What changed in the safety footwear standard?
The practical meaning of the revised EN ISO 20345 test methods, markings and protection classes for employers and footwear buyers.
Footwear certified to the new edition of the standard is tested using revised methods and carries updated markings. This article explains the principal changes to help procurement teams interpret them.
It is important to note that footwear certified under the previous edition does not automatically become unusable. It may continue to be placed on the market and used while the relevant certification remains valid, subject to the risk assessment, product condition and applicable transition arrangements.
The main changes are as follows.
1. SLIP RESISTANCE
The previous edition used two test methods:
- SRA TEST: ceramic tile with a soap solution
- SRB TEST: steel floor with glycerol lubricant
- SRC marked footwear that met both SRA and SRB requirements
Under EN ISO 20345:2022, the SRA, SRB and SRC markings are no longer used for newly certified footwear. The ceramic-tile test is part of the basic requirement, so there is no separate SRA mark.
The test movement also changed. Previously, forward heel slip and forward forepart slip were assessed. The revised method includes forward heel slip and backward forepart slip. The sole must meet the applicable limits in both directions.
A new optional SR test is performed on ceramic tile with glycerol. To carry the SR marking, the footwear must meet the defined limits in both test directions.
2. RESISTANCE TO PENETRATION
The principal marking change concerns non-metallic inserts; the designation for metallic inserts remains P. Two test-nail geometries are used for non-metallic protection, resulting in distinct markings.
- PL test: a broad, 4.5 mm test nail, corresponding to the geometry used for the traditional penetration test.
- PS test: a narrower, 3 mm test nail, with additional requirements reflecting the more demanding test geometry.
3. TWO NEW OPTIONAL PROPERTIES
- LG — Ladder Grip: footwear assessed for use on ladders. The outsole must meet specific dimensional requirements defined by the standard.
- SC — Scuff Cap: abrasion performance of the external toe scuff cap, tested using a Martindale-type method linked to EN 388.
4. THREE EXISTING OPTIONAL PROPERTIES WERE REVISED
- FO — resistance of the outsole to fuel oil: in the previous edition this property was mandatory from S1 upwards. Under the 2022 edition it is an optional marking, to be specified where the exposure requires it.
- AN — ankle protection: the revised standard defines dimensions for the ankle-protection area.
- WRU changed to WPA: the new term, water penetration and absorption, helps distinguish upper-material performance from WR, which denotes water resistance of the whole footwear.
5. TWO NEW PROTECTION CATEGORIES
- S6 applies to S2 footwear that also passes the WR whole-footwear water-resistance test.
- S7 applies to S3 footwear that also passes the WR test.
EN ISO 20345:2022 category markings incorporating the revised penetration-resistance designations:
SB = all basic requirements
S1 = SB + closed heel + E and A
S1P = S1 + P
S1PS = S1 + PS
S1PL = S1 + PL
S2 = S1 + WPA
S3 = S2 + P + cleated outsole
S3L = S2 + PL + cleated outsole
S3S = S2 + PS + cleated outsole
S6 = S2 + WR
S7 = S3 + WR
S7L = S3L + WR
S7S = S3S + WR
SB = all basic requirements
S4 = SB + closed heel + E and A
S5 = S4 + P + cleated outsole
S5L = S4 + PL + cleated outsole
S5S = S4 + PS + cleated outsole
When comparing offers, state the identified hazard and the required property rather than treating a higher category as universally better. For example, FO, ESD, SR, WR and thermal properties address different conditions and may need to be specified separately.
Browse footwear carrying the current markings in our catalogue, or request a quotation with the work environment and required quantities. We can help translate the risk assessment into a clear footwear specification.
Professional reference point: EN ISO 20345:2022. This summary is general information. Always verify the declaration of conformity, the exact edition applied to the product and the manufacturer's user instructions before selection.