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safety shoe ratings s1 s1p s3 quick guide
Upload Time:
Aug 07, 2026
Confused by S1, S1P, S3 codes? This quick-reference guide decodes every EN ISO 20345 rating, additional markings (HRO, CI, SRC, ESD), and how to verify genuine certification — essential for PPE buyers and safety officers making purchasing decisions.
Safety Shoe Rating S1, S1P, S3, S4, S5: Quick Guide for B2B Buyers
The complete reference for PPE importers, distributors, and safety officers specifying EN ISO 20345 footwear.
If you buy or sell safety shoes, you see these codes every day: SB, S1, S1P, S2, S3, S4, S5. But what exactly does each one mean — and how do you choose the right rating for your customers' workplaces?
This is a no-fluff reference guide covering the EN ISO 20345 safety footwear classification system, written for busy B2B buyers who need to make fast, correct decisions.
───────────────────────────────
1. The EN ISO 20345 Ratings at a Glance
───────────────────────────────
SB — Steel/composite toe (200J impact, 15kN compression) — Minimum protection, indoor light work
S1 — SB + closed heel + anti-static + energy absorption — Dry indoor: factories, assembly, warehousing
S1P — S1 + anti-puncture midsole (1100N) — Dry with puncture risk: logistics, recycling, light construction
S2 — S1 + water penetration resistance — Wet indoor: breweries, food processing, car washes
S3 — S2 + anti-puncture midsole + cleated outsole — Wet + puncture: construction, mining, heavy industry
S4 — PVC/rubber boot + S2-level protection — Wet environments: agriculture, fishing, chemical
S5 — PVC/rubber boot + S3-level protection (toe + midsole) — Heavy wet: mining, waste management, heavy construction
───────────────────────────────
2. The Basic Requirement: SB
───────────────────────────────
Every certified safety shoe starts with SB — the minimum standard:
- Toe cap: Withstands 200 joules impact (approximately 20kg dropped from 1m) and 15kN compression (approximately 1.5 tonnes static load)
- That's it. No other requirements for the heel, sole, or upper.
When SB is enough: Light indoor work where the only risk is occasional dropped objects. Think retail stockrooms, small workshops, or office-warehouse hybrids.
When SB is not enough: Any environment with slip risk, puncture risk, water, or the need for energy-absorbing heels.
Reality check: Most B2B buyers skip SB entirely and start at S1P or S3 because the price difference is small and the protection gap is large.
───────────────────────────────
3. S1: The Dry Indoor Standard
───────────────────────────────
What You Get:
- Toe cap (200J) — Required
- Closed heel (anti-static heel area) — Required
- Anti-static properties — Required (resistance 100kΩ–1000MΩ)
- Energy absorption in heel — Required (≥20J in heel area)
- Water resistance — Not required
- Anti-puncture midsole — Not required
Where to Spec S1:
- Dry factory floors
- Assembly lines
- Dry warehouses with smooth concrete
- Electronics manufacturing (clean, dry environment)
Where NOT to Spec S1:
- Any environment where workers might step on nails, screws, or sharp debris
- Any outdoor work (water, mud)
- Any wet indoor environment (food processing, car washes)
───────────────────────────────
4. S1P: S1 + Puncture Protection
───────────────────────────────
S1P is S1 with one critical addition: an anti-puncture midsole tested to resist penetration at 1100N.
The midsole can be steel or Kevlar — the standard only cares about the test result, not the material.
Where to Spec S1P — this is the workhorse rating for dry environments with puncture risk:
- Logistics centers and parcel hubs (nails from broken pallets)
- Recycling facilities (glass, metal fragments)
- Light construction (interior finishing, drywall)
- Warehouses with wooden pallet traffic
- Manufacturing with metal swarf on floors
- Airport ground handling (check if metal-free required)
S1P vs S3 Key Difference:
S1P — No water resistance, not required cleated outsole — Best for dry puncture-risk environments
S3 — Water resistance required, cleated outsole required — Best for wet puncture-risk environments
───────────────────────────────
5. S2: The Wet Indoor Standard
───────────────────────────────
S2 adds water penetration resistance. The shoe upper must resist water absorption — tested by flexing the shoe in 30mm of water for a specified period.
