Work shoes standards & technologies

S-classifications and ESD for safety shoes and safety boots

When you are looking for the proper safety shoes for the conditions in which you work, it is important to know which safety requirements must be observed. For safety shoes, 7 so-called S-classifications are used to indicate which properties the safety shoe has. The S stands for 'Safety'. Each class has specific properties for specific circumstances. In addition, there is also talk of so-called ESD safety shoes, which refers to safety shoes that discharge electrostatically.

Lightweight and sporty

Nowadays, safety shoes and boots are made that are (very) lightweight and/or have a sporty appearance, which still meet the required standards. Very light safety shoes are made by using new materials such as Kevlar, plastic and lightweight fabrics. But the appearance is also important; sneaker safety shoes are extremely popular and are increasingly preferred over the classic safety shoe or boot. Redbrick has even developed a complete line of safety sneakers.

Overview of different requirements

Safety class

Characteristics

 S.B S1 S1P S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7
Safety toe (S) resistant to 200 joules J J J J J J J J J
Wear-resistant and durable materials J J J J J J J J J
Closed Heel J J J J J J J J
Energy Absorbing Heel (E) J J J J J J J J
Antistatic resistance (A) J J J J J J J J

Anti-Slip Outsole*

(SRA/SRB/SRC)

 J J J J J J J J J
Impermeable sole (P) J J J J
Water resistant splash water (WPA) J J J J
Waterproof direct water contact (WR) J J
100% waterproof (PU/PVC) J J
Outsole with extra profile J J J

SB Safety shoes SB Safety shoes

All basic safety shoes from the standard: EN ISO 20345:2022 meet various basic properties such as a protective toe cap, wear-resistant, ergonomic and comfortable.

SB safety shoes are not common and we do not offer them in our range

Features SB safety shoes

  • Safety toe (S) resistant to 200 Joules (15 kilonewtons)
  • Wear-resistant and durable materials
  • Ergonomic and comfortable
  • Non-slip outsole tested on ceramic floors

S1 Safety shoes S1 Safety shoes

S1 safety shoes offer extra protection compared to an SB safety shoe, mainly due to the energy-absorbing heel and anti-static resistance.

S1 safety shoes are not common because it is often chosen to make an S1P safety shoe.

Features S1 safety shoes

  • Safety toe (S) resistant to 200 Joules (15 kilonewtons)
  • Wear-resistant and durable materials
  • Ergonomic and comfortable
  • Non-slip outsole tested on ceramic floors
  • Energy absorbing heel (E)
  • Antistatic resistance (A)
  • Closed heel

S1P Safety shoes S1P Safety shoes

S1P safety shoes are very suitable for a wide range of professions. These safety shoes are perfect for indoor work, for example logistics and warehouse work. S1P safety shoes have a steel or steel-free midsole to prevent your feet from being pierced by sharp objects. S1P safety shoes are not water-repellent and are therefore only suitable for dry working environments. The big advantage of S1P safety shoes compared to S3 safety shoes is that they are often lighter and more breathable, making them very comfortable to wear.

This type of classification of safety shoes is widely used in the catering industry, warehouses and the transport sector.

Features S1P safety shoes

  • Safety toe (S) resistant to 200 Joules (15 kilonewtons)
  • Wear-resistant and durable materials
  • Ergonomic and comfortable
  • Non-slip outsole tested on ceramic floors
  • Energy absorbing heel (E)
  • Antistatic resistance (A)
  • Closed heel
  • Anti-penetration midsole (P)

S2 Safety shoes S2 Safety shoes

This safety class means that the safety shoes have at least a safety toe (steel or metal-free), closed heel, energy-absorbing heel and anti-static properties. Furthermore, these safety shoes have a fire-resistant sole and the upper material is waterproof for 60 minutes. S2 safety shoes are suitable for work where there is no risk of penetration of the sole.

This type of classification of safety shoes is widely used in the catering industry, warehouses, transport sector, agricultural sector and food production

Features S2 safety shoes

  • Safety toe (S) resistant to 200 Joules (15 kilonewtons)
  • Wear-resistant and durable materials
  • Ergonomic and comfortable
  • Non-slip outsole tested on ceramic floors
  • Energy absorbing heel (E)
  • Antistatic resistance (A)
  • Closed heel
  • Water-repellent water penetration and absorption resistance (WPA)

S3 Safety shoes S3 Safety shoes

For the most common safety requirements in your working environment choose S3. S3 safety shoes protect you or your employees against the impact of heavy objects, against perforation and against physical discomfort that can occur due to repetitive movements. If your company works with heavy and sharp materials, S3 safety shoes are essential for safe and pleasant working conditions.

This type of classification of safety shoes is widely used in the catering, warehouses, transport sector, offshore, electrical engineering, construction and metal sectors.

Features S3 safety shoes

  • Safety toe (S) resistant to 200 Joules (15 kilonewtons)
  • Wear-resistant and durable materials
  • Ergonomic and comfortable
  • Non-slip outsole tested on ceramic floors
  • Energy absorbing heel (E)
  • Antistatic resistance (A)
  • Closed heel
  • Anti-penetration midsole (P)
  • Water-repellent water penetration and absorption resistance (WPA)
  • Outsole with extra profile

S4 Safety boots S4 Safety boots

S4 safety boots in our webshop comply with the EN 20345 standard. This means that these safety boots are made of rubber or plastic materials, making them completely waterproof and therefore extremely suitable for wearing in wet working conditions. In addition, S4 safety boots are equipped with a safety toe, energy-absorbing heel and the boots have anti-static properties.

