Safety shoes are one of the most important parts of your personal protective equipment. Whether you work on a construction site, in industry or at home on your own projects, the right shoes are crucial for both safety and comfort. Here we go through what you should consider before buying new safety shoes.
1. Correct protection class – markings to look for
Safety shoes are divided into different safety classes according to the European standard EN ISO 20345. Here are the most common ones:
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SB – The basic level. Has a toecap that withstands at least 200 joules.
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S1 – Toe cap + antistatic sole, energy absorption in the heel and closed heel area.
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S1P – Like S1 but also with penetration-resistant midsole.
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S2 – Like S1, but also with a water-repellent upper.
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S3 – Same as S2 + puncture-resistant midsole. Very common in the construction industry.
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S5 – For rubber boots. Water-resistant with puncture-resistant midsole and slip resistance.
In addition to these, there are supplementary markings, for example:
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SRC – Tested for slip resistance on both steel and ceramic surfaces.
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HRO – Sole that withstands heat up to 300 °C.
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CI – Insulates against cold.
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WR – Waterproof.
2. Work environment and area of use
Consider what kind of environment you’ll be using the shoes in:
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Construction site → usually S3 SRC as a minimum.
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Industry → S1P is often sufficient.
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Outdoor work in all weather → choose S3 or S5 + WR.
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Hot environments (asphalt, forge, etc.) → choose footwear with an HRO sole.
3. Comfort and fit
Safety shoes are worn for many hours a day, so comfort is just as important as protection. Keep in mind:
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Ventilation and choice of materials (leather, textile, membrane).
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Cushioning in the sole to reduce strain.
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Weight – lighter shoes reduce fatigue.
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Always try with the correct type of work sock.
4. Durability and quality
Safety shoes are exposed to heavy wear. Choose a recognised brand and check:
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Seams and reinforcements.
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Sole that is firmly attached.
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Markings on the inside or tongue (it must say EN ISO 20345).
Sammanfattning
When you buy safety shoes, always make sure they have the correct EN ISO 20345 marking for your work. Prioritise S3 SRC if you work in construction, and choose additional protection (HRO, WR, CI) if your work environment requires it. Don’t forget that fit and comfort are just as important if you’re going to last the whole working day.
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