Where to Spec S2:
- Food and beverage processing (daily washdown, wet floors)
- Breweries and dairies
- Car washes and detailing operations
- Indoor wet areas without puncture risk
Limitation: S2 does NOT include anti-puncture protection. If your food processing plant has sharp hooks, knives that drop, or metal equipment parts on the floor, you need S3 or S5 instead.
───────────────────────────────
6. S3: The Complete Package
───────────────────────────────
S3 combines everything: toe protection, anti-static, energy absorption, water resistance, anti-puncture midsole, and a cleated outsole for grip.
What You Get:
- Toe cap (200J) — Required
- Closed heel, anti-static — Required
- Energy absorption in heel — Required
- Water penetration resistance — Required
- Anti-puncture midsole — Required (≥1100N)
- Cleated outsole — Required (≥2.5mm lug depth)
Where to Spec S3:
- Construction sites (all weather, all surfaces, nails everywhere)
- Mining (underground and open-pit)
- Heavy manufacturing (wet+dry, sharp debris)
- Oil & gas facilities
- Railway maintenance
- Demolition and waste management
If in doubt, spec S3. It's the safest default for any B2B buyer who doesn't know the exact workplace conditions.
───────────────────────────────
7. S4 and S5: Full Waterproof Boots
───────────────────────────────
S4 and S5 apply specifically to all-rubber or all-polymeric (PVC/PU injection-molded) boots — the seamless, 100% waterproof type.
S4 — Toe cap + anti-static + energy absorption + waterproof (inherent) — Equivalent to S2 (no midsole)
S5 — S4 + anti-puncture steel midsole + cleated sole — Equivalent to S3 (with midsole)
Where to Spec S4/S5:
- Agriculture (mud, water, animal waste, chemicals)
- Fishing and seafood processing (constant water, fish oil)
- Chemical handling (PVC resists acids and alkalis)
- Slaughterhouses (blood, water, disinfectants, strict hygiene)
- Waste management (contaminated water, sharp objects)
───────────────────────────────
8. Additional Markings You'll See
───────────────────────────────
P — Anti-puncture midsole (1100N). Already included in S1P, S3, S5.
C — Electrical conductivity (≤100kΩ). Electronics manufacturing. Do NOT use near live electrical hazards.
A — Anti-static (100kΩ–1000MΩ). General industrial. Standard in S1–S5.
I — Electrical insulation (withstands 18kV). Live electrical work. Do not confuse with anti-static.
HI — Heat insulation (outsole resists 150°C for 30 min). Foundry, hot asphalt, welding areas.
HRO — Heat resistant outsole (300°C for 60 sec contact). Hot surface contact — welding, glass manufacturing.
CI — Cold insulation (outsole resists -17°C). Cold storage, outdoor winter work.
WR — Water resistant (upper resists water penetration). Already included in S2, S3.
M — Metatarsal protection. Additional guard over the top of the foot. For foundries, forging, heavy fabrication.
SRC — Highest slip resistance. Passes both SRA (ceramic + soap) and SRB (steel + glycerin) tests.
───────────────────────────────
9. How to Verify a Rating Is Real
───────────────────────────────
A legitimate EN ISO 20345 certification comes with:
1. EC Type-Examination Certificate — Issued by a notified body (SGS, TÜV, SATRA, CTC). Check the four-digit notified body number next to the CE mark.
2. Marking inside the shoe — Every certified shoe must have the rating (e.g. S3 SRC) permanently marked inside, along with the manufacturer's ID, model, size, and CE mark.
3. Declaration of Conformity — Your manufacturer should provide this document for every certified model. It lists the test standards, notified body, and responsible person.
Red flag: If a supplier claims "CE certified" but cannot produce an EC Type-Examination Certificate from a recognized European notified body, the shoes are not legally CE marked.
───────────────────────────────
10. Rating Selection Quick Reference
───────────────────────────────
DRY indoor, no sharp debris → S1
DRY indoor/outdoor, with sharp debris → S1P
WET indoor, no sharp debris → S2
WET indoor/outdoor, with sharp debris → S3
WET, heavy duty, boots needed → S5
WET, general, boots OK → S4
Extreme: metatarsal risk → Add "M" to any above
Contact SAILGOOD for CE-certified safety footwear with full EN ISO 20345 documentation.
