EN ISO 20347 Occupational Footwear Standard — Requirements and Performance Testing

What Is EN ISO 20347?

EN ISO 20347 is part of the ISO 2034x family of standards for work footwear. Unlike EN ISO 20345 (safety footwear) or EN ISO 20346 (protective footwear), this standard applies to work shoes and boots that do not include impact-resistant toecaps.

It’s the go-to standard for professionals working in low-impact environments where toe protection isn’t required. It ensures footwear meets essential criteria for slip resistance, comfort, and protection against workplace hazards like static discharge, fuel exposure, and water ingress.

Mandatory Features

• No protective toecaps
• Slip resistance (basic requirement)
• Ergonomic design for comfort and fit
• Material safety (no harmful substances)
• Durability under normal working conditions

Optional Protective Properties

Occupational Footwear may also include:

• Antistatic protection (A)
• Partially conductive footwear (C)
• Slip resistance (SR)
• Energy absorption in the heel (E)
• Resistance to fuel oil (FO)
• Water resistance (WR)
• Cold insulation (CI) or heat insulation (HI)
• Puncture-resistant outsoles (P, PS, PL)
• Ladder grip (LG)

EN ISO 20347 Classifications

Code	Description
OB	Basic occupational footwear (open heel allowed).
O1	As OB plus closed heel area, antistatic (A), energy absorption in the heel (E). No water resistance.
O2	As O1 plus water penetration and absorption (WPA).
O3	As O2 plus cleated outsole plus perforation resistance.
O4	As OB plus antistatic properties and energy absorption. Waterproof footwear (e.g., polymer/rubber boots with closed heel area).
O5	As O4 plus cleated outsole plus perforation resistance.
O6	As O2 plus water resistance of the whole footwear.
O7	As O3 plus water resistance of the whole footwear.

Who Needs EN ISO 20347 Footwear?

This standard is ideal for professionals in low-risk environments where toe impact protection isn’t necessary:
• Healthcare and medical staff
• Hospitality and catering teams
• Cleanroom and lab technicians
• Retail and logistics workers
• Office and administrative roles