EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 is the current standard in effect, specifying the basic requirements for safety footwear (200 J impact-resistant toe caps, 15 kN compression resistance) as well as additional requirements related to mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, and ergonomics.
For buyers, importers, and distributors, there is only one key question: Which classification matches the actual risks at my worksite? For dry warehouse environments, S1 or S1P-class footwear may be suitable; construction and outdoor work may require S3, S3L, or S3S class; and in damp outdoor environments, S6 or S7 class may be necessary, depending on the required protective performance. In addition, supplementary markings such as SR, WPA, WR, FO, CI, HI, HRO, P, PL, and PS help clarify the specific performance characteristics of the footwear.
Procurement Reminder for 2026: ISO 20345:2011 has been withdrawn; the current ISO version is 2021+A1:2024, and the European standard adopted is BS EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024. The 2022 version without the A1 amendment will lose its presumption of conformity on April 8, 2026; new certifications must use the version that includes the amendment. Before placing an order, be sure to verify the standard number, classification, and additional markings on the insole label to ensure that the “certificate and label match.”
What Is EN ISO 20345:2022?
EN ISO 20345:2022 is the core standard for safety shoes widely adopted in European and international markets, designed to protect wearers from mechanical hazards in the workplace. Footwear that meets this standard must satisfy the minimum requirements of a protective toe cap with 200 joules of impact resistance and 15 kN of compression resistance; based on these requirements, the standard uses a combination of additional performance indicators to establish classification codes such as S1P and S3, facilitating the selection of appropriate footwear based on actual risks.
This standard applies to two construction types. Class I covers footwear made of leather and other materials (excluding all-rubber or all-polymer materials). Class II covers boots made of rubber or polymer that are molded as a single piece. Footwear with a hybrid construction between the two is marked as SBH. Every pair of footwear bearing the EN ISO 20345:2022 mark has passed type testing by a Notified Body and is labeled with the manufacturer’s name, date of manufacture, size, and specific protection level.
What Does EN ISO 20345:2022 Cover?
This standard covers the most common mechanical hazards faced by workers: toe impacts and crush injuries, slips, punctures to the sole, and water ingress. Certified footwear must meet the following mandatory requirements:
- 200J impact resistance / 15 kN compression resistance in the toe cap
- Pass the basic slip resistance test on a tile surface coated with a cleaning solution
- Closed heel (except for the Pure SB category)
- Higher-level models must also feature antistatic properties and heel energy absorption
Optional but frequently specified performance features include: puncture resistance (P, PL, PS), waterproofing (WR), and superior slip resistance (SR). Additionally, the standard allows for the declaration of supplementary characteristics such as thermal insulation/cold protection, cut-resistant uppers, metatarsal protection, ankle protection, stair slip resistance, toe cap abrasion resistance, and electrical properties.
In short: First, confirm that mandatory requirements are met, then select optional protective features based on on-site risks to choose the right compliant safety shoes.
EN ISO 20345:2022 vs EN ISO 20345:2011
ISO 20345:2011 has been withdrawn; the current international standard is ISO 20345:2021; The European version of the standard is EN ISO 20345:2022, which has been updated to EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024. The new version is not merely a name change but includes substantial revisions to the classification system, labeling rules, and testing requirements.
| Feature | EN ISO 20345:2022 | EN ISO 20345:2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Newer generation of the standard; European edition published as EN ISO 20345:2022 | Previous edition; withdrawn internationally |
| Safety classification | SB, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 plus newer variants such as S1PL, S1PS, S3L, S3S, S5L and S5S | SB, S1, S1P, S2, S3, S4 and S5 |
| Slip resistance | Uses updated testing and SR additional marking | Used SRA, SRB and SRC classifications |
| Penetration protection | P, PL and PS designations distinguish different penetration-test configurations | Primarily P for penetration resistance |
| S1P | Retained, with additional newer options such as S1PL and S1PS | Standard S1P classification |
| S3 | Expanded with S3L and S3S options | Traditional S3 classification |
| Water protection | Adds S6 and S7 classifications for whole-footwear water resistance | No S6 or S7 classifications |
| Toe-cap protection | Updated requirements and testing framework | Earlier testing framework |
| Slip-resistance basic requirement | Updated approach to slip testing; SR is an additional marking | SRA/SRB/SRC system |
| Additional markings | Expanded marking system, including newer options such as PL, PS, SC and LG | Earlier marking system |
| Buyer consideration | Check the exact classification, additional markings and current test documentation | Older product documentation may use terminology that does not map directly to the newer system |
| 2026 purchasing relevance | The appropriate current framework for new European safety-footwear specifications | Mainly relevant when reviewing legacy products, certificates or older documentation |
For dry industrial workplaces requiring additional penetration protection, S1P safety shoes can be considered when the specified penetration requirements match the workplace hazards.
