Your safety boots are worn out, tired and well past their sell by date. It’s definitely time for a new pair. But with so many different styles to choose from, not to mention all the different safety ratings, codes and standards, where do you begin?
The first consideration should always be the safety rating. After all, your boots or shoes need to provide the right level of protection for the job, the environment and your individual needs.
One standard you’ll see again and again when looking at safety footwear is EN ISO 20345:2022. In simple terms this is the European standard for safety footwear. It sets out the basic and additional optional requirements for footwear designed for general-purpose use.
Any certified safety boot must be manufactured and tested to this standard. The different ‘S’ ratings then indicate the specific safety features and level of protection the footwear provides. Here’s what they mean:
• SB (Safety Basic) – Provides a basic level of protection with a 200-joule impact-resistant toe cap, ideal for low-risk environments where protection from falling objects is the main requirement.
• S1 – Provides the same level of protection as SB plus anti-static properties, fuel oil resistance and energy-absorbing heels. Ideal for dry indoor environments like warehouses or logistics facilities.
• S2 – Builds upon S1 with water-resistant uppers, making it suitable where workers may encounter moisture, splashes or liquids.
• S3 – All S2 features plus a penetration-resistant midsole. As the highest common level of protection, S3 is the go-to for construction, industrial and hazardous environments.
• S4 – S4 combines S1 protection with a fully waterproof, leakproof moulded polymer or rubber construction, often shown in a Wellington-style boot. A great choice for agriculture and industries exposed to heavy moisture.
• S5 – Combining S4 with a penetration-resistant midsole, S5 is for wet, hazardous environments such as landscaping, agriculture and utilities, where waterproof protection and underfoot safety are essential.
• S6 – Introduced in EN ISO 20345:2022, S6 combines S2 protection with full waterproofing, making it ideal for the full scope of demanding industries and wet working conditions.
• S7 – Also introduced in EN ISO 20345:2022, S7 footwear delivers S3 safety with full waterproofing, plus enhanced protection against impact, compression and sole penetration. It is designed for the most demanding wet and hazardous environments where maximum protection is a must.
Adding value: knowing the extras
As trade sectors become increasingly specialised, so do the environments installers work in. That means safety footwear needs to do more than simply protect against impact. Today’s boots can be designed to tackle a much wider range of workplace hazards, from falling objects and sharp materials to extreme heat, harsh conditions and slippery surfaces.
Understanding these additional features can help you choose footwear that’s not just compliant, but better suited to the demands of the job.
For example, S7-L (as featured on our Granite boots) delivers all the benefits of S7, plus a non-metallic, penetration-resistant insert tested with a 4.5mm nail for enhanced underfoot protection in the toughest environments. S3-S offers similar protection, with a non-metallic insert tested against a 3mm nail for resistance against thinner, sharper objects.
Other key markings include SC for scuff cap resistance (as shown on our Omaha and Fargo ranges), HRO for outsoles that withstand temperatures up to 300°C for 60 seconds and LG for ladder grip (as shown on our Dakota boots, pictured below left). The important thing is to consider the full scope of your role, work environment and exacting needs to ensure the most suitable option.
Not to be overlooked is the importance of gender-fit. Women’s feet are anatomically different and need safety footwear designed specifically for them – not simply smaller versions of men’s boots. As more women enter the trades, manufacturers are responding with purpose-built ranges that deliver improved fit, comfort and safety. www.bobcat-footwear.com
Peter Lawson is Brand Manager at Overland Shoes