Protection and Standards for Work Shoes
Useful Information
Protection and Standards for Work Shoes
Work shoes have different markings that indicate the level and type of protection offered by each model. In this guide, you will find clear explanations of the main categories, additional markings and recommendations for different work environments.
EN ISO 20345:2022
S Categories - Safety Footwear
S categories are used for safety footwear with a protective toe cap designed to protect the toes against impacts of up to 200 J. The table shows which key features are included in each category.
| Feature | SB | S1 | S1P | S1PL | S1PS | S2 | S3 | S3L | S3S | S6 | S7 | S7L | S7S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protective toe cap | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Closed heel | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| A | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| E | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| WPA | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| P | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — |
| PL | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ | — |
| PS | — | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Cleated | — | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| WR | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Categories at a glance:
S1 - adds a closed heel, antistatic properties and heel energy absorption.
S2 - adds WPA, meaning resistance of the upper to water penetration and absorption.
S3 / S3L / S3S - add puncture resistance and a cleated outsole.
S6 - is based on S2 and adds WR, water resistance of the whole footwear.
S7 / S7L / S7S - combine puncture resistance, a cleated outsole and WR.
EN ISO 20347:2022
O Categories — Occupational Footwear
O categories are used for occupational footwear without a protective toe cap. They are intended for work environments where toe protection against impact is not required, but other protective and functional characteristics are needed. The table shows which key properties are included in each category.
| Characteristic | OB | O1 | O1P | O1PL | O1PS | O2 | O3 | O3L | O3S | O6 | O7 | O7L | O7S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Closed heel | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| A | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| E | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| WPA | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| P | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — |
| PL | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ | — |
| PS | — | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Cleated | — | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| WR | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Categories at a glance:
O1 — adds a closed heel, antistatic properties and heel energy absorption.
O2 — adds WPA, meaning resistance of the upper to water penetration and absorption.
O3 / O3L / O3S — add penetration resistance and a cleated outsole.
O6 — is based on O2 and adds WR — water resistance of the whole footwear.
O7 / O7L / O7S — combine penetration resistance, a cleated outsole and WR.
Additional Requirements
Additional Markings for Work Shoes
In addition to the main S or O category, footwear may have additional markings. These indicate specific properties tested according to the relevant requirements of the standard.
P
Penetration resistanceMetallic penetration-resistant insert tested with a 4.5 mm test nail.
PL
Non-metallic penetration resistanceNon-metallic insert tested with a 4.5 mm diameter test nail.
PS
Non-metallic penetration resistanceNon-metallic insert tested with a smaller 3.0 mm diameter test nail.
C
ConductivityIndicates conductive footwear designed for the controlled dissipation of electrical charge.
A
Antistatic propertiesHelps limit the build-up of static electrical charge.
E
Heel energy absorptionThe footwear absorbs part of the impact load in the heel area.
HI
Heat insulationInsulation of the footwear bottom assembly when working in high-temperature environments.
CI
Cold insulationInsulation of the footwear bottom assembly when working in cold environments.
WR
Water resistance of the whole footwearThe entire footwear construction meets the requirements for water resistance.
WPA
Water penetration and absorptionResistance of the upper to water penetration and absorption.
M
Metatarsal protectionAdditional protection for the upper part of the foot against mechanical impact.
AN
Ankle protectionAdditional protection in the ankle area.
CR
Cut resistanceThe footwear upper is tested for resistance to mechanical cutting.
SC
Scuff cap abrasion resistanceThe external protection in the toe area is tested for abrasion resistance.
SR
Slip resistanceAdditional testing for slip resistance.
HRO
Resistance to hot contactThe outsole is tested for short-term contact with high temperatures.
FO
Resistance to fuel oilThe outsole is resistant to the effects of fuel oil.
LG
Ladder GripThe outsole has a construction and tread profile designed to support stability when working on ladders.
What does ESD mean?
ESD indicates footwear designed to control electrostatic charge in an appropriate ESD environment. It is a separate characteristic and is not one of the additional markings specified in EN ISO 20345:2022.
Practical Guidance
Which protection is suitable for each work environment?
Different work environments require different footwear characteristics. Below you will find general recommendations based on the most common risks and working conditions.
Important when choosing The listed characteristics are general recommendations. Suitable footwear should be selected according to the specific risk assessment and workplace requirements.