When buyers search for safety shoes standards, they typically want quick, clear, and reliable answers: Which safety shoes standards matter? What do S1, S2, or S3 mean? And how do I make sure the safety shoes I buy are compliant, durable, and suitable for my industry? This guide answers those questions clearly and in depth.
What Is the Standard of Safety Shoes?
Safety shoes standards are official regulations that define the minimum safety performance requirements footwear must meet to protect workers from workplace hazards such as impact, crushing, puncture, slipping, moisture, and electrical shock risks.
The two most important safety shoes standards worldwide are:
- EN ISO 20345 – Europe and most international markets
- ASTM F2413 – United States
Understanding these standards will help you select shoes that provide effective protection while meeting the specific challenges of your workplace.
EN ISO 20345 for Safety Footwear
EN ISO 20345 is currently recognized as the most widely adopted professional-grade safety footwear standard. It specifies fundamental requirements for footwear safety.
According to this standard, any footwear labeled as “safety shoes” must incorporate the following features:
- Protective toe cap
- Verified impact and compression resistance
- Exceptional slip resistance, durability, and ergonomic performance
The latest version, EN ISO 20345:2022, incorporates several key updates that all safety shoes suppliers must comply with.
Detailed Classification of Safety Shoes According to EN ISO 20345
Safety shoes is divided into different protection classes based on the requirements they meet. Understanding these classification standards helps you select choose the right gear from safety shoes manufacturer.
According to the new safety shoes standards, protective levels are divided into eight classes: SB, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7. Additionally, the class codes may be followed by “P,” “L” (or “PL”), and “S” (or ‘PS’) to indicate compliance with the additional puncture resistance requirements of the “P,” “PL,” and “PS” certifications.
| Class | Basic Requirements | Typical Working Environment |
|---|---|---|
| SB | 200J protective toe cap + basic slip resistance | Low-risk areas, visitors, light-duty tasks |
| S1 | SB + antistatic (A), energy absorption in heel (E), closed heel | Dry indoor factories, assembly lines |
| S1P | S1 + puncture resistance (P=Metal insert) | Warehouses, workshops, light industrial |
| S1PL | S1 + puncture resistance (PL=Non-metal insert 4.5mm test nail) | Indoor work with puncture hazards |
| S1PS | S1 + puncture resistance (PS=Non-metal insert 3.0mm test nail) | Factories & logistics with slippery surfaces |
| S2 | S1 + upper is resistant to water penetration (WPA) | Food processing, light outdoor, humid environments |
| S3 | S2 + puncture-resistant midsole (P), cleated outsole | Construction, logistics, heavy industry |
| S3L | S2 + puncture resistance (PL), cleated outsole | Outdoor industrial work requiring mobility |
| S3S | S2 + puncture resistance (PS), cleated outsole | Wet/slippery industrial areas |
| S4 | SB + antistatic (A), energy absorption in heel (E), closed heel | Wet environments, agriculture, sanitation |
| S5 | S4 + puncture resistance, cleated outsole | Muddy, chemical, heavy outdoor work |
| S5L | S4 + puncture resistance (PL), upper is resistant to water penetration (WPA) | Agriculture, wet logistics work |
| S5S | S4 + puncture resistance (PS), upper is resistant to water penetration (WPA) | Muddy or slippery chemical plants |
| S6 | S2 + fully waterproof footwear (WR) | Extreme wet conditions, continuous rain |
| S7 | S3 + fully waterproof footwear (WR) | Construction in heavy rain, harsh environments |
| S7L | S3L + fully waterproof footwear (WR) | Mobility-focused construction work in wet conditions |
| S7S | S3S + fully waterproof footwear (WR) | Wet, slippery construction or industrial sites |
Additional Requirements in EN ISO 20345:2022
These symbols indicate optional protective features that can be added to safety footwear beyond the basic requirements specified in the safety shoes iso standards. They help buyers identify footwear suitable for specific hazards or working conditions.
| Symbol | Additional Requirement | Protection / Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| P | Perforation resistance (metal insert) | Protects against sharp object penetration |
| PL | Perforation resistance, non-metallic insert, tested with a 4.5 mm test nail | Similar protection with non-metal insert |
| PS | Perforation resistance, non-metallic insert, tested with a 3.0 mm test nail | Higher pressure resistance than PL |
| A | Antistatic footwear | Reduces static buildup |
| C | Partially conductive footwear | Enables controlled static dissipation |
| E | Energy absorption in heel | Reduces heel impact stress |
| HI | Heat insulation of the sole complex | Protection in hot environments |
| CI | Cold insulation of the sole complex | Protection in cold environments |
| M | Metatarsal protection | Shields upper foot (metatarsal area) |
| AN | Ankle protection | Supports and protects ankle area |
| CR | Cut resistance (upper) | Protects upper from cuts |
| SC | Scuff cap (abrasion) | Reinforced toe area against abrasion |
| SR | Slip resistance (ceramic + glycerin) | Improved grip on slippery floors |
| WPA | Water penetration and absorption | Limits water ingress into uppers |
| WR | Water resistance | Higher level water protection |
| HRO | Heat-resistant outsole | Outsole resists contact heat |
| FO | Fuel and oil resistance | Outsole resists hydrocarbons |
| LG | Ladder grip outsole | Enhanced grip on ladder rungs |
ASTM Safety Shoes Standards
The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is an international standards organization responsible for developing performance guidelines for various products, including safety footwear. The ASTM F2413-18 standard represents the current version of U.S. protective footwear regulations and remains valid through 2026.
