Protection classes and features of safety and occupational footwear

Protection classes for safety footwear and work/occupational footwear are defined to indicate the safety and use characteristics of the footwear. The choice of footwear is influenced by the fit, comfort, and risk assessment or work tasks. It is important to select the appropriate footwear and protection class to ensure safety in the workplace.

Safety footwear EN ISO 20345:2022 standard, protection classes and features

EN ISO 20347:2012 standard for occupational footwear, protection classes and features

Protective features of footwear in alphabetical order

A stands for antistatic footwear

A for Antistatic footwear - the abbreviation comes from the words Antistatic footwear. Did you know that Antistatic footwear discharges electricity, preventing the generation of static electricity, electric charge, or sparks? Not only that, but they also provide good protection against electric shock. These shoes have a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ (megaohm) measured according to the standard EN 20344:2011 5 10. Antistatic footwear can be used in many different work environments.

AN stands for footwear providing ankle protection

AN, the abbreviation for ankle protection footwear, is derived from the words 'ankle protection'. It is essential to ensure that the footwear provides adequate protection to the ankle while also being comfortable. During testing, the average impact force must not exceed 10KN, and no single value should be greater than 15KN. This ensures that the footwear meets the safety standards for ankle protection (≤ 10 kN).

C means footwear that partially conducts static electricity

C footwear is the abbreviation for conductive footwear, which is designed to partially conduct static electricity and discharge electrostatic charges. If you work in an environment where electrostatic charges are a concern, C footwear can offer you the protection you need.

CI stands for footwear with a cold-insulating sole structure

CI footwear with a cold-insulating sole construction is a must-have for those working in cold environments. The base structure of the footwear is designed to insulate the cold, ensuring that the surface of the insole does not drop by more than 10 degrees. The footwear is tested at a temperature of -17°C. During the 30-minute test, the temperature of the upper surface of the inner sole may drop by no more than the above-mentioned 10 degrees.

CR stands for cut-resistant footwear

CR is the abbreviation for cut-resistant footwear. The footwear must have a permanent protective material with a height of at least 3 cm over the entire length of the shoe from tip to heel. Breaking resistance of at least 2.5 is required for this type of footwear. 

E stands for shock absorption of the heel part

The abbreviation E in footwear stands for Energy absorption of seat region. This refers to the shock absorption of the heel part of the shoe. The shock absorption of the base part must be at least 20 J.

ESD stands for footwear that discharges static electricity

ESD footwear, short for ElectroStatic Dissipative footwear, serves as a crucial solution for discharging static electricity built up in the body. Meeting the standards set by BS EN 61340-4-3: 2002 (IEC 61340-4-3:2001), ESD footwear boasts an electrical resistance of 0.1–100 MΩ, surpassing that of antistatic footwear.  Widely used across various industrial sectors including computer and telecommunications equipment manufacturing, battery production, as well as by medical professionals and electrical engineers, these specialized shoes play a pivotal role in preventing static electricity-related hazards.

In industrial settings, the movement of employees can generate friction, leading to the accumulation of an electrostatic charge on the body. Without adequate conductivity in footwear and clothing, this charge may escalate, posing risks to sensitive electronic equipment. Moreover, uncontrolled static discharges can escalate into potential fire or explosion hazards. ESD footwear mitigates risks effectively, offering a reliable solution for maintaining a safe working environment.

FO indicating footwear with an oil and fuel resistant sole

FO stands for Fuel and Oil resistance, indicating that the outer sole of the footwear is designed to resist the effects of oil and fuels. This resistance ensures durability and longevity even when exposed to these substances. Additionally, the base of the footwear provides reliable traction on various surfaces, enhancing stability and safety for the wearer.

HI stand for footwear with a heat-insulating sole structure

The abbreviation HI, derived from Heat Insulation, denotes footwear equipped with a heat-insulating sole structure. This specialized construction ensures that heat is effectively insulated, preventing the surface of the insole from exceeding 20 degrees Celsius. Rigorous testing is conducted at temperatures as low as -150°C to evaluate the performance of the footwear. Throughout the 30-minute test duration, the temperature of the upper surface of the insole must not exceed the specified limit of 20 degrees, affirming the footwear's ability to provide reliable heat insulation and protection in extreme environments.

