Free UK Delivery Over £60*

Easy UK Returns & Exchanges*

Personal Protective Equipment: Safety Footwear

EN ISO 20345

SB: Basic Requirements

EN ISO 20345 is the European standard that defines the minimum requirements for safety footwear used as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It is designed to ensure that protective footwear provides adequate protection against common workplace hazards such as impacts, compression, punctures, and slips.

The standard specifies rigorous performance criteria including resistance to impact, compression , and slip resistance across different surfaces.

The most recent revision, EN ISO 20345:2022, supersedes the previous 2011 version.

Safety footwear compliant with EN ISO 20345 must meet basic safety criteria, including:

  • 200 J toe cap protection
  • 15 kN compression resistance
  • CE marking and testing
  • Basic slip resistance
  • Closed heel
  • Antistatic properties
  • Energy absorption in the heel

Safety Categories

The standard classifies footwear into different safety categories, each with specific features:

  • SB: Basic protection (toe cap only)
  • S1: SB + antistatic, energy absorption, closed heel
  • S1P: S1 + penetration-resistant midsole
  • S2: S1 + water resistance (upper)
  • S3: S2 + penetration-resistant midsole and cleated outsole
  • S4: S1 features in waterproof polymer/rubber boots
  • S5: S4 + penetration resistance and cleated outsole

Optional Additional Protections

Additional codes may be added to indicate further protection:

  • A: Antistatic
  • E: Energy absorption in heel
  • P: Penetration resistance
  • CI: Cold insulation
  • HI: Heat insulation
  • WR: Water resistance (whole shoe)
  • WRU: Water penetration resistance (upper only)
  • HRO: Heat-resistant outsole (up to 300°C)

Slip Resistance Ratings

  • SRA: Slip resistance on ceramic tile with soap
  • SRB: Slip resistance on steel floor with glycerol
  • SRC: Meets both SRA and SRB

Choosing The Right Footwear

1. Assess workplace hazards (wet floors, chemicals, impact, etc.) and check sector regulations.

2. Match category (S1–S5) and additional codes to hazards

3. Ensure proper fit and comfort

4. Check for CE marking and EN ISO 20345 compliance

Safety Footwear

View all
Back to top