EN ISO 20345 Safety Footwear Standard — Requirements and Test Methods
EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 is the international standard that defines the minimum safety requirements for Safety footwear used in professional environments.
Quick Facts About EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024
- Defines minimum safety requirements for professional footwear
- Applies to toe protection, slip resistance, puncture resistance, and more
- Introduces 8 classification levels: SB to S7
- Includes 18 optional protective features (e.g. A, P, HRO, WP)
- Replaces older WRU marking with WPA and WR
- Slip resistance is now now included in the basic requirement
Understanding EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 – Safety Footwear Standard
The standard ensures that certified shoes and boots offer reliable protection against common workplace hazards such as impact, compression, punctures, slips, and water exposure.
This is an update of the former standard for safety shoes, EN ISO 20345:2012. The updated version introduces clearer classifications, enhanced testing methods, and new performance markings to reflect modern safety needs across industries.
Why This Standard Matters
- Ensures consistent safety across global workplaces
- Helps to choose compliant footwear
- Reduces risk of injury from common hazards
- Supports regulatory compliance and insurance requirements
Safety Footwear Classifications Explained
EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 introduces eight safety footwear classifications—SB to S7—each representing a specific combination of protective features. These help to quickly identify the level of protection a safety shoe offers.
Classifications Table
These classes represent combinations of protective features:
- SB: Basic toe protection
- S1–S3: Add antistatic, water-resistant upper, and puncture resistance
- S4–S5: Polymer boots with similar features
- S6–S7: Include full waterproofing (WR)
Table explainging Classifications and what the Class is tested for:
| Class | Protective Toe Cap | Mandatory Slip Resistance | Closest Seat Region | A Electrical Resistance |
E Energy Absorption under the heel |
P Metal insert Type P |
PL Non-metal insert Type PL |
PS Non-metal insert Type PS |
WPA Water penetration and absorption |
Cleated outsole | WR Water resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB | • | • | |||||||||
| S1 | • | • | • | • | • | ||||||
| S1 P | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||||
| S1 PL | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||||
| S1 PS | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||||
| S2 | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||||
| S3 | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||
| S3L | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||
| S3S | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||
| S4 | • | • | • | • | • | ||||||
| S5 | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | ||||
| S5L | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | ||||
| S5S | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | ||||
| S6 | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | ||||
| S7 | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | ||
| S7L | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | ||
| S7S | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • |
Slip Resistance is mandatory in all classes
Slip testing is now a base and is included in the basic requirement for certification and therefore has no special marking. This was fomer marked as SRA, SRB an SRC.
In addition to the basic certification, you can perform another slip test, designed to evaluate the footwear´s performance on oily surfaces, which is then marked SR (Slip Resistance).
For shoes with, for example, studs, which in practice can be difficult or impossible to test according to standard, you can mark the shoe with the following symbol: Ø.
The test methods aim to mimic reality, for example, all slip tests are done on ceramic floors.
Perforation Resistance
The standard clarifies somewhat what material the protection consists of and what size of test nail was used in the tests. A smaller diameter gives a higher pressure and thus higher requirements for protection.
- P: Nail protection made of steel with, diameter of test nail 4.5 mm.
- PL: Nail protection of "non-metal" with, diameter of test nail 4.5 mm.
- PS: Nail protection of "non-metal" with, diameter of test nail 3 mm.
Optional Additional Markings in EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024
Each marking represents a tested and certified performance feature. The list of the possible additional requirements are illustrated like this:
Optional Markings explained
| Marking | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | Anti-static footwear |
| AN | Ankle protection |
| C | Partly conductive footwear |
| CI | Cold insulation of the sole |
| CR | Cut Resistance |
| E | Energy absorption of seat region (heel) |
| FO | Fuel and oil resistance of the outsole |
| HI | Heat insulation of outsole complex |
| HRO | Resistance to hot contact (tested at 300°C / 572°F) |
| I | Electrical insulation (dielectric footwear designed to protect the wearer from electric shock by providing a high level of electrical insulation) |
| LG | Ladder Grip |
| M | Metatarsal protection |
| P | Perforation resistance (metal insert Type P) |
| PL | Perforation resistance (non metal insert) |
| PS | Perforation resistance (non metal insert) |
| SC | Scuff cap abrasion |
| SR | Slip resistance (ceramic tile floor with glycerine) |
| WR | Full water resistance of the entire footwear (tested under pressure). Is included in the definition of S6 and S7. |
| WPA | Water penetration and absorption |
How to Choose the Right Safety Footwear
- Assess your work environment: Wet, dry, cold, hot, electrical, sharp debris?
- Match the classification: Use SB–S7 to find the right base protection level.
- Look for additional markings: Choose features like WP, CI, or HRO based on specific risks.
We are here to guide you
Wether you have questions about Safety standards, our assortment or how to select the right product, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Get More Knowledge
Explore All JALAS® Safety Standards
JALAS® Safety Footwear is built to meet a wide range of certified standards from impact and slip resistance to nail penetration protection and ESD. Learn how each standard keeps you safe.