Safety footwear must meet the highest standards – this is ensured by internationally uniform standards. The most important standard for safety footwear is EN ISO 20345, which was comprehensively revised in 2022 and updated again in 2024.
Since 11 November 2024, new safety footwear placed on the market must be certified according to the new DIN EN ISO 20345:2024 standard. Products that were already on the market with valid certification before this date may continue to be sold until the respective certificate expires (valid for 5 years).
The new standard establishes a differentiated description for puncture resistance. From now on, it will be called resistance to puncturing.
A distinction is now also made between different materials, including test details:
P = Metallic puncture resistance (test nail: 4.5 mm)
L = Non-metallic, test nail 4.5 mm
S = Non-metallic, test nail 3.0 mm (higher requirement) (höhere Anforderung)
The new standard expands the familiar protection classes to include S6 and S7.
S6 = like S2 + waterproof
S7 = like S3 + waterproof
New modifications with resistance to puncturing are: S3L, S3S, S7L and S7S.
A new, optional additional test checks slip resistance on ladders – important for working at height. To pass this test, shoes must have a front heel at least 10 mm high and a profile in the joint area.
The previous classes SRA, SRB and SRC are no longer applicable.
Instead:
• Slip tests on tiles with cleaning agent (glycerol) as standard
• Optional marking: SR (Slip Resistance)
• For shoes that have not been tested for slip resistance, the additional marking Ø must be indicated.
The waterproofness of the shoe is indicated by the WR (Water Resistant) label.
The labels WRU (Water Resistant Upper) and WPA (Water Penetration and Absorption) certify temporary waterproofness and water absorption of the upper material. This does not imply waterproofness.
The FO marking will from now on be optional. It provides information about the sole’s resistance to hydrocarbons such as petrol or oil.
SC (Scuff Cap) is a new optional additional requirement. Here, the upper material at the toe of the shoe is subjected to an abrasion test. If this test is passed, SC can be added to the shoe.
EN ISO 20345:2022 has been modernised to:
• create greater transparency regarding protective functions
• better inform users about specific protective features
• improve comfort, e.g. through improved inclusion and limitation of covered areas for determining the breathability of the upper material
• adapt the requirements to the current state of the art
STEITZ SECURA is gradually switching over to the new standard and already offers products that comply with it – as well as continuing to offer models certified according to DIN EN ISO 20345:2012 for as long as their certification remains valid.
We will be happy to advise you on any questions you may have about the standards or choosing the right safety footwear!
| Category | Type of shoe | Operational Environment | Protective Toe Cap | Heel Energy Absorption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB A E | Open heel sandal | Warm work areas | Yes | Yes |
| S1 | Sandal, open shoe, closed shoe | Dry work areas | Yes | Yes |
| S1 P / S1PS | Sandal, open shoe, closed shoe | Dry work areas | Yes | Yes |
| S2 | Closed shoe | Slightly damp work areas | Yes | Yes |
| S3 / S3S | Closed shoe | Slightly damp work areas | Yes | Yes |
| S6 | Closed shoe | Suitable for outdoor use | Yes | Yes |
| S7 / S7S | Closed shoe | Suitable for outdoor use | Yes | Yes |