All products supplied with EC Type-Examination Certificates and Declaration of Conformity.
Email: [email protected] | WhatsApp: +86 13690139588
The complete reference for PPE importers, distributors, and safety officers specifying EN ISO 20345 footwear.
If you buy or sell safety shoes, you see these codes every day: SB, S1, S1P, S2, S3, S4, S5. But what exactly does each one mean — and how do you choose the right rating for your customers' workplaces?
This is a no-fluff reference guide covering the EN ISO 20345 safety footwear classification system, written for busy B2B buyers who need to make fast, correct decisions.
───────────────────────────────
1. The EN ISO 20345 Ratings at a Glance
───────────────────────────────
SB — Steel/composite toe (200J impact, 15kN compression) — Minimum protection, indoor light work
S1 — SB + closed heel + anti-static + energy absorption — Dry indoor: factories, assembly, warehousing
S1P — S1 + anti-puncture midsole (1100N) — Dry with puncture risk: logistics, recycling, light construction
S2 — S1 + water penetration resistance — Wet indoor: breweries, food processing, car washes
S3 — S2 + anti-puncture midsole + cleated outsole — Wet + puncture: construction, mining, heavy industry
S4 — PVC/rubber boot + S2-level protection — Wet environments: agriculture, fishing, chemical
S5 — PVC/rubber boot + S3-level protection (toe + midsole) — Heavy wet: mining, waste management, heavy construction
───────────────────────────────
2. The Basic Requirement: SB
───────────────────────────────
Every certified safety shoe starts with SB — the minimum standard:
- Toe cap: Withstands 200 joules impact (approximately 20kg dropped from 1m) and 15kN compression (approximately 1.5 tonnes static load)
- That's it. No other requirements for the heel, sole, or upper.
When SB is enough: Light indoor work where the only risk is occasional dropped objects. Think retail stockrooms, small workshops, or office-warehouse hybrids.
When SB is not enough: Any environment with slip risk, puncture risk, water, or the need for energy-absorbing heels.
Reality check: Most B2B buyers skip SB entirely and start at S1P or S3 because the price difference is small and the protection gap is large.
───────────────────────────────
3. S1: The Dry Indoor Standard
───────────────────────────────
What You Get:
- Toe cap (200J) — Required
- Closed heel (anti-static heel area) — Required
- Anti-static properties — Required (resistance 100kΩ–1000MΩ)
- Energy absorption in heel — Required (≥20J in heel area)
- Water resistance — Not required
- Anti-puncture midsole — Not required
Where to Spec S1:
- Dry factory floors
- Assembly lines
- Dry warehouses with smooth concrete
- Electronics manufacturing (clean, dry environment)
Where NOT to Spec S1:
- Any environment where workers might step on nails, screws, or sharp debris
- Any outdoor work (water, mud)
- Any wet indoor environment (food processing, car washes)
───────────────────────────────
4. S1P: S1 + Puncture Protection
───────────────────────────────
S1P is S1 with one critical addition: an anti-puncture midsole tested to resist penetration at 1100N.
The midsole can be steel or Kevlar — the standard only cares about the test result, not the material.
Where to Spec S1P — this is the workhorse rating for dry environments with puncture risk:
- Logistics centers and parcel hubs (nails from broken pallets)
- Recycling facilities (glass, metal fragments)
- Light construction (interior finishing, drywall)
- Warehouses with wooden pallet traffic
- Manufacturing with metal swarf on floors
- Airport ground handling (check if metal-free required)
S1P vs S3 Key Difference:
S1P — No water resistance, not required cleated outsole — Best for dry puncture-risk environments
S3 — Water resistance required, cleated outsole required — Best for wet puncture-risk environments
───────────────────────────────
5. S2: The Wet Indoor Standard
───────────────────────────────
S2 adds water penetration resistance. The shoe upper must resist water absorption — tested by flexing the shoe in 30mm of water for a specified period.
Where to Spec S2:
- Food and beverage processing (daily washdown, wet floors)
- Breweries and dairies
- Car washes and detailing operations
- Indoor wet areas without puncture risk
Limitation: S2 does NOT include anti-puncture protection. If your food processing plant has sharp hooks, knives that drop, or metal equipment parts on the floor, you need S3 or S5 instead.
