EN ISO 20345:2022 Safety Standard Guide
This document details the requirements for safety footwear used for general purposes, including protection against mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal hazards, and ergonomic behavior.
The EN ISO 20345:2022 is the latest international standard for safety footwear. Updated from the 2011 version, it sets rigorous requirements for shoes used in commercial and industrial environments, ensuring they can withstand a minimum energy of 200 Joules and a pressure of 15,000 Newtons.
Here is a breakdown of the classification system and the additional safety features.
1. The Safety Classes (S-Classes)
Class |
Description |
Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
SB |
Safety Basic |
200J toe cap; Oil-resistant outsole (standard in 2022). |
S1 |
Closed Heel |
SB + Antistatic (A) + Energy absorption at heel (E). |
S1P |
S1 + Metal Midsole |
S1 features plus steel/metal puncture resistance (Type P). |
S1PS |
S1 + Non-metal (Small) |
Non-metal puncture resistance (3.0mm nail test). |
S1PL |
S1 + Non-metal (Large) |
Non-metal puncture resistance (4.5mm nail test). |
S2 |
Water Resistant Upper |
S1 + Water penetration & absorption (WPA). |
S3 |
S2 + Midsole |
S2 + Puncture resistance + Cleated outsole. |
S3S / S3L |
S3 Modern |
S3 with PS (small nail) or PL (large nail) non-metal resistance. |
S6 |
Fully Waterproof |
S2 + WR (Entire footwear is waterproof, not just upper). |
S7 |
Waterproof + Midsole |
S3 + WR (Entire footwear is waterproof with puncture protection). |
2. Additional Protection Symbols
Thermal & Mechanical Features
HI: Heat Insulation — Sole complex tested at 150°C.
CI: Cold Insulation — Sole complex tested at -17°C.
HRO: Heat Resistant Outsole — Withstands 300°C for 60 seconds.
M: Metatarsal Protection — Protects mid-foot bones from 100J impact.
AN: Ankle Protection — Impact protection for the ankle bone.
Surface & Grip Features
SR: Slip Resistance — Highest level of slip resistance (ceramic + glycerin).
SC: Scuff Cap — Abrasion resistance for the toe cap cover.
LG: Ladder Grip — Specifically designed arch for stability on ladders.
FO: Fuel Oil Resistance — Outsole resistant to hydrocarbons.
Environmental & Electrical
ESD: Electrostatic Discharge — High-level static control for electronics/explosives.
WPA: Water Penetration & Absorption — Resistance of the upper material.
WR: Water Resistant — Entire footwear is waterproof (usually involves a membrane like Gore-Tex).
Comparison of Slip Resistance Testing
The 2022 update moved away from the "SRC" label. Now, slip resistance is a basic requirement. If a shoe goes above and beyond, it earns the SR marking. If it cannot be tested for slip resistance (e.g., shoes with spikes), it is marked Ø.