EN ISO 20345:2022 Safety Shoe Classes
The safety class gives buyers a starting point, but it should always be matched to the actual working environment.
| Class | Typical application considerations |
|---|---|
| SB | Basic safety footwear requirements with protective toe cap |
| S1 | Dry indoor industrial environments; includes basic antistatic and heel energy absorption requirements |
| S1P | Dry workplaces where additional penetration resistance is required |
| S1PL | S1 protection with PL penetration resistance |
| S1PS | S1 protection with PS penetration resistance |
| S2 | Workplaces where water penetration and absorption of the upper are relevant |
| S3 | Outdoor and general industrial work requiring S2-level protection plus penetration resistance and cleated outsole requirements. For buyers comparing S3 footwear, see our guide to S3 safety shoes. |
| S3L | S3 classification with PL penetration resistance |
| S3S | S3 classification with PS penetration resistance |
| S4 | Class II safety footwear with S1-level properties and a waterproof design/construction based on the classification requirements |
| S5 | Class II safety footwear with S3-level protection and waterproof construction |
| S6 | Safety footwear with whole-footwear water resistance (WR) |
| S7 | S3-type protection combined with whole-footwear water resistance (WR) |
EN ISO 20345:2022 Markings Explained
The markings on EN ISO 20345:2022 safety shoes often tell a buyer more than the product name does.
| Marking | Meaning | What It Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| P | Penetration resistance | Metal penetration-resistant insert |
| PL | Penetration resistance | Non-metallic insert tested with a 4.5 mm nail |
| PS | Penetration resistance | Non-metallic insert tested with a 3.0 mm nail |
| C | Partially conductive footwear | Footwear with partially conductive electrical properties |
| A | Antistatic footwear | Controls electrical resistance to reduce electrostatic charge buildup |
| E | Energy absorption of seat region | Energy absorption in the heel/seat region |
| WR | Water resistance | Resistance to water penetration of the whole footwear |
| WPA | Water penetration and absorption | Resistance to water penetration and absorption of the upper |
| M | Metatarsal protection | Protection of the metatarsal area |
| AN | Ankle protection | Protection around the ankle |
| CR | Cut resistance | Cut resistance of the upper |
| SC | Scuff cap abrasion resistance | Resistance of an optional toe/scuff cap to abrasion |
| SR | Enhanced slip resistance | Additional slip-resistance test on ceramic tile with glycerol |
| HRO | Resistance to hot contact | Outsole resistance to hot contact |
| FO | Fuel oil resistance | Resistance of the outsole to fuel oil |
| LG | Ladder grip | Outsole design tested for improved grip on ladders |
| HI | Heat insulation | Heat insulation of the outsole complex |
| CI | Cold insulation | Cold insulation of the outsole complex |
How to Choose the Right Safety Shoe Class
Start with the job, then select the footwear.
- Construction Industry: To protect against falling objects, sharp debris, and muddy, slippery surfaces, it is recommended to select safety boots rated S3, S3L, S3S, or S7 based on a risk assessment.
- Manufacturing Industry: To address machinery, metal shavings, oil spills, and slippery surfaces, footwear should provide protection against impacts, punctures, and slips, as well as necessary antistatic properties.
- Warehousing and Logistics: Since workers spend long hours moving and handling materials, footwear selection should prioritize light weight, a comfortable fit, shock absorption, breathability, and slip resistance in addition to basic protection.
- Mining: Determine the EN ISO 20345:2022 rating based on on-site impacts, punctures, standing water, muddy conditions, and rugged terrain; do not select footwear solely based on the label “mining boots.”
- Agriculture: Given frequent exposure to mud, standing water, sharp objects, and prolonged outdoor work, prioritize footwear that is waterproof, slip-resistant, puncture-resistant, and easy to clean.
- Food Processing and Commercial Kitchens: In environments with slippery, greasy surfaces and prolonged standing, prioritize footwear that is slip-resistant, comfortable, and meets hygiene and sanitation requirements.
- Electronics Industry and ESD-Controlled Areas: In addition to mechanical protection, ESD safety shoes must be selected in accordance with ESD requirements.
- Laboratories: Consider protection against liquids and chemicals, slip resistance, and static control. Verify chemical resistance test data for specific chemicals; do not assume that compliance with EN ISO 20345 automatically provides protection against all chemicals.
FAQs About EN ISO 20345:2022
Q1: What is the difference between S1P and S1PL or S1PS?
A1: They use different penetration-protection designations and test configurations. Buyers should check the exact marking and supporting documentation rather than treating P, PL and PS as interchangeable.
Q2: What does SR mean on safety shoes?
A2: SR identifies the applicable additional slip-resistance performance under the newer framework. It is especially relevant where workers face slippery surfaces.
Q3: What is the difference between S3 and S7?
A3: S7 combines S3-type protection with whole-footwear water resistance. It can therefore be relevant to outdoor environments where both penetration/mechanical protection and water resistance are required.
Q4: How do I verify a China safety shoes supplier meets the standard?
A4: Request the full EU-type examination certificate, the notified-body number, and recent test reports for the exact model. Reputable safety shoes suppliers publish these documents or supply them on request.
Q5: What is the MOQ for EN ISO 20345:2022 safety shoes?
A5: Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) for safety boots orders varies depending on the specific style and production process. Standard styles typically require 300 to 500 pairs, while certain specialty styles may have higher minimum order requirements.
Q6: What are the time, costs, and shipping fees for sample production?
A6:
- Production Lead Time: Sample production time depends on product complexity and factory scheduling. Standard safety shoes typically require 7 to 10 days.
- Sample Fees: The first pair of samples is provided free of charge. Additional samples will incur fees, which are refundable upon placing a bulk order.
- Shipping Costs: Customers are responsible for sample shipping fees.
👉 Contact MK Safety Shoes directly for bulk pricing, OEM options, and sample requests.