The HRO signifies footwear with heat-resistant outsole

The abbreviation HRO derived from Heat Resistant Outsole, signifies footwear equipped with heat-insulating sole designed to withstand high temperatures. This specialized outsole must endure heat up to 300 ºC for a duration of 60 seconds without melting or breaking when bent. This stringent requirement ensures the durability and reliability of the footwear, providing protection and safety in environments where exposure to extreme heat is a concern.

LG denotes footwear ensuring secure grip on ladders

The abbreviation LG, standing for Ladder Grip, denotes safety footwear equipped with specialized sole designed to enhance traction and stability while working on ladders. This feature ensures a secure grip, minimizing the risk of slips and falls. To meet this standard, the outer sole of the safety footwear must incorporate a transverse profile with a depth of at least 1.5 mm at the ankle, further enhancing grip and stability on ladder rungs.

M stands for footwear with metatarsal protection 

The abbreviation M, derived from Metatarsal protection, denotes safety footwear specifically designed to safeguard the metatarsal region of the foot. This crucial feature ensures protection against impacts and injuries in hazardous work environments. To meet the required standard, safety footwear must incorporate a metatarsal protector capable of withstanding a 100-joule impact. This impact is equivalent to a weight of 20 kg falling from a height of 50 cm, providing comprehensive protection for workers against potential hazards and injuries to the metatarsal area.

P stands for footwear equipped with steel puncture-proof insoles, 4.5 mm nail (previously nail penetration protection)

The puncture resistance of footwear, previously known as a nail penetration protection, is designated by the abbreviation P, representing Perforation resistance. Safety footwear equipped with this feature must incorporate steel puncture-proof insoles capable of withstanding a puncture resistance of 1,100 N. During testing, a 4.5 mm diameter nail is employed to simulate potential puncture hazards, ensuring the footwear's ability to protect against sharp objects and prevent injuries in the workplace.

PL signifies footwear with non-metallic anti-puncture insoles, 4.5 mm nail (formerly nail penetration protection)

The abbreviation PL, representing Perforation resistance with a Large nail, signifies safety footwear with specialized features to resist puncture from larger nails. These shoes feature non-metallic anti-puncture insoles designed to withstand forces of at least 1,100 Newtons when subjected to a 4.5 mm diameter nail during testing. This ensures comprehensive protection against puncture hazards in various work environments, enhancing safety for the wearer.

PS stands for footwear with non-metallic anti-puncture insoles, 3.0 mm nail (formerly nail penetration protection)

The abbreviation PS, representing Perforation resistance with a Small nail, denotes safety footwear equipped with features to resist puncture from smaller nails. These shoes are engineered with non-metallic anti-puncture insoles designed to withstand forces of at least 1,100 Newtons during testing with a 3.0 mm diameter nail. This ensures protection against hazards in various work environments, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the wearer.

SC indicates scuff cap, protection on the toe of the footwear

The abbreviation SC, derived from Scuff Cap, indicates the wear protection implemented on the toe of the footwear. This feature is essential for enhancing durability and longevity, particularly in demanding work environments. To meet the required standard, the toe of the shoe must withstand the Martindale abrasion test of 8,000 cycles. Throughout this rigorous test, no holes should form in the impact protection or toe cup of the footwear, ensuring optimal protection and durability for the wearer.

SR indicates footwear equipped with anti-slip properties

The abbreviation SR, previously categorized as SRA, SRB and SRC, signifies Slip Resistance, a crucial feature in safety footwear design. Testing for slip prevention, typically conducted with a ceramic tile and soap solution, is a fundamental requirement. However, it no longer receives a separate letter symbol on the certificate. Instead, SR serves as an additional feature tested on ceramic tile and glycerol.

To meet the standard, safety shoes much achieve specific coefficients of friction. When the heel slides forward, the coefficient of friction must be equal to or greater than 0.19. Similarly, when the front of the shoe slides backwards, the coefficient of friction must be equal to or greater than 0.22.

For specialized footwear that cannot undergo conventional testing, such as those with integrated studs in the sole, the grip of the sole will be marked ø, indicating that it has not been tested for slip resistance.

