Safety Shoes

The quality of a work shoe is crucial not only because it provides immediate protection, but also because it preserves the overall psycho-physical health of the worker in the short, medium, and long term.

Each type of work corresponds to a particular and appropriate safety footwear, based on the classification of safety standards that comply with European regulations regarding workplace protection.

Safety Shoes: How to Choose and What Do the Abbreviations Mean

Safety shoes are also classified based on their level of protection and general characteristics, distinguishing them by resistance and structure, allowing you to choose the ones most suitable for your workplace.

What are the levels of shoe protection:

• SB (formerly S0 standard): This is the basic level of protection, offering less protection compared to other levels. It features a 200 Joule steel toe cap for toe protection, meeting the main safety requirements of the EN 345 standard.

• S1 (formerly 01 standard): Antistatic sole with energy absorption in the heel area. They are divided into:
  S1: No puncture-resistant plate
  S1P: Steel puncture-resistant plate
  S1PL: Metal Free puncture-resistant plate for 4.5 mm nails (Large)
  S1PS: Metal Free puncture-resistant plate for 3 mm nails (Small)

• S2 (formerly 02 standard): S1 + slight water resistance provided by a leather upper (or similar materials) capable of withstanding water permeability for a maximum of 60 minutes.

• S3 (formerly 03 standard): S2 + puncture-resistant plate. They are divided into:
  S3: Steel puncture-resistant plate
  S3L: Metal Free puncture-resistant plate for 4.5 mm nails (Large)
  S3S: Metal Free puncture-resistant plate for 3 mm nails (Small)

• S4: Water resistance (WRU)

• S5: S4 + puncture-resistant plate. They are divided into:
  S5: Steel puncture-resistant plate
  S5L: Metal Free puncture-resistant plate for 4.5 mm nails (Large)
  S5S: Metal Free puncture-resistant plate for 3 mm nails (Small)

• S6: EXTRA water resistance (WR). They are divided into:
  S6: No puncture-resistant plate
  S6P: Steel puncture-resistant plate
  S6L: Metal Free puncture-resistant plate for 4.5 mm nails (Large)
  S6S: Metal Free puncture-resistant plate for 3 mm nails (Small)

• S7: S6 + puncture-resistant plate. They are divided into:
  S7: Steel puncture-resistant plate
  S7L: Metal Free puncture-resistant plate for 4.5 mm nails (Large)
  S7S: Metal Free puncture-resistant plate for 3 mm nails (Small)

Slip Resistance Classes - EN 13287 (2012) standard:

SRA: Slip resistance on ceramic tile with water and detergent
SRB: Slip resistance on steel floor with glycerol
SRC: SRA + SRB

Risk Protection - 20345:2022 standard:

P: Puncture-resistant plate
E: Heel energy absorption
WR: Water Resistance (improvement of WRU)
WRU/WPA: Water penetration resistant upper as of 2023
AN: Ankle protection
M: Metatarsal protection
HRO: Heat resistant outsole 300°C for 1 minute
HI: Heat insulation up to 150°C
CI: Cold insulation up to -17°C
FO: Oil-resistant outsole
ESD: Protection against electrostatic discharge
A: Electrostatic footwear
C: Conductive footwear
CR: Cut resistance
SRA: Slip resistance on ceramic tile with water and detergent
SRB: Slip resistance on steel floor with glycerol
SRC: Combination of SRA + SRB
DGUV112-191: Orthopedic insole adaptation
SC: Toe abrasion resistance
LG: Heel separate from the sole for ladder grip

The last important characteristic we want to highlight in safety shoes is their resistance to electrostatic discharge, indicated by the abbreviation ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge). This refers to a discharge of static energy that passes from one body to another, which can be risky in work environments as it can trigger fires when in the presence of flammable materials. These shoes are recommended in environments where work is done with microchips, production of sensitive electrical parts, painting, laboratory work, medical field, and when working with flammable liquids and gases.

Are you a bricklayer, plumber, or carpenter?

The right work shoe for you is classified under safety standard S3, with a water-repellent upper, crush-resistant toe protection, oil and hydrocarbon resistant slip-resistant sole, shock absorption in the heel area, and puncture-resistant insole.

Are you a craftsman? Are you a carpenter or an electrician?

Carpenters and craftsmen often need to bend and assume uncomfortable positions during work, and they require flexible and high-performance shoes. For those working in enclosed environments, we recommend safety shoes in the S1P safety standard.

Do you work with welding?

If you regularly use a welder, you will certainly need safety footwear that can protect you from sparks, without laces, and are resistant to possible splashes of molten metal. The right shoe for your needs is footwear for high-risk environments, in the S3 HI HRO WG SRC safety standard.

Are you involved in metal cutting?

You definitely need shoes that can protect you from hazardous dust, are water-resistant, and puncture-resistant. The recommended level of protection is S3.

Are you involved in assembly work?

You work indoors, in a closed environment, and in this case, water resistance will not be a priority feature in your choice, but breathability certainly will be. The necessary safety standard will be S1 or S1P.

Do you work in a mechanical workshop?

You will need comfortable work shoes with slip-resistant soles, an upper that is resistant to dust and water, but also flexible and highly performant. Our suggestion is the Lift Carpet model from Red Carpet. A shoe with all the safety features of an S3 CI SRC ESD standard.