Protection classes of safety shoes – simply explained

Safety shoes are essential if you want to protect your feet from mechanical, chemical or weather-related hazards at work. But which safety shoe is exactly right for your job? Here you can find out clearly which protection classes are available and how you can easily find the right shoe.

European standards – what do they mean?

In Europe, clear standards regulate the requirements that safety shoes must meet:

• EN ISO 20345: Shoes with toe cap (load capacity up to 200 joules or 15 kN pressure)
• EN ISO 20346: Shoes with toe cap (load capacity up to 100 joules or 10 kN pressure)
• EN ISO 20347: Work shoes without protective toe cap (e.g. care or kitchen)

All safety shoes at omniprotect.de naturally meet the requirements of the EN ISO 20345.

Protection classes at a glance – SB to S7 simply explained

To make it easier for you to choose, safety shoes are divided into protection classes:

• SB – basic protection, minimum requirements (e.g. tear resistance, water vapor permeability).
• S1 – Toe protection, antistatic sole, energy absorption in the heel area. Ideal for dry indoor areas (warehouses, workshops, industry).
• S1P – Like S1, additional puncture-resistant sole. Ideal for construction, trade and metalworking.
• S2 – Same as S1, water-repellent upper. For slightly humid environments (e.g. logistics, facility management).
• S3 – Combines S2 and S1P: water-repellent and puncture-resistant. Widely used in construction, crafts, industry and agriculture.
• S4 – Waterproof safety boots made of plastic or rubber with S1 properties. Perfect for wet areas (food production, chemical).
• S5 – Like S4, additional puncture-resistant sole. Ideal for construction, agriculture, sewer and civil engineering.
• S6 and S7 – Newly introduced with EN ISO 20345:2022, mandatory with membranes and WR ("Water Resistant") protection, i.e. fully waterproof.

Innovations of the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard – simply explained

Since 2022, updated regulations for safety shoes have been in place to further increase your safety:

• Slip resistance: The previous classes (SRA, SRB, SRC) have been replaced by a uniform marking "SR" for tested slip resistance.
• Advanced Protection Checks: Optional additional tests such as cut resistance ("CR"), shock absorption or heat resistance. These additional features are not automatically included in all models, but complement individually specific shoe models.
• Improved water protection: The new "WR" label stands for comprehensive protection against water penetration.
• Clearer symbols: Additional protective features (e.g. chemical or heat protection) are identified by new, easy-to-understand symbols.

Additional requirements – what does what mean?

Some safety shoes offer additional protective features:

• HI – Thermal insulation
• CI – Cold Insulation
• PL – penetration protection with textile insert
• PS – penetration protection with metallic insert
• HRO – protection against contact heat up to 300 °C
• WPA – Protection against water penetration and absorption of the upper material
• WR – Fully waterproof shoe

ESD shoes – when do they make sense?

prevent electrostatic discharges and thus protect sensitive electronic components. They are used in:

• Electronics
• Cleanrooms
• Potentially explosive atmospheres

Important to know:
ESD shoes dissipate electrostatic charges in a controlled manner (resistance between 100 kΩ and 35 MΩ). They are not electrically insulating or conductive in the sense of electrical safety standards (e.g. special shoes for electricians). At omniprotect.de you will find a wide range of ESD models, from low shoes to winter boots.

DGUV Rule 112-191 – certified insoles and adjustments

DGUV Rule 112-191 ("Use of foot and knee protection") stipulates that safety shoes may only be used with certified orthopaedic insoles or special adjustments. Otherwise, the shoe will lose its CE marking and the protection provided by the employers' liability insurance association will no longer apply. In most cases, this regulation affects the insoles.

Omniprotect informs you directly in the product description of each safety shoe whether certified insoles may be used.

Conclusion – find the right shoe quickly

The correct protection class depends on your work area:

• S1 and S1P – dry indoor areas.
• S2 and S3 – humid and demanding environments.
• S4 and S5 – very wet or chemically contaminated areas.
• S6 and S7 – complete waterproofing with membranes according to new standards.

The new EN ISO 20345:2022 standard makes it easier for you to find the right safety shoe with clearer markings and expanded protection options.

Any questions?