Standard S2: safety shoes

For professionals working in certain types of activities, whether indoors or outdoors, the wearing of personal protective equipment is required. Among the mandatory protective accessories, there are safety shoes specifically designed to protect their feet from the risks associated with the work environment. What are standard S2 safety shoes intended for? Discover all the essential information about this type of equipment in our article.

Overview of safety shoes S1, S2, S3

work shoes for professional use are essential for transporters and people working in trades related to the industry mechanics, plumbing or crafts, among others. To meet certain specific requirements set by European regulations, they must comply with the EN ISO 20345 standard. The latter is divided into four main sub-categories (SB not included). Thus, employers can more easily select the models adapted to the requirements of the trade.

  • S1 (showing SB + A + FO + E characteristics)
  • S1P (showing SB+A+FO+E+P characteristics)
  • S2 (showing SB + A + FO + E + WRU characteristics)
  • S3 (featuring SB + A + FO + E + WRU + P characteristics, with additional lug soles)

The SB (Safety Base) standard represents the basic model. All safety shoes must meet the SB standard. Perfect for indoor or outdoor work on flat ground and a dry work environment, they feature:

  • A protective toe intended to protect the feet from shocks, knowing that it is perfectly resistant to an energy level of around 200 joules (energy equivalent to an object of 20 kg falling from a height of 1 m) and crushing with a force of 15 kN (approx. 1500 kg).
  • Non-slip soles

Features of the S2 safety shoes

S2 safety shoes, S2 safety boots or S2 safety trainers are suitable for flat ground and a dry or exposed environment. a high level of humidity. The S2 standard includes:

  • Protection against mechanical risks
  • Resistance to slipping, immersion (water repellent), oils and hydrocarbons
  • Shock absorption in the heels

What is the difference between s1 and s2?

In order to ensure a maximum level of protection, EN ISO 20345 S2 standard work shoes have all the properties of S1 standard models, but with an additional water resistant upper. To be more precise, this equipment must present:

  • Characteristics of the SB basic standard (a protective toe cap and a non-slip sole)
  • Antistatic soles (code A)
  • Insoles capable of resisting mineral oils and hydrocarbons (code FO)
  • Closed heels with good shock absorption capacity (E code)
  • A water-repellent upper made of a material resistant to water penetration and absorption (code WRU)

What are the standards for safety shoes? The EN ISO 20345 standard

A safety shoe follows the characteristics of the ISO 20345 standard, a shoe with the ISO 20347 standard is a work shoe and not a safety shoe, so the protection is not the same.

To ensure optimal foot protection, this equipment must comply with the EN ISO 20345 standard and meet the basic SB (Safety Base) requirements. To do this, they must have:

  • A toe capcapable of withstanding an energy of 200 joules and a crushing force of 15 kN
  • Anon-slip sole

The EN 20345 safety standard is divided into four main categories, each with its own specificities:S1, S1P,S2and S3. Additionally, there are safety shoes for women and men.