A Guide to EN ISO 20345:2022

When it comes to foot protection, there's more to think about than just toe caps. The right safety footwear guards against slips, punctures, electrical shocks, and more.

That’s where the EN ISO 20345:2022 safety footwear standard comes in. 

It’s the international safety standard for boots and shoes, making sure they meet the demands of the modern workplace. 

But what about all the marks and categories? Safety standards can be confusing.

Don't worry. This guide answers all your questions, including:

• What is EN ISO 20345:2022?
• What’s changed in the latest update?
• What do the safety ratings for boots mean?
• How do I choose the best safety standard footwear?

WHAT IS EN ISO 20345?

EN ISO 20345 is the European and international standard for safety footwear. 

It sets out the minimum protective features that safety footwear needs to be certified (if manufactured after 31st July 2013). 

It makes sure your footwear can stand up to the real-world risks of today.

It tests for:

• Sole strength and durability
• Puncture and slip resistance
• Toe impact and compression
• Water and chemical exposure
• Electrical and thermal hazards

What it means for you:

• Manufacturers must make footwear that meets all testing standards.
• Employers must supply employees with compliant PPE and workwear.
• Buyers and safety managers must choose the right footwear based on footwear markings.EN ISO 20345 vs. EN345

EN345 was the old European standard for safety footwear.

It’s been replaced by EN ISO 20345, making sure safety footwear meets current ISO practices. 

The EN ISO 20345:2022 clears things up with:

• Tougher tests
• Clearer classifications

KEY REQUIREMENTS OF EN ISO 20345

Want to know if your boots and shoes can handle on-site hazards? Check that they have the right markings. 

These tell you if your safety boots have been tested under harsh, controlled conditions.

Main features include:

FEATURES	REQUIREMENTS
Toe protection	Holds up against a 200-joule impact and 15kN compression resistance.
Anti-slip	Mandatory grip testing on standardised surfaces.
Penetration resistance	Resists sharp objects with a force of at least 1100N.
Heat resistance	Rated for HI (heat insulation) and HRO (heat-resistant outsole).
Electrical properties	Classified for Antistatic (A), Conductive (C), or Electrically Insulating properties.
Water protection	Now includes WPA rating for water absorption and penetration.
Marking codes	S1-S7 ratings indicate the level and type of built-in safety features.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE 2022 UPDATE?

The EN ISO 20345:2022 version keeps most of the core safety requirements.

However, the update also includes smarter testing and clearer labelling to reflect the workplace demands.

Here’s what’s changed:

• Scuff cap durability added - Boots passing 1,000 abrasion cycles are marked SC.
• Ladder grip test introduced - Footwear tested for grip on ladder rungs gets an LG mark.
• More detailed classifications - New codes like S1PL, S3S, S5L, and S7S indicate protection levels.
• Slip resistance is now mandatory - The old SRA/SRB/SRC codes are gone. Now, optional slip testing is shown as S.
• Water resistance label update: WRU (water-resistant upper) has been replaced with WPA (water penetration and absorption). The test is the same.
• Waterproof classes updated: S6 is S2 plus waterproofing. S7 is S3 plus waterproofing.
• Puncture resistance codes updated: P for metal inserts, PL for non-metal inserts tested with a 4.5 mm nail, PS for non-metal inserts tested with a 3.0 mm nail.

DID YOU KNOW?

The EN ISO 20345:2022 standard now includes stricter slip resistance testing, so you'll know your footwear grips even better!

UNDERSTANDING SAFETY RATINGS (S1, S2, S3)

Once safety footwear has passed all the required tests, it gets the EN ISO 20345 footwear stamp of approval - and a product marking to match!

These markings show you exactly what safety features your boots offer.

We know it can get confusing. So here’s a clear breakdown of each rating:

LEATHER AND FABRIC BOOTS

This doesn't include full rubber boots or wellies.

	SB	SBP	S1	S1P	S2	S3
200 joules toe cap	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Fully enclosed heel			✔	✔	✔	✔
Energy absorption at seat area			✔	✔	✔	✔
Antistatic properties			✔	✔	✔	✔
Water penetration & absorption resistance					✔	✔
Penetration-resistant midsole		✔		✔		✔
Cleated outsole						✔

RUBBER AND POLYMER BOOTS

	SB	S4	S5
200 joules toe cap	✔	✔	✔
Fully enclosed heel		✔	✔
Energy absorption at seat level		✔	✔
Antistatic properties		✔	✔
Water penetration & absorption level
Penetration-resistant midsole			✔
Cleated sole			✔

LET’S BREAK IT ALL DOWN:

RATING	PROTECTIVE FEATURES
SB	Basic toe protection only
S1	Closed heel, antistatic, and energy absorption
S1P	Adds penetration resistance
S1PL/S1PS	Special puncture resistance tests
S2	Adds water resistance (WPA)
S3	Adds a cleated sole and penetration resistance
S3L/S3S	Improved puncture resistance (PL/PS)
S4	Waterproof polymers with the same features as S1 boots
S5	Same features as S4, plus cleated soles and penetration resistance
S5L/S5S	Same as S5 with PL/PS puncture resistance
S6	Same protection as S2 boots, now waterproof
S7	Same protection as S3 boots, now waterproof
S7L/S7S	Waterproof with enhanced puncture resistance

Need a little help?

