When it comes to choosing safety shoes , it is essential to understand the standards that guarantee their level of protection. But between S1, S1P, S2, S3… it can be difficult to find your way around. This article guides you to choose the standard adapted to your profession.
Article Summary
- Understanding the EN ISO 20345 standard
- The main categories of safety shoes
- Other specificities to know
- Where can I find suitable safety shoes?
1. Understanding the EN ISO 20345 standard
The EN ISO 20345 standard is the European regulation that defines the minimum requirements for safety shoes . All shoes that comply with this standard have a protective toe cap that is resistant to an impact of 200 joules .
They are then classified into different categories according to their level of additional protection.
2. The main categories of safety shoes
🔹 S1 : Suitable for dry environments, with clean floors and little risk of water infiltration.
✅ Protective tip
✅ Antistatic sole
✅ Shock absorption in the heel
❌ Not waterproof
👷 For whom? Sectors such as logistics, light industry, indoor crafts.
🔹 S1P : Same as S1, but with an anti-perforation sole to avoid risks associated with nails, screws and sharp objects.
✅ Protective tip
✅ Antistatic sole
✅ Shock absorption in the heel
✅ Anti-perforation sole
❌ Not waterproof
👷 For whom? Warehouse workers, electricians, mechanics, forklift drivers, etc.
🔹 S2 : Offering the same protection as S1, but with resistance to water penetration .
✅ Protective tip
✅ Antistatic sole
✅ Shock absorption in the heel
✅ Water resistance
❌ No anti-perforation sole
👷 For whom? Outdoor professions exposed to humidity, such as workers in the food industry or catering.
🔹 S3 : The most versatile choice! Complete protection including an anti-perforation sole and water resistance.
✅ Protective tip
✅ Antistatic sole
✅ Shock absorption in the heel
✅ Water resistance ⚠️ Please note that S3 safety shoes cannot withstand prolonged immersion in water .
✅ Anti-perforation sole
👷 For whom? Ideal for construction professionals, landscapers, craftsmen and workers working in demanding environments.
3. Other specificities to know
📌 S1P > SRC: Safety shoes designed for indoor construction sites.
📌 S1PS > SR FO: Safety shoes designed for dry and flat floors, resistant to perforations.
📌 S3 > HRO SRC: Safety shoes designed for floors where the temperature can reach 300°C.
📌 S3 > SRC: Waterproof safety shoes for hazardous floors.
📌 S3L > FO SR: Waterproof safety shoes resistant to hydrocarbons and slipping.
📌 S3S > HRO SC SR: Waterproof safety shoes designed for hazardous floors and high temperatures.
📌 S7S > SR FO: Waterproof safety shoes for hazardous floors, resistant to hydrocarbons and slipping.
4. Where can I find suitable safety shoes?
At Nine Worths we offer a wide range of safety footwear that complies with EN ISO 20345 standards. Discover our selection here !
Want to know more about this? Check out this article to learn everything about safety shoes !
