credibility |
Need SB class safety shoes for your workforce? As a large-scale manufacturer, 3515 produces high-quality, compliant safety footwear tailored for distributors, brand owners, and bulk buyers. Our SB class shoes meet all EN ISO 20345 standards while offering cost efficiency and durability—perfect for light industrial environments.
✅ Why choose us?
- Full compliance with European safety standards (CE marked).
- Competitive pricing for bulk orders without compromising protection.
- Custom solutions available for branding and specific workplace needs.
📩 Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request a catalog!