This type of classification of safety boots is widely used in the food industry and laboratories

Features S4 safety boots

  • Rubber or plastic boot
  • Complete waterproof
  • Suitable for working in wet and dry conditions
  • Safety toe (S) resistant to 200 Joules (15 kilonewtons)
  • Wear-resistant and durable materials
  • Ergonomic and comfortable
  • Non-slip outsole tested on ceramic floors
  • Energy absorbing heel (E)
  • Antistatic resistance (A)
  • Closed heel

S5 Safety boots S5 Safety boots

S5 safety boots in our webshop comply with the EN 20345 standard. This means that these safety boots are made of rubber or plastic materials, making them completely waterproof and therefore extremely suitable for wearing in wet working conditions. In addition, S5 safety boots are equipped with a safety toe, energy-absorbing heel and the boots have anti-static properties. S5 boots also have an impermeable sole.

This type of classification of safety boots is widely used in the food industry and construction.
View all S5 safety boots

Features S5 safety boots

  • Rubber or plastic boot
  • Complete waterproof
  • Suitable for working in wet and dry conditions
  • Safety toe (S) resistant to 200 Joules (15 kilonewtons)
  • Wear-resistant and durable materials
  • Ergonomic and comfortable
  • Non-slip outsole tested on ceramic floors
  • Energy absorbing heel (E)
  • Antistatic resistance (A)
  • Closed heel
  • Anti-penetration midsole (P)

S6 Safety shoes S6 Safety shoes

This safety class means that the safety shoes have at least a safety toe (steel or metal-free), closed heel, energy-absorbing heel and anti-static properties. Furthermore, these safety shoes have a fire-resistant sole and are water resistant for at least 80 minutes of direct water contact (WR). S6 safety shoes are suitable for work where there is no risk of penetration of the sole.

This type of safety shoe classification is used in environments where people regularly work in short-term water.

Features S6 safety shoes

  • Safety toe (S) resistant to 200 Joules (15 kilonewtons)
  • Wear-resistant and durable materials
  • Ergonomic and comfortable
  • Non-slip outsole tested on ceramic floors
  • Energy absorbing heel (E)
  • Antistatic resistance (A)
  • Closed heel
  • Water resistant 80 minutes direct water contact (WR)

S7 Safety shoes S7 Safety shoes

For the most comprehensive safety in your working environment, choose S7. This is the highest safety standard for safety shoes. S7 safety shoes protect you or your employees against the impact of heavy objects, against perforation and against physical discomfort that can occur due to repetitive movements. If your company works with heavy and sharp materials, S7 safety shoes are essential for safe and pleasant working conditions. An important improvement compared to an S3 work shoe is the water resistance is even better.

This type of safety shoe classification is widely used in offshore, construction and other outdoor work

Features S7 safety shoes

  • Safety toe (S) resistant to 200 Joules (15 kilonewtons)
  • Wear-resistant and durable materials
  • Ergonomic and comfortable
  • Non-slip outsole tested on ceramic floors
  • Energy absorbing heel (E)
  • Antistatic resistance (A)
  • Closed heel
  • Anti-penetration midsole (P)
  • Water resistant 80 minutes direct water contact (WR)
  • Outsole with extra profile

What are ESD work shoes?

ESD stands for 'electrostatic discharge', which means that ESD work shoes have the ability to discharge an electrostatic charge. Throughout the day, you build up static electricity as you move. An ESD shoe removes this because they have very low resistance. This way the electrostatic charge between the floor and person remains the same. This is important when working with delicate objects or equipment that can be damaged by shock or sparks caused by built-up static electricity. Sometimes professionals think that the antistatic properties of most work shoes are enough. The difference, however, is that anti-static work shoes only allow the built-up static electricity to flow away through the shoes, but that ESD work shoes can also conduct this electricity.

When should you wear ESD shoes?

ESD work shoes are very important for professionals who work with sensitive electronics (such as hard drives, microchips, etc.) or in work environments where there is a risk of explosions. It is advisable to also wear conductive work clothing in these situations, such as a anti-static work jacket, anti-static work trousers or anti-static overalls. When you move, friction always creates an electrostatic charge in the body. Shoes and clothing that are not conductive (enough) can increase this charge. When a lack of discharge occurs, electronic products can be irreparably damaged. If you work with gases, chemicals, explosives or dust explosions, the risk of an explosion increases if there is no electronic discharge.

 

Further work shoes and work boot techniques

What is Gore-Tex®?

Gore-Tex® products contain a membrane that makes them windproof, waterproof and breathable. This ensures that you stay dry during a heavy rain shower and are less likely to suffer from perspiration due to the breathability of the material. Gore-Tex® is known worldwide for its high quality and durability. This makes the products last longer. Want to read more about Gore-Tex®? Then read our news article about Gore-Tex and how you can best maintain it.

What is an Active® sole?

Active® soles are constructed from various lightweight materials and components, including a uniquely positioned anti-perforation sole. On top of this midsole there are two layers that provide the wearer with support and a lot of comfort. The outsole is made up of a PU and TPU layer that contains micro-bubbles, which improves the cushioning of the sole. Active® soles are light, cushioning and durable.

What is Gri-Air® technology?

Gri-Air® technology ensures that your shoe breathes well, so that your feet stay fresh and dry for a long time. The material of the shoe consists of three layers: a coarsely woven top (upper), a breathable 3D membrane, which ensures that the shoe fits perfectly around the foot, without suffocating it. The third layer is the lining. Finally, there is an insole made of activated carbon, which absorbs unpleasant odors.

What is the BOA® Fit system?

The BOA® Fit system replaces regular laces in work shoes. This handy system gives you the freedom to easily adjust the fit and ensures that you will never have loose laces again. Each construction and configuration is specially designed and uses three integral parts: a micro-adjustable dial, super-strong lightweight laces and low-friction lace guides. With a simple turn of the knob you can tighten the laces and by pulling the knob you can easily loosen the laces.