Safety Shoes

Safety shoes are indispensable in many work environments. They protect the feet and help prevent knee, hip, and back problems. The type of safety shoe required depends on the risks identified in the RI&E.

Good safety shoes are suited to the job, fit well, and are comfortable to wear. Your supplier can help you make the right choice. 

Safety Shoes and the RI&E

The RI&E determines what type of safety footwear is required. It takes into account the surface, moisture, slipperiness, mechanical risks, and walking strain. The footwear must provide adequate protection in all work areas.

Standardization within the company helps prevent errors and improves safety in practice.

Fit and Comfort

Safety shoes must fit properly in both length and width. Because fit varies by brand, trying them on and taking a test walk is always necessary.

Please note the following:

• Your toes should not touch the protective toe cap
• The heel must stay securely in place
• The instep should fit snugly without pinching or bunching

The fewer seams, the better. Ideally, the upper should be made of a single piece of material. At least four lace eyelets ensure an even fit and fewer pressure points.

Heel and Stability

A safety shoe must have a straight heel of at least 1.5 cm across the entire width of the sole. This is important for stability when walking, using stairs, and climbing ladders.

A completely flat sole does provide traction, but lacks this additional safety feature. That is why the supplementary requirement LG (Ladder Grip) has been included in EN ISO 20345:2022.

Slip Resistance

Slip resistance determines how much grip the sole provides on various surfaces, such as concrete, steel, or oil-contaminated floors. The required level of slip resistance is determined by the RI&E.

In EN ISO 20345:2022, slip resistance is part of the basic requirement (SB). The old designations SRA, SRB, and SRC have been discontinued. The additional marking SR is used only when an extra test is conducted on ceramic tiles with glycerin.

Waterproof Safety Shoes

Keeping feet dry depends primarily on material selection and construction. When the upper and waterproof tongue are made from a single piece, the risk of leakage is lower. Regular maintenance helps limit moisture absorption.

The standard distinguishes between two levels:

• WPA: limited water permeability
• WR: completely waterproof

A non-breathable coating is not a good solution, because ventilation remains important for the skin.

Sole and Tread

A good outsole has a deep, continuous tread pattern that sheds debris and maintains traction. The lateral tread pattern influences the foot’s roll.

Soles made from a combination of PU and nitrile rubber often offer a good balance between cushioning, stability, and durability.

Low, mid-cut, or high-top style

Generally, a low-cut style is sufficient, unless the RI&E or medical advice indicates otherwise. Too much support can actually make muscles less active.

A mid-cut or high-cut style is only appropriate when:

• Extra ankle support is needed
• This support is an integral part of the design

Leather or rubber safety boots should preferably be used only temporarily. They offer less control over fit and can cause discomfort with prolonged use.

Standards

New safety shoes must comply with EN ISO 20345:2022. The standard ranges from SB (Safety Base) to S7.

Important changes:

• New puncture protection: P, PL, and PS
• New waterproof classes: S6 and S7
• FO (oil and fuel resistance) is no longer standard
• More optional features such as LG (Laddergrip) and SC (Scuff Cap)

The correct class is always determined by the RI&E.

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge)

ESD safety shoes dissipate static electricity in a controlled manner. This prevents sparks and damage to sensitive electronics. The dissipation occurs automatically and goes unnoticed by the wearer.

ESD shoes are especially important in environments with electronic equipment.

When safety shoes are not required

If the RI&E indicates that there is no risk of falling objects, crushing, or penetration, work shoes (Class O) may be used. These do not have a protective toe cap and do not meet SB standards.

Chemical resistance

EN ISO 20345:2022 does not include a separate requirement for long-term chemical resistance. For this risk, EN 13832-3 applies, which is particularly relevant for rubber and polymer boots.