WPA stands for water repellent footwear

WPA, previously known as WRU, represents Water Penetration and Absorption. Water-repellent footwear is designed to resist water penetration to some extent, thought it may not completely prevent water from entering the footwear. This makes water-resistant footwear suitable for conditions such as drizzle and light rain, providing a level of protection against moisture while maintaining comfort and functionality.

WR stands for waterproof footwear

The abbreviation WR, derived from Water Resistant, signifies footwear designed to be waterproof. Following an 80-minute test, any moist areas inside the shoe must not exceed 3 cm². Waterproof footwear is particularly suited for situations involving deeper puddles and prolonged exposure to water, offering reliable protection and ensuring comfort even in challenging situations.

Protection levels of safety footwear

The EN ISO 20345:2022 standard defines 18 different protection classes for safety footwear.

Safety footwear protection level SB

The safety footwear category SB denotes that the footwear meets the basic criteria for durability and protection of the toe area. The toe cup of the shoe provides shock protection up to 200 Joules and compression protection of 1500 newtons. The abbreviation SB stands for Safety Basic, indicating that these shoes provide fundamental safety features for wearers in various work environments.

Safety footwear protection level S1

The safety footwear category S1 indicates that the footwear possesses additional protective properties beyond the basic criteria of durability and toe area protection. These shoes provide shock protection up to 200 Joules and compression protection of 1500 newtons, while also featuring a closed heel for added safety. Additionally, the base part of the footwear offers shock absorption (E) of at least 20 J. Moreover, the footwear is antistatic (A), indicating a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ, ensuring protection against static electricity buildup.

Safety footwear protection level S1P

The safety footwear category S1P indicates that, in addition to the protection properties of level S1, the footwear incorporates a steel, 4.5 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (P), formerly known as nail penetration protection. Like class S1, these shoes feature shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules and compression protection of 1500 newtons, along with a closed heel for enhanced safety. Moreover, the base part of the footwear provides shock absorption (E) of at least 20 J. Additionally, the footwear is antistatic (A), exhibiting a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ.

Safety footwear protection level S1PL

Safety footwear class S1PL indicates that, in addition to the protective properties of level S1, the footwear features metal-free, 4.5 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (PL), previously referred to as nail penetration protection. Like class S1, these shoes offer shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules and compression protection of 1500 newtons, with a closed heel for added safety. Additionally, the base part of the footwear provides shock absorption (E) of at least 20 J. Furthermore, the footwear is antistatic (A), characterized by a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ.

Safety footwear protection level S1PS

Safety footwear category S1PS indicates that, in addition to the protective features of level S1, the footwear is equipped with a metal-free, 3.0 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (PS), previously known as nail penetration protection. Like class S1, these shoes provide shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules and compression protection of 1500 newtons, featuring a closed heel for enhanced safety. Additionally, the base part of the footwear offers shock absorption (E) of at least 20 J. Moreover, the footwear is antistatic (A), characterized by a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ.

Safety footwear protection level S2

The S2 category of safety footwear signifies that the footwear meets the standards of the S1 category and, in addition, features a water-repellent upper (WPA). The protective features remain the same as those in class S1. This includes shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for added safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Furthermore, the footwear is antistatic (A), boasting a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ.

Safety footwear protection level S2P

The S2P category of safety footwear indicates that the footwear meets the standards of the S2 category and, additionally, features a steel, 4.5 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (P), formerly known as nail penetration protection. Other protection features remain the same as in class S2. This includes shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for added safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Furthermore, the footwear is antistatic (A), boasting a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ, and features a water-repellent upper (WPA).

Safety footwear protection level S3

Footwear categorized as S3 safety footwear meets the standards of the S2 category (and therefore also the SB and S1 categories). Additionally, the footwear features steel, 4.5 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (P), formerly known as nail penetration protection, along with other protection features identical to those in class S2. These include shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for enhanced safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Furthermore, the footwear is antistatic (A), with a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ and features a water-repellent upper (WPA).

