Safety Footwear by Standard

The 2022 version replaced the 2011 standard. The main marking changes are two new classes, S6 and S7, for footwear that is water resistant as a whole (WR); new PL and PS markings for non-metal puncture-resistant midsoles; SRA, SRB and SRC replaced by a basic slip test and an optional SR marking; and the WRU marking for water-resistant uppers renamed WPA. Footwear certified to the 2011 version is still on sale, so you'll see both sets of markings for a while.

Every class has a toe cap tested to 200 joules. SB is the basic class. S1 adds a closed heel area, antistatic properties and energy absorption in the heel. S2 is S1 plus an upper that resists water penetration and absorption. S3 is S2 plus a puncture-resistant midsole and a cleated outsole. S4 and S5 are for footwear made wholly of rubber or polymer, such as wellingtons, and S5 adds a puncture-resistant midsole. S6 is S2 and S7 is S3, each with water resistance for the whole shoe.

They show the type of puncture-resistant midsole. P is a metal midsole tested with a 4.5 mm nail. PL is a non-metal midsole tested with the same 4.5 mm nail, and PS is a non-metal midsole tested with a thinner 3 mm nail, which is the harder test. Where the class already includes a midsole, the letter follows the class, so S3L and S3S have non-metal midsoles and plain S3 under the 2022 version has a metal one. Under the 2011 version every midsole was marked P, metal or not.

Under EN ISO 20345:2022 every safety shoe must pass a basic slip test on a ceramic tile with a soap solution, and this isn't shown in the marking. SR means it has also passed a harder test on a ceramic tile with glycerine. Footwear that can't be slip tested, such as some studded soles, is marked with the symbol Ø. Under the 2011 version the markings were SRA (ceramic tile), SRB (steel with glycerine) and SRC (both).

They are optional extras shown after the class, for example S3 SR HRO. HRO means the outsole has passed a contact heat test at 300°C, WR means the whole shoe is water resistant, M means tested metatarsal protection over the top of the foot, AN means ankle protection and CR means a cut-resistant upper. ESD footwear is tested separately under EN IEC 61340 for areas where electronic components are handled.

Start with your risk assessment, which should set the minimum. As a general guide, S1 or S1P suits dry indoor work, S3 suits outdoor and site work where wet ground and sharp objects underfoot are a risk, and S7 suits work where feet stay wet for long periods. Safety wellingtons are S4 or S5. Then check any extra markings the job needs, such as SR for slippery floors or HRO for hot surfaces.

Product pages show the rating the maker gives, and the maker's datasheet and the marking inside the shoe show the full code, including the standard version. Check these before ordering in bulk. If you'd like help choosing, email sales@theworkwearco.com with the job and the rating you need.