Safety footwear for Logistics and Warehousing

SAFETY FOOTWEAR MATTERS IN LOGISTICS AND WAREHOUSING

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that as of October 2021, there were approximately 1.8 million people employed in the logistics and warehousing sector.

Workers in this industry must wear warehouse shoes designed to meet current safety footwear standards. 

Safety shoes are a vital piece of PPE, protecting warehouse workers from: 

• Impact from falling objects
• Foot discomfort and fatigue 
• Injury from sharp objects 
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Electrical hazards

By choosing the right footwear, logistics and warehouse workers can reduce the risk of injury and stay comfortable and supported throughout their shifts.

UNDERSTANDING SAFETY FOOTWEAR STANDARDS

When selecting safety footwear for your workforce, it's crucial to ensure it meets the latest standard.

Understanding safety footwear standards can be tricky, so let’s break down everything you need to know. 

In Europe, all styles of safety footwear are tested against the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard. This sets out several basic and optional specifications and helps employers to choose the most appropriate footwear for their workforce.

Once tested, logistics and warehouse safety boots are placed into one of the following protection classes: 

• SB - Slip-resistant and basic toe protection.
• S1 - Includes SB features plus anti-static properties, a closed heel, and energy absorption.
• S2 - Meets the same specifications as S1 warehouse shoes, also features a water-resistant upper.
• S3 - Meets S2 specifications, plus a protruding grip, and penetration-resistant midsole. 
• S4 - The same specifications as SB, with anti-static properties, energy absorption, and a closed heel. S4 footwear is made with a rubber upper or moulded entirely from polymer.
• S5 - Meets the same specifications as S4 safety shoes, also featuring a cleated outsole, and penetration-resistant midsole. 
• S6 - These safety shoes and boots meet the same standards as S2 footwear, but are also waterproof. 
• S7 - Offers the same level of protection as S3 footwear, alongside a fully waterproof design.

CHANGES TO THE SAFETY FOOTWEAR STANDARDS

The EN ISO 20345:2022 standard is an updated version of the EN ISO 20345:2011. 

This new PPE footwear standard includes two extra safety categories, changes to the basic safety criteria, and provides additional labeling options. 

WHAT’S CHANGED: 

Slip resistance 

Slip resistance testing is now a basic requirement for all logistics and warehouse shoes. 

The old SRA, SRB and SRC labels are no longer used, instead: 

• All shoes must pass a slip resistance test on ceramic tiles with a sodium lauryl sulphate solution.
• The SR label is now used for shoes that have also been tested on ceramic tile with glycerol.
• Testing has changed to ensure that slip resistance is checked in both the heel and toe of the shoe.

Ladder grip 

If your team regularly works at height, ladder grip matters.

The new Ladder Grip (LG) label highlights shoes that are tested for safe use on ladders. To meet the standard, the outsole must extend at least 1.5mm up the heel, which gives better grip and stability.

While it’s not a legal requirement, the LG mark helps you choose footwear that’s safer for climbing.

Puncture resistance 

Not all soles offer the same protection.

Under the latest standards, safety shoes are now grouped by how well they resist sharp objects.

Here’s what to look for:

• P - for metallic plate tested with a 4.5mm nail.
• PL - for non-metallic plate tested with a 4.5mm nail.
• PS - for non-metallic plate tested with a 3mm nail.
  

Water resistance 

Under the old standard, footwear labeled WRU could still let in water, as long as no more than 3cm²got through the upper. In short, shoes didn’t need to be fully waterproof to pass. 

That’s now changed. The WRU label has been replaced by two clearer classifications:

• WPA - given to footwear that allows some level of water penetration and absorption.
• WR - shoes with this label are fully water resistant.

SELECTING THE RIGHT FOOTWEAR FOR YOUR TEAM

Not all logistics and warehouse workers face the same hazards during their working day.  

Finding compliant footwear for every team member can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help. 

Five important factors to think about when choosing the right footwear for your team: 

• Tasks completed throughout the working day. 
• Condition of the working environment. 
• Potential hazards: falling objects, slippery surfaces, and static build-up.
• Size and fit requirements. 
• Additional features like water-resistant materials. 

Whatever each role involves, the right safety footwear improves protection, comfort, and support for your whole team.

WAREHOUSE OPERATIVES  

Warehouse operatives work in a fast-paced environment, spending several hours a day on their feet. 

For example, busy pickers and packers need supportive shoes, ideally with toe caps for added protection. 

Lightweight safety boots and anti-slip trainers keep feet safe from falling objects, and help to reduce muscle fatigue.

DRIVERS

They may spend less time rushing around the warehouse on foot, but forklift and delivery drivers still need to wear safety shoes.

Oil spills and wet ground conditions can be dangerous. Provide your drivers with anti-slip and oil-resistant footwear to make sure they get to and from their vehicle safely.

STEEL TOE OR COMPOSITE BOOTS FOR WAREHOUSE WORKERS?

Can’t decide between steel toe or composite boots?

Both shoe materials offer reliable protection, but your choice will be influenced by your safety footwear needs. 

At a glance, here are the key differences between steel toe and composite boots:

• Weight - Composite boots are lighter, reducing fatigue and strain.
• Electrical safety - Steel toe cap boots cannot be worn for electrical work, but composite shoes can.
• Impact protection - Steel is more durable and offers greater protection from falling objects.
• Cost - Due to the materials and manufacturing methods used, composite boots are typically more expensive than steel toe footwear.
• Working conditions - Composite boots are less prone to rusting, making them a better choice for humid and wet work environments.
• Environmental impact - Composite safety shoes are non-metallic and made from recyclable materials, making them a more sustainable option. 

At SMI, we partner with trusted brands offering both composite and steel toe cap safety boots.

SAFETY FOOTWEAR FOR WOMEN

Ill-fitting footwear puts people at risk, and that includes women wearing shoes designed for men.

Keep all members of your team protected by providing them with supportive and comfortable footwear. 

Products available in our ladies' footwear range offer better sizing, increased comfort, and improved compliance. 

Browse the SMI ladies safety footwear collection and find the right fit for everyone on your team.

ECO-FRIENDLY SAFETY BOOT OPTIONS

Protect your team. Support the planet.

Many logistics and warehousing organisations are working hard to reduce their environmental impact. When it comes to safety footwear, it is possible to protect your workers while also meeting your sustainability goals. 

The SMI eco-friendly safety boot range includes footwear made from recyclable materials and vegan-friendly products.

The following safety boots are available in our Everyday Earth collection:

• Rockfall Bantam S3 SRC trainer - features uppers made from recycled plastic bottles.
  
  
• V12 Torque IGS S1P SRC - a vegan friendly boot crafted without animal products.
  
  
• Exena Carbon S1P SRC Eco Trainer - made using 100% recycled and recyclable materials.

With eco soles, recyclable uppers, and planet-conscious designs, our range helps you meet your sustainability goals without compromising on safety.

Explore the Everyday Earth collection today. 

WHERE TO PURCHASE QUALITY SAFETY FOOTWEAR

Looking for reliable, compliant footwear for your team? We’ve got you covered.

At SMI, we stock a wide range of safety boots, trainers, shoes, and accessories - all from trusted brands like ROKWEAR® and V12.

Every pair meets current safety standards, so you can protect your team without second-guessing.

Need help finding the right fit? 

Get in touch - we’re here to support you with all your workplace PPE needs.