───────────────────────────────
6. S3: The Complete Package
───────────────────────────────
S3 combines everything: toe protection, anti-static, energy absorption, water resistance, anti-puncture midsole, and a cleated outsole for grip.
What You Get:
- Toe cap (200J) — Required
- Closed heel, anti-static — Required
- Energy absorption in heel — Required
- Water penetration resistance — Required
- Anti-puncture midsole — Required (≥1100N)
- Cleated outsole — Required (≥2.5mm lug depth)
Where to Spec S3:
- Construction sites (all weather, all surfaces, nails everywhere)
- Mining (underground and open-pit)
- Heavy manufacturing (wet+dry, sharp debris)
- Oil & gas facilities
- Railway maintenance
- Demolition and waste management
If in doubt, spec S3. It's the safest default for any B2B buyer who doesn't know the exact workplace conditions.
───────────────────────────────
7. S4 and S5: Full Waterproof Boots
───────────────────────────────
S4 and S5 apply specifically to all-rubber or all-polymeric (PVC/PU injection-molded) boots — the seamless, 100% waterproof type.
S4 — Toe cap + anti-static + energy absorption + waterproof (inherent) — Equivalent to S2 (no midsole)
S5 — S4 + anti-puncture steel midsole + cleated sole — Equivalent to S3 (with midsole)
Where to Spec S4/S5:
- Agriculture (mud, water, animal waste, chemicals)
- Fishing and seafood processing (constant water, fish oil)
- Chemical handling (PVC resists acids and alkalis)
- Slaughterhouses (blood, water, disinfectants, strict hygiene)
- Waste management (contaminated water, sharp objects)
───────────────────────────────
8. Additional Markings You'll See
───────────────────────────────
P — Anti-puncture midsole (1100N). Already included in S1P, S3, S5.
C — Electrical conductivity (≤100kΩ). Electronics manufacturing. Do NOT use near live electrical hazards.
A — Anti-static (100kΩ–1000MΩ). General industrial. Standard in S1–S5.
I — Electrical insulation (withstands 18kV). Live electrical work. Do not confuse with anti-static.
HI — Heat insulation (outsole resists 150°C for 30 min). Foundry, hot asphalt, welding areas.
HRO — Heat resistant outsole (300°C for 60 sec contact). Hot surface contact — welding, glass manufacturing.
CI — Cold insulation (outsole resists -17°C). Cold storage, outdoor winter work.
WR — Water resistant (upper resists water penetration). Already included in S2, S3.
M — Metatarsal protection. Additional guard over the top of the foot. For foundries, forging, heavy fabrication.
SRC — Highest slip resistance. Passes both SRA (ceramic + soap) and SRB (steel + glycerin) tests.
───────────────────────────────
9. How to Verify a Rating Is Real
───────────────────────────────
A legitimate EN ISO 20345 certification comes with:
1. EC Type-Examination Certificate — Issued by a notified body (SGS, TÜV, SATRA, CTC). Check the four-digit notified body number next to the CE mark.
2. Marking inside the shoe — Every certified shoe must have the rating (e.g. S3 SRC) permanently marked inside, along with the manufacturer's ID, model, size, and CE mark.
3. Declaration of Conformity — Your manufacturer should provide this document for every certified model. It lists the test standards, notified body, and responsible person.
Red flag: If a supplier claims "CE certified" but cannot produce an EC Type-Examination Certificate from a recognized European notified body, the shoes are not legally CE marked.
───────────────────────────────
10. Rating Selection Quick Reference
───────────────────────────────
DRY indoor, no sharp debris → S1
DRY indoor/outdoor, with sharp debris → S1P
WET indoor, no sharp debris → S2
WET indoor/outdoor, with sharp debris → S3
WET, heavy duty, boots needed → S5
WET, general, boots OK → S4
Extreme: metatarsal risk → Add "M" to any above
Contact SAILGOOD for CE-certified safety footwear with full EN ISO 20345 documentation.
All products supplied with EC Type-Examination Certificates and Declaration of Conformity.
Email: [email protected] | WhatsApp: +86 13690139588
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