EN 20345

The :2022 version sets out the fundamental and additional optional requirements for safety footwear. These include protection against mechanical risks, slip resistance, protection against heat and cold, and ergonomic features.

Previously, safety footwear was governed by the :2011 standard. This standard has now been replaced or updated by a new version, :2022.

Classes:

Class I (Categories: SB, S1, S1P, S1PL, S1PS, S2, S3, S3L, S3S, S6, S7, S7L, S7S): Shoes made of leather or other materials
Class II (Categories: SB, S4, S5, S5L, S5S): Entirely polymeric shoes + full rubber shoes

New Categories:

Two new categories for safety footwear have been introduced:

S6: These shoes are similar to safety shoes of category S2 but are additionally permanently waterproof due to a special weatherproof membrane
S7: These shoes meet the standards of category S3 safety footwear but are also permanently waterproof due to a special weatherproof membrane. Additionally, there are new variants S7L and S7S, where waterproofing (WR) is already integrated

Puncture Resistance:

The new EN ISO 20345:2022 standard provides a more precise differentiation in puncture resistance, now referred to as "resistance to penetration" to clarify that safety shoes cannot offer absolute protection but only a certain level of safety against the penetration of sharp objects like nails or other pointed items.

Puncture resistance is measured with a test nail with a conical tip. The conical tip is shaped like a cone. This shape is used to ensure uniform and targeted loading.

The new markings are:

P: Metallic puncture-resistant sole made of steel (S1P, S3, S5, S7)
PL: Non-metallic puncture-resistant sole made of textile according to basic requirements (+L) (S1PL, S3L, S5L, S7L)
PS: Non-metallic puncture-resistant sole made of textile according to higher requirements (+S) (S1PS, S3S, S5S, S7S)

Waterproofness (WR):

The new standard replaces the WRU marking with the Water Penetration and Absorption markings

Water Penetration and Absorption (WPA)
Water Resistance (WR)

Consequently, the new markings provide more precise information about water resistance by considering both the material and the entire shoe construction. This includes testing not only the upper material but the entire shoe to ensure no water can penetrate the safety footwear.

Slip Resistance (SR):

Every shoe must meet a basic slip resistance requirement on ceramic tiles with a special cleaning solution (sodium lauryl sulfate solution). However, this basic slip resistance is no longer separately marked as it was previously with the SRA marking.