What are the differences?
All safety footwear on the market is subject to EN ISO 20345 testing. This standard specifies several ratings: SB, S1P, S2, S3, etc.
Safety footwear that meets the basic requirements is rated SB (Safety Base). SB safety footwear has toe protection (up to 200 joule impact), but does not have mid-sole penetration protection, no specified outsole and does not require an enclosed heel.
All other ratings comply with these basic requirements (SB), but the number of requirements increases with each rating.
S1
Safety footwear with S1 rating meets the basic requirements (SB) and has the following additional features:
- Fully enclosed heel
- Anti-static
- Energy absorption in the heel
- The sole is resistant to hydrocarbons (fuels, lubricating oil, turpentine, etc.)
S1P
An S1P safety shoe has all the properties of the S1 variant, with additional mid-sole penetration protection. However, these safety shoes are not waterproof and therefore this rating often applies to sandals or foot protection made from breathable materials.
S2
Safety footwear with S2 rating meets all the S1 rating features, with the additional property that the upper material prevents water from being absorbed by or permeating into the shoe.
S3
These safety shoes have the same properties as the S2 rating, but also have an anti-perforation sole.