S1P vs S3 Safety Boots: EN ISO 20345:2022 Explained
S1P vs S3 safety boots
Both protect your toes to the same level. The difference is water, grip outdoors and what stops a nail. Here is what each code means under EN ISO 20345:2022, and which one fits your job.
- EN ISO 20345:2022
- S1P · S1PL · S1PS
- S3 · S3L · S3S
- S6 & S7 explained
Key takeaways
- Same toe protection: S1P and S3 both have a 200 J toe cap, a closed heel, antistatic properties and an energy-absorbing heel [1].
- S3 adds water and grip: an upper that resists water penetration and absorption (WPA) plus a cleated outsole [1].
- The 2022 letters matter: P = metal anti-nail insert; L or S = non-metal insert tested with a 4.5 mm or 3.0 mm nail [1][2].
- Standing in water all day? Look at S7 (S3 plus a whole-boot waterproof test), not just S3 [2][3].
Side by side
The tick list below is the minimum each class must meet. Individual boots often do more, so always read the full code on the tongue label.
| Feature | S1P | S3 | S7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 J toe cap | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Closed heel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Antistatic (A) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Energy-absorbing heel (E) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Basic slip resistance (now mandatory) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Puncture-resistant insert | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water-resistant upper (WPA) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cleated outsole | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Whole boot water-resistant (WR) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
What changed in 2022
Puncture protection split into P, PL and PS
Under the old standard a steel plate and a textile insert were both marked P. Now P is a metal insert, PL a non-metal insert tested with a 4.5 mm nail and PS a non-metal insert tested with a finer 3.0 mm nail [2][3]. So S1P can now appear as S1PL or S1PS, and S3 as S3L or S3S.
Slip resistance became basic
SRA, SRB and SRC are gone. Every boot must now pass a basic slip test on ceramic tile. SR means it also passed an extra test on tile with glycerine [1].
New S6 and S7 classes
S6 is S2 plus whole-footwear water resistance; S7 is S3 plus whole-footwear water resistance, with S7L and S7S variants [2][3].
Fuel oil resistance is optional
FO used to be built in for S1 to S5. It is now an extra test, so check for FO if you work around fuel, oil or plant [1][3].
WRU became WPA
The old WRU code for a water-resistant upper is now WPA [2].
How fine a nail is each insert tested against?
This is one of the most useful new details on the label for trades that walk on screws, staples and offcuts.
Test nail diameter by puncture code (smaller nail = tested against finer sharp objects)
Data: test nail diameters in EN ISO 20345:2022 / EN ISO 22568-4, as published by Singer Safety [2] and Apro Footwear [3]. A metal insert (P) is tested with the 4.5 mm nail only.
Choose S1P for dry floors, S3 for outdoor and wet sites
S1P (or S1PL/S1PS) suits warehouses, workshops, logistics and other mostly dry, indoor work. Many S1P styles are lighter trainers and shoes.
S3 (or S3L/S3S) is the usual choice for construction, groundworks, scaffolding and outdoor trades, thanks to the water-resistant upper and cleated sole. If you stand in water or wet grass for long shifts, step up to S7. Your risk assessment decides; this page is general guidance.
Shop by class
Non-metal S1P
Lighter, metal-free anti-nail inserts, for example the Safety Jogger Lightstar S1PS.
Shop S1PL/S1PSS3S safety boots
S3 with a non-metal insert tested with the finer 3.0 mm nail, such as the V12 Puma IGS.
Shop S3SWhole-boot water resistant
Tested as a complete boot for water resistance, for example the V12 Valiant IGS.
Shop S6/S7S1P vs S3 questions
Is S3 safer than S1P?
Not for your toes: both have the same 200 J toe cap and both have puncture protection. S3 adds a water-resistant (WPA) upper and a cleated outsole, which matter outdoors and on wet ground.
What does S1PS mean?
S1 with a non-metal puncture-resistant insert that passed the test with a 3.0 mm nail. S1PL means a non-metal insert tested with a 4.5 mm nail. Plain S1P means a metal insert.
What is the difference between S3 and S3S?
S3 has a metal anti-nail insert. S3S has a non-metal insert tested with the finer 3.0 mm nail. S3L has a non-metal insert tested with the 4.5 mm nail.
Is an S3 boot waterproof?
S3 means the upper resists water penetration and absorption (WPA). It does not mean the whole boot is waterproof. For that, look for S7, or the WR code.
What is S7?
S7 is S3 plus a water-resistance test on the complete boot (WR). S7L and S7S show a non-metal insert.
Do 2022 boots still have SRC?
No. SRA, SRB and SRC were removed. All boots now pass a basic slip test, and SR shows the extra tile-and-glycerine test was passed.
Are my old EN ISO 20345:2011 boots still OK?
Boots certified to the older version can still be worn, but check them for wear and follow your risk assessment. New boots will increasingly carry the 2022 codes.
Which do I need for a warehouse?
Usually S1P or S1PS, unless your floors are wet or you work outside in yards. Add SR if floors can be slippery.
Which do I need for a building site?
Most sites ask for S3 or higher. Check your site rules and risk assessment.
Not sure which class you need?
Tell us about your job and site rules and we will point you to the right boots.
Sources
Numbers in square brackets on this page refer to these sources. Standards and site rules change, so always check the current version and your own risk assessment.
- uvex safety, Guide to EN ISO 20345:2022 – https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/knowledge/safety-standards/safety-footwear/guide-to-en-iso-203452022/
- Singer Safety, EN ISO 20345:2022 information and main changes – https://www.singer.fr/en/norm/eniso20345-2022
- Apro Footwear, Understanding EN ISO 20345:2022 – https://aprofootwear.com/knowledge-hub/en-iso-20345-2022-change/
- The Workwear Co, Safety footwear explained – https://www.theworkwearco.com/pages/guides/safety-footwear