Safety footwear protection level S3L

Footwear categorized as S3L safety footwear meets the standards of the S2 category (and therefore also the SB and S1 categories). In addition, S3L footwear features metal-free, 4.5 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (PL), formerly known as nail penetration protection. Other protection features are identical to those in class S2. These include shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for enhanced safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Furthermore, S3L footwear is antistatic (A), with a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ and features a water-repellent upper (WPA).

Safety footwear protection level S3S

Footwear categorized as S3S safety footwear meets the standards of the S2 category (and therefore also the SB and S1 categories). Additionally, S3S footwear features metal-free, 3.0 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (PS), previously known as nail penetration protection. Other protection features remain the same as those in class S2. This includes shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for added safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Furthermore, S3S footwear is antistatic (A), boasting a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ, and features a water-repellent upper (WPA).

Safety footwear protection level S4

Footwear categorized as S4 safety footwear meets the standards of the S1 class (and therefore also the SB class). Additionally, S4 footwear is characterized by an outer material made of rubber or polyurethane, providing waterproof properties. Other protection features remain the same as those in class S1. This includes shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for added safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Furthermore, S4 footwear is antistatic (A), boasting a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ.

Safety footwear protection level S5

Footwear classified as S5 safety footwear meets the standards of the S4 category (as well as the SB, S1, and S1P categories). S5 footwear is equipped with steel, 4.5 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (P), previously known as nail penetration protection. Other protective features remain consistent with those in class S4. This includes shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for added safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Additionally, S5 footwear is antistatic (A), boasting a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ, and features an outer material made of rubber or polyurethane, providing waterproof properties.

Safety footwear protection level S5L

Footwear categorized as S5L safety footwear meets the standards of the S4 category (as well as the SB, S1 and S1PL categories). Additionally, S5L class footwear features metal-free, 4.5 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (PL), previously known as nail penetration protection. Other protection features remain consistent with those in class S4. This includes shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for added safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Furthermore, S5L footwear is antistatic (A), boasting a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ, and features an outer material made of rubber or polyurethane, providing waterproof properties.

Safety footwear protection level S5S

Footwear classified as S5S safety footwear meets the standards of the S4 category (as well as the SB, S1, and S1PS categories). Additionally, S5S class footwear features metal-free, 3.0 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (PS), formerly known as nail penetration protection. Other protective features remain consistent with those in class S4. This includes shock protection for the toe cup of the shoe up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for added safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Furthermore, S5S footwear is antistatic (A), boasting a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ, and features an outer material made of rubber or polyurethane, providing waterproof properties.

Safety footwear protection level S6

Footwear classified as S6 safety footwear meets the standards of the S2 category (and thus also the SB and S1 categories). Additionally, S6 class footwear is waterproof (WR), ensuring protection against moisture. Following an 80-minute test, any moist areas inside the shoe must not exceed 3 cm². Other protective features remain consistent with those in class S2. This includes shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for added safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Furthermore, S6 footwear is antistatic (A), boasting a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ.

Safety footwear protection level S7

Footwear classified as S7 safety footwear meets the standards of the S6 category (as well as the SB, S1, S1P, S2, and S2P categories). Additionally, S7 class footwear features steel, 4.5 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (P), previously known as nail penetration protection. Other protective features remain consistent with those in class S6. This includes shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for added safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Furthermore, S7 footwear is antistatic (A), boasting a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ, and is waterproof (WR). Following an 80-minute test, any moist areas inside the shoe must not exceed 3 cm².

Safety footwear protection level S7L

Footwear categorized as S7L safety footwear meets the standards of the S6 category (as well as the SB, S1, S1PL, S2, and S2PL categories). Additionally, S7L class footwear features metal-free, 4.5 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (P), previously referred to as nail penetration protection. Other protection features remain consistent with those in class S6. This includes shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for added safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Furthermore, S7L footwear is antistatic (A), boasting a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ, and is waterproof (WR). Following an 80-minute test, any moist areas inside the shoe must not exceed 3 cm².