This standard specifies the performance requirements for safety footwear applicable to various work environments, including impact resistance, compression resistance, puncture resistance, electrical protection, and slip resistance.
Unlike the “bundled” S classification in ISO safety shoes standards, all ASTM-compliant safety shoes must pass both impact and compression toe protection tests.
- Impact Resistance (I): The toe area must withstand an impact of 75 foot-pounds (approx. 101.7 Joules). This protects workers from falling objects, such as dropped tools or materials.
- Compression Resistance (C): The footwear must withstand a compressive load of 2,500 pounds (approx. 11,121 Newtons) without the toe cap collapsing or cracking.
Key Safety Ratings on ASTM F2413 Safety Shoes Labels
Safety footwear compliant with ASTM standards features specific code labels affixed to the tongue or upper, which accurately indicate their protective functions.
| Code | Meaning | Performance Requirement | Typical Working Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Impact Resistance | Toe area withstands a 75-foot-pound impact | Construction, manufacturing |
| C | Compression Resistance | Toe area withstands 2,500 lbs of compression | Warehouses, logistics, industry |
| EH | Electrical Hazard | Protects against electric shock up to 18,000 volts | Electrical work, construction |
| PR | Puncture Resistance | Protection from sharp objects | Construction sites, workshops |
| Mt | Metatarsal Protection | Protects the upper foot (metatarsal area) | Heavy industry, mining, oil & gas |
| CD | Conductive | Rapidly dissipate static electricity to prevent ignition of explosives or chemicals | Explosive or sensitive environments |
| SD | Static Dissipative | Reduces static buildup to protect sensitive electronics | Electronics, cleanrooms, logistics |
For U.S. workplaces, it’s also important to understand OSHA rules. Learn more in our complete guide to OSHA standard safety footwear.
Choose the appropriate safety footwear standards according to the industry
Selecting the right safety shoes standards is not about picking the “highest” rating, but rather matching protective performance to the actual risks present in the workplace. Excessive protection reduces comfort and productivity, while inadequate protection increases injury risks and compliance issues. Below, we outline how to choose the right safety shoes standards for different industries.
Construction and Civil Engineering
On construction sites, workers frequently handle heavy machinery and tools while facing risks from falling objects at heights, resulting in a highly complex and hazardous work environment. Therefore, it is generally recommended to wear s3 safety shoes. The S3 level not only provides basic toe protection and a puncture-resistant midsole but also offers waterproof functionality. It maintains excellent traction on the uneven surfaces commonly found on construction sites, thereby delivering comprehensive foot protection for workers.
Logistics, Warehousing and Distribution
In logistics, warehousing, and distribution environments, workers frequently face risks such as slipping, constant walking, and handling pallets. It is recommended to select safety footwear compliant with the EN ISO 20345 S1/S1P standard. These footwear options typically prioritize lightweight protection and slip-resistant design while emphasizing breathability and cushioning performance.
Food processing and healthcare
In the food processing and healthcare industries, workers frequently face risks such as slippery floors, sanitary contamination, and humid environments. It is recommended to select safety footwear compliant with the EN ISO 20345 S2 standard. These footwear options prioritize waterproofing, easy-to-clean materials, and high slip resistance, rather than solely focusing on puncture resistance.
FAQs About Safety Shoes Standards
Q1: What is the difference between EN ISO 20345 and ASTM safety shoes standards?
A1: EN ISO 20345 standards are primarily used in Europe, while ASTM safety shoe standards are more common in the United States. Both standards ensure safety footwear meets fundamental requirements such as impact protection, slip resistance, and durability. However, they differ in specific testing methods and classification systems.
Q2: What does the “S” in safety shoes classifications mean?
A2: The “S” stands for “Safety,” and the number following it (e.g., S1, S2, S3) indicates the shoe’s protection level. For example, S1 provides basic protection, while S3 offers the highest level of protection, including waterproofing and puncture resistance.
Q3: Do safety shoes need to meet both EN ISO 20345 and ASTM standards?
A3: It primarily depends on the specific requirements of the region and workplace. In Europe, EN ISO 20345 is the common standard for safety footwear; in the United States, ASTM standards are more widely followed. To meet the needs of different markets, many manufacturers produce footwear that complies with both sets of standards, ensuring global applicability.
Q4: How to verify if safety shoes comply with the EN ISO 20345 standard?
A4: To check compliance, look for the CE mark and corresponding protective category symbols (S1, S3, etc.) on the shoes. These markings indicate that the footwear has passed relevant testing and meets the requirements of the EN ISO 20345 standard.
Q5: Are higher safety shoes standards always better?
A5: No. The best safety shoe standard is the one that matches actual workplace hazards.