Buying safety footwear used to mean picking between "S1" and "S3." The 2022 update to EN ISO 20345 added new safety classes — including S6 and S7 — and a lot of buyers aren't sure what changed. Here's what the codes mean now.
The basics: what EN ISO 20345 covers
EN ISO 20345 is the European standard for safety footwear with toe protection (able to withstand a 200-joule impact). Every compliant boot carries a class code that tells you what protection it offers beyond the toe cap.
The classic classes
- SB — basic: 200J toe protection only.
- S1 — SB plus a closed heel, antistatic properties, energy absorption and fuel-oil resistance. For dry indoor environments.
- S1P — S1 plus penetration resistance (a midsole that resists nails and sharp objects).
- S2 — S1 plus water resistance to the upper.
- S3 — S2 plus penetration resistance and a cleated outsole. The traditional all-rounder for construction.
What the 2022 update changed
The big change was how penetration resistance is described, reflecting newer non-metallic midsoles, plus two new top-tier classes:
- S6 — effectively S2 plus full waterproofing (WR).
- S7 — effectively S3 plus full waterproofing (WR).
- New suffixes PL and PS distinguish metal (steel) penetration-resistant midsoles from non-metallic ones, tested with different nail diameters.
Many modern boots — including the Titan range we stock — are now built to S7S, meaning a fully waterproof boot with non-metallic penetration protection, ideal for wet Scottish sites.
Common additional markings
- WR — whole boot waterproof
- HRO — heat-resistant outsole (300°C)
- SR — slip resistance
- ESD — controlled static discharge (electronics/sensitive environments)
- M — metatarsal protection
How to choose
Start with your environment: indoor and dry (S1/S1P), outdoor and wet (S3 or S7), penetration risk from nails or debris (anything with P or the new penetration codes), heat (HRO), or static-sensitive work (ESD). Then consider comfort and fit — the best boot is the one people actually wear all day.
General guidance only — always match footwear to your site's specific risk assessment.