Safety footwear protection level S7S

Footwear classified as S7S safety footwear meets the standards of the S6 category (as well as the SB, S1, S1PS, S2, and S2PS categories). Additionally, S7S class footwear features metal-free, 3.0 mm nail-resistant puncture resistance (P), previously referred to as nail penetration protection. Other protection features remain consistent to those in class S6. This includes shock protection for the toe cup up to 200 Joules, compression protection of 1500 newtons, a closed heel for added safety, and shock absorption (E) of the base part of at least 20 J. Furthermore, S7S footwear is antistatic (A), boasting a low electrical resistance of 0.1–1000 MΩ, and is waterproof (WR). Following an 80-minute test, any moist areas inside the shoe must not exceed 3 cm².

Orthopedic safety footwear

Orthopedic safety footwear is typically categorized into three types based on the specific needs and requirements of the wearer.

Orthopedic safety footwear type 1: the footwear with an orthopedic insole

This type of orthopedic safety footwear is equipped with an orthopedic insole to provide additional support and comfort. The mandatory tests for type 1 orthopedic safety footwear include:

• Toe protection: Ensures that the footwear provides adequate protection to the toes against impact.
• pH value of the soles: Measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soles to ensure they meet safety standards.
• Water permeability: Tests the ability of the footwear to resist water penetration.
• Water absorption: Measures the amount of water absorbed by the footwear when exposed to moisture.
• Water desorption: Determines how efficiently the footwear releases water from its surface.
• Abrasion resistance: Evaluates the ability of the footwear to withstand wear and tear.
• Chromium VI: Tests for the presence of chromium VI, a potentially harmful substance, in the footwear materials.

Orthopedic safety footwear type 2: the footwear with an orthopedic outsole

This type of orthopedic safety footwear features an orthopedic outsole, providing enhanced stability and support. The mandatory tests for type 2 orthopedic safety footwear are:

• Toe protection: Similar to type 1, ensuring adequate protection to the toes against impact.
• Anti-slip: Evaluates the slip resistance of the footwear to prevent accidents on slippery surfaces.
• Separation force between upper and sole: Tests the strength of the bond between the upper part of the shoe and its sole.
• Outsole tear strength: Measures the resistance of the outsole material to tearing.
• Wear resistance: Evaluates the durability of the outsole against wear from regular use.
• Bending strength: Assesses the flexibility and resistance to bending of the outsole.
• Hydrolysis resistance: Tests the ability of the outsole material to withstand degradation from exposure to water.
• Separating force between layers of multi-layer shoes: Measures the strength of the bond between different layers of the footwear, ensuring structural integrity.

Orthopedic safety footwear type 3: custom-made orthopedic footwear

Type 3 orthopedic custom-made safety footwear must meet all basic requirements. This type of orthopedic safety footwear is individually tailored to address unique foot conditions or abnormalities. It involves detailed measurements and specialized design to ensure proper support, alignment, and protection for the wearer.

Eight tips to remember when choosing footwear

• Consider the purpose: Determine the intended use of the footwear.
• Ensure proper fit: Choose footwear that fits comfortably and provides adequate support. Avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose, as they can lead to discomfort, blisters, and foot pain. Consider trying on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest.
• Prioritize comfort: Opt for footwear with cushioning and support features that align with your foot type and any specific needs you may have, such as arch support or orthopedic inserts. Comfortable footwear helps reduce fatigue and minimizes the risk of foot problems.
• Check quality and durability: Invest in well-constructed footwear made from high-quality materials. Look for durable outsoles and breathable materials to ensure longevity and performance.
• Consider foot health: Pay attention to any existing foot conditions or concerns, such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, or pronation. Choose footwear that accommodates or addresses these issues, providing the necessary support and protection to promote foot health.
• Take advantage of free foot scanning: Visit Image Wear stores where you can avail of free foot scanning services. Utilizing precise measurements, you can effortlessly discover footwear and specialized insoles that perfectly fit your feet. Learn more about foot scanning to ensure the best fit and comfort.
• Allow room for walking comfort: When selecting footwear, remember to leave a bit of extra space for your toes to move comfortably while walking. This extra room ensures optimal comfort and prevents cramped toes.
• Look for the CE mark: Ensure that the footwear you choose bears the CE mark. his mark signifies compliance with European Union safety standards, guaranteeing the quality and safety of the product.

By following these tips, you can confidently select footwear that not only fits well but also meets safety standards, enhancing your overall comfort and satisfaction.