Everything You Need To Know About Safety Boot Ratings

Safety boot ratings show the varying levels of protection offered by work shoes.

Sourcing the right protective footwear for your team is easier when you know what each label and rating means.

Not sure of the difference between an SB safety boot and an S7 shoe? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Here’s our guide to what safety boot ratings mean, and how to pick the right pair for the job.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR 

In the UK and Europe, all protective footwear must meet the same EN ISO 20345 safety standard.

Compliant footwear protects your team and helps you stay on the right side of HSE regulations, avoiding fines or legal action.

The safety footwear standard includes essential features, with options for extra protection. All protective footwear must pass a basic slip-resistance test, but ladder grip isn’t always required.

EN ISO 20345:2022 

The EN ISO 20345:2022 standard sets out the basic and optional requirements for safety footwear. It replaces the previous 2011 version.

Introduced in 2022, the latest standard includes new safety ratings, updated testing, and more labelling options. 

Key updates include:

• New S6 and S7 categories.
• Stricter puncture-resistance testing and labelling.
• Basic slip-resistance now mandatory for all footwear.
• Revised testing for the performance of water-resistant materials.
• Addition of more optional safety labels, including LG (ladder grip) and PL (non-metallic puncture resistance, tested with 4mm nail).

TOP TIP: Footwear certified to the EN ISO 20345:2011 standard remains valid until its expiry date, but newer styles may offer improved protection and performance.

A BRIEF GUIDE TO BOOT SAFETY RATINGS

Safety boot ratings help you match your team's footwear to the risks on site.

This helps keep your business compliant and protects your workforce from avoidable injuries.

Here’s a quick overview of safety boot ratings:

• SB - Provides mandatory slip-resistance and has a protective toe cap.
• S1 - Offers the same protection as SB, with a closed heel, anti-static properties, and energy absorption.
• S2 - Offers the same protection as S1, with a water-resistant upper.
• S3 - Includes all S2 features, plus a cleated outsole and metal puncture-resistant insert.
• S4 - Meets SB specifications, with anti-static and energy absorption protection. S4 shoes have a closed heel and are made from waterproof materials.
• S5 - Offers the same features as S4, with a cleated outsole and metal puncture-resistant insert.
• S6 - Meets S2 standards, but the whole shoe is classed as waterproof.
• S7 - A fully waterproof version of S3-rated footwear.

From basic protection to advanced safety, find the right footwear for your workforce in the SMI shop.

WHAT DO THE LETTERS MEAN ON WORK BOOTS?

In addition to their main safety rating, many boots include extra safety features, shown by a two-letter code.

This labelling system takes the guesswork out of choosing your workforce’s footwear.

Protection from environmental risks

• CI - Cold insulation
• HI – Heat insulation
• WR - Fully waterproof
• FO - Fuel and oil resistant
• HRO - Heat-resistant outsole
• WPA - Limited water absorption/penetration
• A - Anti-static properties to reduce static discharge

Mechanical protection

• AN - Ankle protection
• CR - Cut-resistant upper
• M - Metatarsal protection
• P - Metal puncture-resistant sole
• SC - Scuff cap for toe protection
• PL - Non-metal insert (tested with 4.5 mm nail)
• PS - Non-metal insert (tested with 3.0 mm nail)

Electrical safety

• A - Anti-static protection
• C - Conductive materials for electrical discharge

Comfort and support

• E - Energy absorption in the heel
• LG - Ladder grip soles for secure footing
• SR - Slip resistance on smooth surfaces

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SAFETY BOOTS FOR YOUR WORKFORCE 

Your team’s safety relies on being provided with the right PPE for the job. 

Now you know more about safety boot ratings, it’s time to decide which shoes best suit your employees’ needs.

Different industry workers are at risk of different hazards. For example, lightweight, slip-resistant shoes are a good choice for warehouse operatives.

Construction workers on the other hand will often need boots that provide puncture and metatarsal protection.

You need to think about:

• What tasks are they doing?
• What risks are they exposed to?    
• What’s their working environment?

Finding the most appropriate footwear is easier once you know how much protection your workforce needs.

SOURCE COMPLIANT SAFETY SHOES FROM SMI 

Explore the SMI protective footwear range today.

With a single-source PPE supplier, finding the right fit and protection is a walk in the park.

We partner with trusted footwear brands like ROKWEAR® and V12.

Get in touch with our team and provide your workforce with protective footwear built to last.