EN ISO 20345 explained: safety boot codes from SB to S7
EN ISO 20345 explained: safety boot codes from SB to S7
EN ISO 20345 is the standard for safety footwear with a 200 joule toe cap. The 2022 edition changed several codes, including new S3S and S3L ratings and new slip markings.
Updated
Quick answer
Every boot certified to EN ISO 20345 has a 200 J toe cap. The category tells you what else it does: S1 adds a closed heel, antistatic sole and energy-absorbing heel; S1P adds a penetration-resistant midsole; S3 adds a water-resistant upper and cleated sole. Since 2022, the letter after the code shows the type of midsole: P is metal, PS and S are non-metal tested with a 3 mm nail, and PL and L are non-metal tested with a 4.5 mm nail.
At a glance
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| What it covers | Safety boots, shoes and trainers with a 200 J toe cap |
| Current edition | EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 |
| Status in GB | Designated in Great Britain (GOV.UK notice 0142/26, 15 October 2026) |
| Status in Ireland and NI | Harmonised in the EU, so it applies in Ireland and Northern Ireland (since 8 October 2024) |
| On the label | "EN ISO 20345:2022", the category (for example S3S) and any extra codes such as SR, HRO, WR or CI |
Categories at a glance
| Code | What it adds |
|---|---|
| SB | 200 J toe cap and the basic requirements |
| S1 | SB plus closed heel, antistatic and energy-absorbing heel |
| S1P / S1PS / S1PL | S1 plus a penetration-resistant midsole (P metal; PS and PL non-metal) |
| S2 | S1 plus a water-resistant upper |
| S3 / S3S / S3L | S2 plus penetration resistance and a cleated sole |
| S4 / S5 | All-rubber or all-polymer versions; S5 adds penetration resistance and cleats |
| S6 / S7 | S2 or S3 with whole-boot water resistance (WR) |
| SR | Passed the harder slip test with glycerine (replaces SRA, SRB and SRC) |
Shop EN ISO 20345
EN ISO 20345 questions
What does S3S mean?
S3S is an S3 boot whose non-metal midsole was tested with a 3 mm nail, the finer of the two nail tests in the 2022 edition.
Is S3 better than S1P?
Not better, just different. S3 adds a water-resistant upper and cleated sole for outdoor and wet sites; S1P suits dry indoor floors.
What happened to SRC?
The 2022 edition dropped SRA, SRB and SRC. The basic slip test is now built in, and SR means the boot also passed the harder glycerine test.
Need this for a team?
We can supply and brand PPE for your whole team, delivered across the UK and Ireland.
Official sources
Standards and site rules change. Always check the current edition, the product's declaration of conformity and your own risk assessment.
- GOV.UK: Designated standards for PPE (Great Britain): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/designated-standards-ppe
- European Commission: Harmonised standards for PPE (EU, applies in Ireland and Northern Ireland): https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/european-standards/harmonised-standards/personal-protective-equipment_en
- HSE: PPE at work regulations: https://www.hse.gov.uk/ppe/ppe-regulations-2022.htm
- HSA: Personal protective equipment (Ireland): https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/personal_protective_equipment_-_ppe/
- BSI: the UK National Standards Body (publishes BS EN standards): https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/about-bsi/uk-national-standards-body/
- NSAI: National Standards Authority of Ireland (publishes I.S. EN standards): https://www.nsai.ie/