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EN ISO 20345 safety boot standards explained

EN ISO 20345 safety boot standards explained


S1, S1P, S2, S3—these codes tell you exactly what protection a safety boot provides. Understanding them helps you choose boots that match your workplace hazards without overpaying for protection you don't need.


The quick guide


Rating

Toe Cap

Antistatic

Energy Absorbing Heel

Puncture Resistant

Water Resistant

SB

✅

S1

✅

✅

✅

S1P

✅

✅

✅

✅

S2

✅

✅

✅

✅

S3

✅

✅

✅

✅

✅


Most common: S1P for dry indoor work, S3 for construction and outdoor.


What each rating means


SB (Safety Basic)


Protection: Toe cap only (200 joules impact, 15kN compression)


Best for: Very light work with only dropping hazards

  • Visitors to industrial sites
  • Light assembly work
  • Rarely used—most workplaces need more protection


S1 (Safety Level 1)


Protection: Toe cap + antistatic + energy absorbing heel


Best for: Dry indoor environments without sharp debris

  • Warehouses (dry conditions)
  • Manufacturing (clean floors)
  • Logistics centers
  • Offices in industrial areas


Key features:

  • Closed heel construction
  • Antistatic properties prevent static buildup
  • Energy absorbing heel reduces fatigue


Quick tip: S1 is the minimum for most indoor industrial work. If your floor ever has nails, screws, or sharp debris, step up to S1P.


S1P (Safety Level 1 + Puncture)


Protection: S1 + puncture-resistant midsole


Best for: Indoor work where sharp objects may be on the floor

  • Construction sites (indoor phases)
  • Metal workshops
  • Carpentry
  • Renovation projects
  • Warehouses handling pallets with exposed nails


Key features:

  • Midsole prevents nails/screws penetrating from below
  • Can be steel or textile penetration-resistant insert
  • Still designed for dry conditions


Good to know: S1P is the most popular rating for European workers. It covers most indoor industrial hazards while remaining comfortable for all-day wear.


S2 (Safety Level 2)


Protection: S1 + water-resistant upper


Best for: Wet indoor or occasional outdoor work

  • Food processing
  • Cleaning services
  • Cold storage
  • Light outdoor duties


Key features:

  • Upper resists water absorption (tested at 60 min)
  • NOT fully waterproof—prolonged water exposure will soak through
  • No puncture protection (consider S3 if needed)


S3 (Safety Level 3)


Protection: S1P + water-resistant upper (combines everything)


Best for: Outdoor work and construction

  • Construction sites
  • Road works
  • Landscaping
  • Outdoor logistics
  • Any work in rain or mud


Key features:

  • Maximum standard protection
  • Puncture-resistant midsole
  • Water-resistant upper
  • Cleated outsole for terrain grip


Important: S3 is the most protective standard rating. For extreme conditions (chemicals, welding, electrical hazards), look for additional certifications like EN ISO 20349 (foundry) or EN 50321 (electrical).


Understanding toe cap options


All safety ratings require a toe cap tested to 200J impact and 15kN compression. The material varies:


Material

Weight

Metal Detector

Cold/Heat

Cost

Steel

Heavier

Triggers

Conducts temperature

€

Aluminum

Medium

Triggers

Conducts temperature

€€

Composite

Lightest

✅ Passes

Insulates

€€€


Choose composite if:

  • You work at airports or secure facilities
  • You work in extreme cold/heat
  • You prioritize comfort for all-day wear


Choose steel if:

  • Budget is primary concern
  • Maximum protection is required
  • Weight isn't an issue


Additional markings to look for


Beyond S ratings, boots may have additional codes:


Code

Meaning

When You Need It

HRO

Heat resistant outsole (300°C contact)

Hot surfaces, welding

CI

Cold insulation (-17°C)

Freezer work, winter outdoor

HI

Heat insulation (+150°C)

Hot environments

WR

Water resistant (whole boot)

Prolonged wet conditions

M

Metatarsal protection

Heavy object handling

AN

Ankle protection

Uneven terrain

CR

Cut resistant upper

Sharp materials

ESD

Electrostatic discharge

Electronics manufacturing


Common questions


"I work in a warehouse. S1 or S1P?"


S1P. Warehouses often have pallets with protruding nails, metal strapping, and debris. The puncture-resistant midsole is worth it.


"I'm mostly indoors but sometimes go outside. S2 or S3?"


S3 if you're regularly outside or walk through wet areas. S2 if outdoor exposure is rare and brief.


"Do I really need the most protective rating?"


Not always. S3 boots are heavier and warmer than S1. If you work in a clean, dry office building, S1 is appropriate. Match protection to actual hazards.


"What about slip resistance?"


All safety boots marked EN ISO 20345 meet basic slip resistance. For enhanced grip, look for:

  • SRA: Slip resistant on ceramic tile with soap solution
  • SRB: Slip resistant on steel with glycerol
  • SRC: Both SRA + SRB (best slip resistance)


How to choose


  1. Identify your hazards
  • Dropping objects? Any S-rating works
  • Sharp debris on floor? Need P (puncture protection)
  • Wet conditions? Need water resistance (S2 or S3)


  1. Check employer requirements
  • Many sites mandate minimum ratings
  • Ask your safety officer


  1. Consider comfort
  • Higher ratings = heavier boots
  • If hazards don't require S3, S1P is more comfortable


  1. Think about all-day wear
  • Energy absorbing heel reduces fatigue
  • Composite toe is lighter than steel


Questions?


Not sure which rating you need? Drop us a message or chat with us. Tell us about your work environment and we'll recommend the right protection level.


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Updated on: 23/12/2025

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