Safety Shoes S1, S1P, S2, S3 Explained

Sikkerhedssko S1, S1P, S2 og S3: hvad betyder klasserne?

Safety shoes S1, S1P, S2 and S3: what do the classes mean?

S1, S1P, S2, S3 and the new 2022 classes explained. See what each class protects against, and which safety shoe suits your trade.

All safety shoes have toe protection, but the classes S1, S1P, S2 and S3 tell you what else the shoe can do: penetration resistance, water resistance and outsole. Here is what each class means, what the 2022 update changed, and which shoe suits your trade.

What all safety shoes have in common

The standard is EN ISO 20345. What all safety shoes have in common, from the basic SB class and up, is a toecap that protects against 200 joules of impact and 15 kN of compression. The classes build on each other: S3 includes everything in S2, which includes everything in S1.

The classes in brief

SB: the basic requirement, toecap (200 J). May have an open heel.
S1: closed heel area, antistatic (A) and energy-absorbing heel (E). For dry indoor environments such as warehouses, light industry and assembly.
S1P: like S1, but with penetration resistance (puncture-resistant midsole). For places where nails and sharp objects may be on the floor.
S2: like S1, but with a water-resistant upper. For damp environments.
S3: like S2, plus penetration resistance and a profiled, slip-resistant outsole. The all-round construction site class.

What did EN ISO 20345:2022 change?

The 2022 version replaces the 2011 edition and makes two things in particular relevant to your choice:

Penetration resistance is split up: P is steel penetration resistance tested with a 4.5 mm nail. PL is non-metallic penetration resistance tested with a 4.5 mm nail. PS is non-metallic penetration resistance tested with a thinner 3.0 mm nail (stricter requirement). That is why you now see classes such as S1PS and S3S.
Two new classes, S6 and S7: they require full waterproofing (WR) of the entire shoe, not just the upper. S6 corresponds to S2 with full waterproofing, S7 to S3 with full waterproofing.

Because a certificate is valid for up to 5 years, you will still find shoes made to both the 2011 and 2022 standards on the market for some time. Both are legal.

Metal or metal-free penetration resistance?

Metal-free penetration resistance (composite or textile) is lighter, more flexible and does not set off metal detectors, for example at airports. A metal midsole, on the other hand, typically covers the whole sole area. Both meet the same requirements in the standard, so the choice is about comfort and working environment.

Extra markings worth knowing

WR: the whole shoe is waterproof. HRO: the sole withstands brief contact with 300 degrees. HI and CI: heat and cold insulation.
M: metatarsal protection. SR: extra slip resistance. SC: abrasion protection on the toecap.
ESD: dissipation of static electricity under its own standard. Important for electronics, and not the same as antistatic (A).

Which class for which trade?

Warehouse, assembly and light industry (dry): S1 or S1P/S1PS.
Construction sites, demolition and outdoors: S3 or S3S, with penetration resistance and a slip-resistant sole.
Wet work: S2, or S6/S7 if you need to stay completely dry.

Always check your workplace risk assessment (APV) for the requirements of your specific job.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between S1 and S3?

S1 is a light, indoor shoe with a closed heel, antistatic properties and an energy-absorbing heel. S3 has everything in S1, plus a water-resistant upper, penetration resistance and a profiled, slip-resistant outsole, and is intended for construction sites and outdoor use.

What do P, PL and PS mean?

They are three types of penetration resistance. P is steel tested with a 4.5 mm nail, PL is metal-free tested with a 4.5 mm nail, and PS is metal-free tested with a thinner 3.0 mm nail, and therefore a stricter requirement.

What is new in EN ISO 20345:2022?

The 2022 version splits penetration resistance into P, PL and PS, introduces classes S6 and S7 with a full waterproofing requirement, and clarifies slip resistance. It replaces the 2011 edition.

Is metal-free penetration resistance as safe as steel?

Yes. Metal-free and steel penetration resistance meet the same requirements in the standard. Metal-free is lighter and does not set off metal detectors, while steel typically covers the whole sole area.

See our full range of safety shoes, including comfort models from Monitor. If you are unsure about the class, call us on +45 89 88 67 26.

Source: EN ISO 20345:2022. This article is for guidance only and is not an exhaustive review of the standard.