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A Guide to Safety Boot Ratings: S1, S2, and S3 up to S7
Wednesday March 12, 2025
A Guide to Safety Boot Ratings: S1 to S7
In the world of personal protective equipment (PPE), safety footwear plays a crucial role in protecting workers across various industries. Understanding safety boot ratings is essential for selecting the appropriate footwear for specific workplace environments and hazards. This guide breaks down the European safety standards for boots—S1 through S7—helping you make informed decisions when purchasing safety footwear for your team.
Understanding EN ISO 20345 Standards
The European Standard EN ISO 20345 establishes the requirements for safety footwear. All safety boots that comply with this standard must include basic protection features, including:
✅ Toe protection (200-joule impact resistance)
✅ Anti-static properties
✅ Energy absorption in the heel region
✅ Resistance to fuel oil
✅ Closed heel area
Beyond these basic requirements, safety boots are classified into different categories—S1 through S7—each offering additional protective features.
S1 Safety Rating
S1-rated safety boots represent the entry-level standard and are suitable for dry indoor environments with minimal moisture exposure.
Key Features:
- All basic requirements of EN ISO 20345
- Antistatic properties
- Energy absorption in the heel area
- Closed heel region
Best For:
- Warehouse operations
- Light industrial work
- Logistics and distribution centres
- Indoor manufacturing environments
- Dry working conditions
Limitations:
- Not water-resistant
- No protection against penetration risks
- Limited protection in harsh environments
S2 Safety Rating
S2-rated safety boots build upon the S1 standard by adding water resistance, making them suitable for environments where workers may encounter occasional moisture.
Key Features:
- All S1 features
- Water-resistant upper material (boots can withstand water exposure for at least 60 minutes)
- Water absorption and penetration resistance
Best For:
- Food processing industry
- Healthcare environments
- Kitchens and catering
- Light outdoor work
- Environments with occasional water exposure
Limitations:
- No protection against penetration risks
- Not suitable for construction sites with sharp objects
S3 Safety Rating
S3-rated safety boots offer the highest level of protection among these three basic categories and are designed for challenging work environments with multiple hazards.
Key Features:
- All S2 features
- Midsole penetration resistance (protection against sharp objects)
- Cleated outsole for improved grip
- Increased puncture resistance
Best For:
- Construction sites
- Heavy industrial work
- Mining operations
- Forestry and agricultural work
- Environments with sharp objects or debris
Beyond S1, S2, and S3: Advanced Safety Ratings
In addition to the core safety ratings, more specialized classifications offer enhanced protection for specific environments.
S4 Safety Rating
S4-rated safety boots provide full waterproof protection and are made from polymeric materials such as rubber or PVC. They are ideal for environments where complete water resistance is required.
Key Features:
- Fully waterproof design
- All S1 features
- Made from polymeric materials (rubber or PVC)
Best For:
- Wet environments
- Chemical processing plants
- Fisheries and water treatment facilities
S5 Safety Rating
S5-rated boots build on S4 standards by adding penetration resistance and a cleated outsole for improved grip. These boots offer comprehensive protection for high-risk environments.
Key Features:
- All S4 features
- Midsole penetration resistance
- Cleated outsole for enhanced traction
Best For:
- Construction sites with water exposure
- Agriculture and farming
- Waste management operations
- Harsh, wet environments with sharp debris
Introducing S6 and S7 Safety Ratings
As workplace hazards continue to evolve, newer safety ratings have been introduced to provide enhanced protection.
S6 Safety Rating
S6-rated safety boots combine the features of S3 boots with waterproof capabilities. They are suitable for environments where both water resistance and protection from sharp objects are essential.
Key Features:
- All S3 features
- Fully waterproof design (up to the upper region)
- Enhanced water absorption resistance
Best For:
- Outdoor construction in wet environments
- Oil and gas industry
- Agriculture and farming in damp conditions
S7 Safety Rating
S7-rated boots represent the highest level of safety footwear, offering all the features of S5-rated boots with added waterproof protection. These boots provide top-tier protection in the most demanding environments.
Key Features:
- All S5 features
- Fully waterproof material
- Enhanced durability and puncture resistance
Best For:
- Heavy industrial work with wet, hazardous conditions
- Maritime and offshore environments
- Extreme weather conditions
Choosing the Right Safety Boot Rating
When selecting safety footwear for your workforce, consider these factors:
✅ Risk Assessment: Evaluate the specific hazards present in your workplace.
✅ Environment: Consider if the work area is dry, wet, or involves outdoor exposure.
✅ Industry Requirements: Some industries have specific requirements or recommendations.
✅ Comfort and Fit: Safety boots should be comfortable for all-day wear.
✅ Additional Features: Consider if you need features like metatarsal protection, thermal insulation, or slip resistance.
Conclusion
Investing in the appropriate safety boots for your workplace is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting your workforce from potential injuries. By understanding the differences between S1 to S7 ratings, you can make informed decisions about which safety footwear best suits your specific work environment and hazards.
Remember that proper maintenance of safety boots is also essential to ensure they continue to provide the protection they’re designed for. Regular inspection and replacement when necessary will help maintain the safety standards required in your workplace.
👉 Shop our range today, and make sure you and your team are safe!
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