If you’ve ever shopped for safety shoes, you’ve likely come across terms like EN ISO 20345, S1, S3, SRC, or FO. Many buyers, warehouse supervisors, and frontline workers often ask:
“What do these codes actually mean — and which ones do I need?”
The good news is: EN ISO 20345 is not complicated.
Once you understand it, you can quickly judge whether a pair of shoes fits your workplace and avoid buying something expensive yet unsuitable.
This guide breaks it down clearly, so you can pick the right safety shoes with confidence.
01 What Is EN ISO 20345? (The Simple Explanation)
EN ISO 20345 is the European standard that defines the minimum safety requirements for safety footwear.
It ensures the shoes meet the basic 200J impact protection and then classifies them into levels (S1–S5) according to additional features.
In short: It’s the baseline guarantee that your shoes can truly protect you.
02 What’s the Difference Between S1–S5?
Remember this rule:
The higher the level, the more protection — but the highest level is not always the most suitable.
Here’s the simplest “work environment” guide:
🔹 S1 — For dry indoor workplaces
Suitable for: warehouses, electricians, factory floors
Includes:
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200J toe protection
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Anti-slip
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Antistatic
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Heel energy absorption
Choose S1 if your workplace is clean, dry, and indoors.
🔹 S1P — Indoor environments with sharp objects
Suitable for: metal workshops, repair shops, maintenance areas
Includes:
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All S1 features
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Puncture-resistant midsole (P)
If nails, metal scraps, or sharp debris are common → pick S1P.
🔹 S2 — Light water exposure (but not immersion)
Suitable for: food processing, cleaning services, pharmaceutical plants
Includes:
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All S1 features
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Water-resistant upper
Choose S2 if you need splash protection but won’t step into water.
🔹 S3 — The most versatile and widely used level
Suitable for: construction, logistics, agriculture, utilities, outdoor work
Includes:
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All S2 features
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Puncture-resistant midsole
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Water penetration resistance
S3 = Best “all-rounder” for mixed indoor/outdoor and tougher environments.
🔹 S4 / S5 — Rubber or PVC boots for wet conditions
Suitable for: sanitation, municipal work, mining, chemical handling
Includes:
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S4 = Fully waterproof + S1 features
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S5 = S4 + puncture resistance
Choose S4/S5 if you work in deep water, mud, or chemical areas.
03 More Symbols You Should Know
📌 SRC = Maximum slip resistance (SRA + SRB)
For wet, oily, or smooth industrial floors.
📌 FO = Fuel oil–resistant outsole
Useful in auto repair, mechanical workshops.
📌 ESD = Advanced electrostatic discharge control
For electronics, semiconductor, cleanrooms, data centers.
📌 HRO = Heat-resistant outsole (up to 300°C)
For welders, foundry workers, metal fabrication.
04 The Fastest Way to Choose Safety Shoes (20-Second Method)
Ask yourself these 3 questions:
1. Is the floor dry or wet?
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Dry indoor → S1 / S1P
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Light moisture → S2
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Outdoor / mixed / construction → S3
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Water immersion → S4 / S5
2. Are there sharp objects on the ground?
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Yes → Choose a puncture-resistant level: S1P, S3, or S5
3. Do you need extra protection?
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Slip resistance → SRC
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Static control → ESD
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High temperature → HRO
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Oil resistance → FO
If unsure, S3 SRC works for 90% of common industrial scenarios.
05 Why Understanding EN20345 Helps You Save Money
The biggest mistake in safety footwear purchasing is:
Paying more but still getting the wrong shoes.
Examples:
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A food factory buying S3 — but S2 is enough (lower cost).
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A construction site buying S1 — missing puncture protection (unsafe).
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An electronics factory using general antistatic shoes — not ESD compliant.
Knowing EN20345 ensures you buy exactly what you need — nothing more, nothing less.
06 How CHEAMY Can Help
We can support you with:
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Matching the correct S-level to your industry
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Providing samples for evaluation
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Real-world recommendations (slip, penetration, waterproof tests)
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Customized options for team or company use
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Products fully compliant with EN ISO 20345
We don’t just provide PPE — we provide safety.
Conclusion: A Standard That Makes Choosing Easier
EN ISO 20345 isn’t complicated.
Once you understand how S1–S5 and SRC/ESD/P/HRO work, choosing the right safety shoes becomes straightforward.
Let the standard work for you — and let your team stay protected with the right footwear.
