Safety Shoes

Work Shoe Selection Guide: The Right Standard, The Right Protection

Work shoe selection should be made considering the work environment, seasonal conditions, and sectoral risks. Work shoes certified according to the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard offer different protection levels based on their class code.

SB — Basic Protection Class

The SB class is the most basic work shoe category, including toe protection and SRA slip resistance. It does not have antistatic properties, shock-absorbing heels, or water resistance. It is suitable for low-risk indoor work, office-type environments, and visitor use. In this category, the Toworkfor OHM model stands out: with its lightweight polyurethane sole, shock-absorbing heel (E), fuel and oil resistant sole (FO), and advanced SRC slip resistance features, it is a comfortable option for personnel who stand for long periods.

Summer Work Shoes — S1, S1P, S1PL, S1PS

For personnel working in closed and controlled environments during mild weather, lightweight and breathable models are recommended. The S1 class offers antistatic properties (A) and a shock-absorbing heel (E), while S1P adds extra puncture protection with a steel midsole (P). For food, pharmaceutical, and electronic facilities with metal detectors, S1PL or S1PS should be preferred. S1PL meets the 4.5 mm nail test standard with a metal-free composite midsole, while S1PS meets the 3 mm nail test standard; both can be safely used in areas with detectors as they contain no metal.

Winter Work Shoes — S2, S3, S3L, S3S, S4, S5, S5L, S5S, S6, S7, S7L, S7S

For wet floors, cold weather, and outdoor conditions, S2 and higher classes should be preferred. S2 meets water resistance and water absorption tests (WPA). S3 additionally offers a steel midsole (P) and extra traction cleats. S3L and S3S have the same features as S3 but use a metal-free composite midsole; S3L is certified with a 4.5 mm nail test, and S3S with a 3 mm nail test.

S3 and S7 are identical in their basic features. The only critical difference between them is that the S7 series includes a fully waterproof inner membrane (WR). For long-term wet environments, outdoor work in precipitation, or shifts spent in water, the S6 or S7 series should be preferred.

WR (Fully Waterproof): Contains a waterproof inner membrane. The entire shoe has been tested for liquid permeability. It is standard in S6 and S7 series. It is mandatory for long-term wet environments, rainy outdoor conditions, and working in water.

WRU (Water Resistant Upper): The upper material of the shoe (leather or textile) has water-repellent properties. Unlike WR, it does not provide full impermeability but resistance to short-term wetting. It is suitable for low-intensity wet conditions such as light rain and wet grass.

Additional Feature Codes

In addition to the standard class, additional letters in the product code of work shoes indicate special protection features.

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge): Offers stricter tolerances than class A antistatic. Maintains discharge resistance in the range of 0.1–35 MΩ. Mandatory in semiconductor and electronic manufacturing environments.

SC (Heel Area Protection): Contains an additional reinforced area that protects the heel bone from impacts. Recommended for personnel who walk on hard surfaces and carry loads for long periods.

LG (Anti-Glare Sole): Reduces light reflected from the sole surface on shiny and bright floors. Used in aviation hangars and sterile production areas.

FO (Fuel and Oil Resistant Sole): Prevents swelling and deterioration of the sole material when exposed to fuel and oil. Required for petrochemical, gas station, and workshop environments.

SR / SRC (Advanced Slip Resistance): Passes both SRA (soap-lubricated ceramic floor) and SRB (glycerine-lubricated steel floor) tests. Different manufacturers may use SR or SRC code, both are equivalent.

HRO (Heat Resistant Sole): Maintains sole integrity during 60 seconds of contact with a hot surface up to 300°C. A critical feature in casting, welding, glass, and ceramics industries.

WR (Fully Waterproof): Contains a waterproof inner membrane. The entire shoe has been tested for liquid permeability. It is standard in S6 and S7 series. It is mandatory for long-term wet environments, rainy outdoor conditions, and working in water.

WRU (Water Resistant Upper): The upper material of the shoe has water-repellent properties. Unlike WR, it does not provide full impermeability but resistance to short-term wetting. It is suitable for low-intensity wet conditions such as light rain and wet grass.

Our leading Work Shoe Brands: Toworkfor, Base and Uvex.

Standard Recommendation by Sector