Focus Keyphrase: EN ISO 20345 safety shoes
Meta Description: What does EN ISO 20345 mean on a safety shoe label? This guide explains the standard, protection categories, and what to look for when sourcing compliant safety footwear.
If you’re sourcing safety footwear for European markets — or for industries where worker protection is a legal requirement — you’ve almost certainly encountered the marking EN ISO 20345. But what does it actually mean? And how do you use it to make smarter sourcing decisions?
This guide breaks down the EN ISO 20345 standard in plain language, so you can buy with confidence and ensure your products meet the requirements of your target market.
What Is EN ISO 20345?
EN ISO 20345 is the primary international standard for safety footwear — shoes and boots designed to protect workers from occupational hazards such as heavy falling objects, punctures, slips, and electrical risks.
The standard is published jointly by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which means it is recognized across Europe and widely accepted in many other markets globally.
Any safety shoe sold in the EU must comply with EN ISO 20345 and carry the CE marking, confirming it has been tested and certified by an accredited third-party laboratory.
The Basic Requirement: 200 Joule Toe Protection
The most fundamental requirement of EN ISO 20345 is toecap impact protection of at least 200 joules. This means the toe area of the shoe must withstand the equivalent of a 20 kg object falling from approximately 1 metre.
This is the baseline — all footwear certified under EN ISO 20345 must meet this minimum. Beyond this, shoes are classified by additional protective features.
Safety Categories: S1 to S7
EN ISO 20345 uses a category system to indicate the level and type of protection. Here’s what each category means:
S1 — Basic protection package:
- 200J toecap
- Anti-static properties
- Energy absorption in the heel
- Closed heel
S1P — S1 plus:
- Penetration-resistant midsole (protects against nails and sharp objects from below)
S2 — S1 plus:
- Water resistance of the upper (keeps feet dry in wet environments)
S3 — S2 plus:
- Penetration-resistant midsole
- Cleated outsole for grip on uneven ground
S4 — Polymer (rubber or PU) boot with S1 base protection
S5 — Polymer boot with S3 protection including midsole penetration resistance
S6 — S2 plus water resistance of the entire boot
S7 — S3 plus full water resistance
For most industrial applications, S3 is the most commonly specified category, as it covers the broadest range of hazards.
Additional Protection Markings
Beyond the S-category, EN ISO 20345 shoes may carry additional letter codes indicating extra protective features:
| Code | What It Means |
|---|---|
| A | Anti-static |
| E | Energy absorption in heel |
| WR | Water resistant upper |
| CI | Cold insulation |
| HI | Heat insulation |
| HRO | Heat resistant outsole (contact heat up to 300°C) |
| AN | Ankle protection |
| CR | Cut resistance |
| ESD | Electrostatic dissipation (stricter than anti-static) |
A shoe marked S3 ESD HRO, for example, offers S3-level protection plus electrostatic dissipation and a heat-resistant outsole — suitable for environments with electrical hazard risk and exposure to hot surfaces.
How to Read a Safety Shoe Label
A properly certified safety shoe will display the following on its label or insole:
- CE mark — Confirms EU compliance
- EN ISO 20345:2022 (or the year of the applicable version)
- Safety category (e.g., S3)
- Additional codes (e.g., ESD, HRO, WR)
- Size range
- Manufacturer name and country of origin
- Test laboratory certificate number
If a shoe claims EN ISO 20345 compliance but cannot provide a third-party test certificate, treat it with caution. Genuine compliance requires documented laboratory testing — not just a label.
What Industries Require EN ISO 20345 Footwear?
Safety footwear compliant with EN ISO 20345 is typically required in:
- Construction and civil engineering — S3 is the standard minimum
- Manufacturing and assembly — S1P or S3 depending on the environment
- Logistics and warehousing — S1 or S3 depending on forklift exposure
- Oil, gas, and chemical industries — ESD or anti-static categories essential
- Food processing — S2 or higher with slip-resistant outsoles
- Electrical work — ESD certified footwear mandatory
If you’re selling into any of these sectors, confirming the correct category for your buyer’s specific application is essential.
Sourcing EN ISO 20345 Compliant Footwear From China
China is the world’s largest producer of safety footwear, and many Chinese manufacturers are fully capable of producing EN ISO 20345 certified products — but not all of them are.
When evaluating a Chinese safety shoe manufacturer, ask for:
- Third-party test certificates — issued by an accredited EU notified body (SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV, Intertek, etc.)
- Specific certificate numbers — which you can cross-reference with the certification body
- The tested model and specification — make sure the certificate matches the exact product you’re ordering
- Compliance documentation — Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for CE marking
At Infy Shoes, our safety footwear line is designed and manufactured in compliance with EN ISO 20345. We provide full transparency on certifications and welcome buyers who require additional documentation for their distribution markets.
Summary: What to Remember
- EN ISO 20345 is the benchmark standard for safety footwear in Europe and internationally
- The minimum protection is 200J toe impact resistance
- Categories run from S1 (basic) to S7 (full waterproof + maximum protection)
- Always request third-party test certificates — not just a label claim
- Match the category to the actual hazards in your buyer’s workplace
Ready to Source Certified Safety Footwear?
Whether you need a standard S3 work boot for the construction sector or a specialized ESD-rated shoe for electronics manufacturing, our team can help you identify the right specification and manufacture to it.
Contact us today to discuss your safety footwear requirements.
Infy Shoes is a professional footwear manufacturer based in Xiamen, China, producing OEM and ODM safety footwear compliant with EN ISO 20345 for buyers across Europe, North America, and global markets.