The primary purpose of safety footwear standards like EN ISO 20345 is to create a universal, reliable system for classifying protective footwear based on specific, testable safety features. This ensures that workers, safety managers, and manufacturers all share a common language for identifying the right protection for a given workplace hazard, moving beyond vague claims to guarantee a certified level of performance.
These standards transform safety from a matter of opinion into a matter of fact. They provide a clear code that allows you to match specific workplace risks—like falling objects, sharp surfaces, or water—to a certified footwear solution, removing dangerous guesswork from critical safety decisions.
The Foundation of EN ISO 20345: The Toecap
The 200-Joule Impact Test
Every single shoe certified under EN ISO 20345, regardless of its other features, must have a protective toecap.
This toecap is required to withstand a 200-joule impact. This provides a fundamental baseline of protection against falling objects in hazardous work environments.
Decoding the "S" Ratings: A Guide to Protection Levels
The standard uses a simple classification system, primarily prefixed with "S," to denote escalating and varying types of protection built upon the basic safety toecap.
SB - Safety Basic
This is the most fundamental rating. An SB shoe has the mandatory 200-joule toecap but may be open at the heel. It meets the minimum criteria for safety footwear.
S1 - For Dry Environments
An S1 shoe includes the basic toecap plus protection against common industrial risks in dry areas. It features antistatic properties, oil-resistant outsoles, and energy absorption in the heel for comfort and support.
S1P - Adding Puncture Resistance
The S1P rating includes all the features of an S1 shoe with one critical addition: a puncture-resistant midsole. This is essential for environments where sharp objects like nails or metal shards are a hazard underfoot.
S2 - Protection from Moisture
An S2 shoe has all the properties of an S1 but adds a water-resistant upper. It is designed for work in damp or outdoor conditions where protection from water penetration is necessary, but puncture risk is low.
S3 - The Comprehensive All-Rounder
S3 is one of the most common and comprehensive safety ratings. It combines the features of S2 (water-resistant upper) with the features of S1P (puncture-resistant midsole), making it a robust choice for construction and general outdoor work.
Specialized Protection: The Waterproof Classes
For environments requiring full water immersion protection, the standard provides two additional ratings, typically for footwear of a Wellington boot style.
S4 - Full Waterproofing
An S4 boot has a fully moulded polymer or rubber upper, making it 100% waterproof. It includes the basic S1 features like a toecap, antistatic properties, and oil resistance, but it does not have a puncture-resistant midsole.
S5 - Maximum Waterproof Protection
The S5 rating is the highest level of protection under this classification. It is an S4 boot—fully waterproof with all basic safety features—with the addition of a puncture-resistant midsole.
Understanding the Trade-offs
A Higher Number Isn't Always "Better"
The goal is not to choose the highest number, but the correct rating for your specific risk assessment. Wearing heavy, waterproof S5 boots in a dry warehouse (where S1P is appropriate) leads to unnecessary fatigue and discomfort.
Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof
There is a critical distinction between these terms. S2 and S3 footwear have a water-resistant upper, meaning it will resist water penetration for a period. S4 and S5 boots are fully waterproof due to their moulded, seamless construction.
Other Hazards Exist
The "S" ratings cover the most common industrial hazards. However, specialized risks require additional certifications, such as ESR for electric shock resistance or M for metatarsal protection, which are indicated by separate markings.
How to Select the Right Safety Footwear
Your choice should be dictated entirely by a thorough assessment of your workplace risks.
- If your primary focus is working indoors with impact risk but no sharp objects or water: An S1 shoe provides the necessary core protection and comfort.
- If your work involves risk from nails, screws, or sharp debris on the ground: You must choose a rating with a "P", such as S1P or S3, for midsole protection.
- If you work outdoors or in damp conditions with puncture risks: An S3 shoe is the most common and comprehensive choice for all-around protection.
- If your environment requires complete waterproofing, like in agriculture or deep cleaning: S4 or S5 boots are the correct solution, with S5 being necessary if puncture risk is also present.
By understanding this classification system, you can move from hoping you are safe to knowing you have the precise protection required for the job.
Summary Table:
| Rating | Key Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| SB | Basic 200-joule toecap | Minimum impact protection |
| S1 | Toecap, antistatic, oil-resistant sole | Dry indoor environments |
| S1P | S1 features + puncture-resistant midsole | Areas with sharp debris (nails, metal) |
| S2 | S1 features + water-resistant upper | Damp or outdoor conditions |
| S3 | S2 features + puncture-resistant midsole | Construction, outdoor work with puncture risk |
| S4 | Fully waterproof, toecap, antistatic | Water immersion, no puncture risk |
| S5 | S4 features + puncture-resistant midsole | Maximum waterproof & puncture protection |
Ensure your workforce has the precise safety footwear they need. As a large-scale manufacturer, 3515 produces a comprehensive range of EN ISO 20345 certified footwear for distributors, brand owners, and bulk clients. Our production capabilities encompass all types of safety shoes and boots, ensuring you get the right protection for any workplace hazard. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and benefit from our expertise in certified safety footwear manufacturing.
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