Footwear Standards

EN ISO 20345:2011

Personal protective equipment — Safety footwear

ISO 20345:2011 specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for safety footwear used for general purpose. It includes, for example, mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, ergonomic behaviour. Special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards, e.g. footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear, footwear protecting against chain saw injuries, chemicals, molten metal splash, and protection for motor cycle riders.

SB    
S1 A + FO + E Antistatic + Resistance to fuel oil of outsole + Energy Absorption of Seat Region
S1P A + FO + E + P Antistatic + Resistance to fuel oil of outsole + Energy Absorption of Seat Region + Penetration Resistance
S2 A + FO + E + WRU Antistatic + Resistance to fuel oil of outsole + Energy Absorption of Seat Region + Water Resistant Upper
S2P A + FO + E + WRU + P (Smooth sole) Antistatic + Resistance to fuel oil of outsole + Energy Absorption of Seat Region + Water Resistant Upper + Penetration Resistance (Smooth Sole)
S3 A + FO + E + WRU + P Antistatic + Resistance to fuel oil of outsole + Energy Absorption of Seat Region + Water Resistant Upper + Penetration Resistance
S4 A + FO + E + Leakproofness Antistatic + Resistance to fuel oil of outsole + Energy Absorption of Seat Region + Leakproofness
S5 A + FO + E + P + Leakproofness Antistatic + Resistance to fuel oil of outsole + Energy Absorption of Seat Region + Penetration Resistance + Leakproofness

 

EN ISO 20347:2012

Personal protective equipment — Occupational footwear

ISO 20347:2011 specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for occupational footwear that is not exposed to any mechanical risks (impact or compression). Special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards (e.g. footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear, protection against chain saw injuries, protection against chemicals and against molten metal splash, protection for motor cycle riders).

A Antistatic Footwear
Energy absorption of seat region
FO Resistance to fuel oil of outsole
Penetration resistance
Conductive footwear
HRO  Resistance to hot contact of outsole
CI  Cold insulation of sole complex
HI  Heat insulation of sole complex
WR*  Water resistant footwear
WRU  Water resistant upper
M Metatarsal protection
CR Cut resistance of upper
SRC (SRA+SRB) Slip resistant footwear

 

* Water resistant footwear has sealed stitchings and water resistant materials. The test is made up of 1000 steps in water (3cm deep) for about 20 minutes.

 

Markings

 

Safety Footwear Markings

 

Safety Footwear Glossary

Collar: The top part of the boot’s quarter, often padded for comfort around the ankle.

Counter: A stiff piece of material at the back of the boot, around the heel area, that helps maintain the shape of the boot and provides support to the heel.

Eyelets: Small holes or loops through which the laces are threaded, allowing the boot to be tightened and secured.

Heel: The rear part of the outsole that elevates the back of the foot. It varies in height and shape depending on the boot style.

Insole: The internal part of the boot on which the foot rests, often cushioned for comfort and support.

Laces: The cords or strings used to secure the boot around the foot.

Midsole: The layer between the insole and outsole that provides cushioning, support, and shock absorption. It's often made from foam or a similar material.

Outsole: The bottom part of the boot that makes contact with the ground. It's made from rubber or other durable materials and often has a tread pattern for grip.

Pull Tab: A loop or tab on the back of the boot to help pull it on more easily.

Quarter: The rear and sides of the upper that wrap around the heel. The quarters meet the vamp in the front part of the boot.

Shank: A piece of metal or other rigid material embedded in the boot’s sole to provide support to the arch of the foot.

Toe Box: The front part of the boot that provides space and protection for the toes. It can be reinforced for added protection.

Toe Cap: An additional layer of material on the outside of the toe box, often for decorative purposes or to provide extra protection and durability.

Tongue: A strip of material under the laces, often padded for comfort, that prevents the laces from rubbing against the foot and keeps debris out of the boot.

Upper: The upper part of the boot that covers the foot and is usually made from leather, synthetic materials, or fabric. It includes several components such as the toe box, quarter, vamp, and eyelets.

Vamp: The section of the upper that covers the front part of the foot up to the toe.

Welt: A strip of material that joins the upper to the sole. In some boots, the welt can be a key feature in waterproofing and resoling.