GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR SAFETY CLASSES
EN ISO 20345 STANDARDS
The EN ISO 20345 standard sets out the essential as well as optional requirements for safety footwear used in professional environments. Shoes manufactured in line with this standard are designed to shield the wearer against impacts, compression, falling or rolling objects, punctures from sharp surfaces, extreme temperatures, and contact with hot materials.
Key areas covered include protection from mechanical hazards, resistance to slipping, thermal performance, and ergonomic design. There are also complementary standards tailored to specific fields, such as footwear offering electrical insulation or chemical resistance.
Safety shoes are categorized into various protection classes based on the level of safety they provide. The SB class represents the entry level, meeting the basic minimum requirements of EN ISO 20345.
Understanding the new protection levels
There are eight main protection classes: SB, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 and S7.
In addition to the classes, the class codes may also be followed by ‘P’, ‘L’ (or ‘PL’) and ‘S’ (or ‘PS’) to indicate additional perforation resistance in line with the ‘P’, ‘PL’ and ‘PS’ certifications.
Using the chart below, you can identify the protection level you require based on your specific workplace risk requirements.