Chat with our friendly team today:
Drop us a message, or give us a call on 0330 441 3500.

TESTING AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Safety footwear testing is done under controlled conditions to be sure it meets the safety standard of EN ISO 20345:2022.

Tests include:

SLIP RESISTANCE RATINGS

Now, slip resistance testing is mandatory, so there’s no need for a mark. 

That said, manufacturers can opt for additional slip resistance testing. Look out for the SR symbol to know your footwear passed.

Don’t worry if your current safety boots carry the old slip codes (SRA, SRB, and SRC). As long as their safety certificate is valid, they are still compliant.

NEW WATER-RESISTANT MARKINGS

Water resistance markings have changed from WRU (water-resistant uppers) to WPA (water penetration and absorption). 

The test hasn’t changed - it just indicates better water resistance. 

Safety footwear gets the WPA mark if it holds up against water penetration for 60 minutes.

There's an extra test called the WR test for fully waterproof footwear (like S6 and S7). The whole boot is flexed in water to make sure no water can get inside, no matter the job.

SCUFF CAP ABRASION TEST

This test shows that safety footwear can handle real on-site wear and tear. 

If the footwear withstands 1,000 abrasion cycles, it gets an SC rating.

LADDER GRIP TEST

This new test checks the grip performance on ladder rungs. It’s essential in construction or maintenance work.

It measures the area between the heel and forepart of the boot below the arch - if it passes, it is marked with an LG mark.

ISO VS CE MARKINGS

Both ISO and CE markings are essential, but for different reasons.

Let’s break them down:

• EN ISO 20345 - Spells out exactly what safety features your footwear needs and how it performs.
• CE Mark - Shows that footwear meets EU legal regulations for health, safety, and environmental protection. This mark is required for legal sale in the UK.

TOP TIP: Always look for ISO and CE markings when choosing safety standard boots and shoes.

CHOOSING SAFETY FOOTWEAR THAT MEETS THE STANDARD

The easiest way to check if your footwear meets the standard is to look at the label.

Here’s what to look for:

• CE Mark – Confirms the footwear meets UK legal requirements.
  
• EN ISO 20345:2022 – Shows it's tested to the most up-to-date safety standards.
  
• Safety Rating (S1-S7) – Tells you what level of protection your footwear offers. Always match the risks to the job.
  
• Optional Features – Look for codes like SR (slip resistance), SC (scuff cap), LG (ladder grip), and WPA (water resistance) to check your footwear holds up on site.

TOP TIPS:

• When updating your PPE inventory, avoid simply replacing like-for-like. Before ordering, reassess the risks on your site and match the footwear to the job.
• Always pick trusted brands that test to the latest EN ISO 20345:2022 safety standards.

FAQs

WHAT IS ISO 20345 FOR SAFETY SHOES?

It’s the international standard for safety footwear. It makes sure that footwear for work offers features like toe protection, slip resistance, and water resistance.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EN345 AND EN ISO 20345?

EN345 was the old European standard. EN ISO 20345 is the new globally recognised safety standard for safety footwear.

IS EN ISO 20345 MANDATORY IN THE UK?

Yes. Under the safety footwear regulations UK, employers must supply safety footwear that meets the 2022 EN ISO 20345 standard wherever there’s a risk.

WHAT DOES S3 MEAN ON SAFETY BOOTS?

S3 boots meet the third category of EN ISO 20345:2011 safety boot standards.

They are similar to S2 boots but have antistatic properties, water resistance, a cleated sole, and penetration resistance. They’re a good choice in riskier environments, like construction.

DO SAFETY BOOTS EXPIRE?

No. But materials break down over time. Regularly check your footwear and replace it if worn or damaged.

Don’t forget to check certification.

Safety footwear with the BS EN ISO 20345:2011 standard is still valid until the existing certificate expires.

TOP TIP: Always check your footwear has a valid certificate and is tested to the latest EN ISO 20345:2022 standards.

PARTNER WITH SMI - WE KNOW WHAT’S SAFE

Choosing the right safety footwear doesn’t have to be confusing.

Here’s how we make it easy for you:

• 97% stock availability
• Maximum 3-hour response time
• 2-day dispatch on branded garments
• 5PM order cut-off for next-day delivery
• Own delivery fleet in key regions for extra reliability

With SMI, you’re partnering with a team dedicated to protecting your people.

Browse our full range of safety footwear tested to the new standards.

Or chat with our friendly team today - they’re happy to help.

Send us a message or give us a call on 0330 441 3500.