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Work footwear – a guide to choosing

27.06.2023

Author: Work Foxx

What work shoes are suitable for me?

If this question arises when choosing work footwear for personal or professional use, read to the end. We will present you the differences between work shoes and safety shoes, the standards that work shoes must meet and the meaning of labels for additional protection.

People spend as much as one third of the day at work. In our lifetime, however, we travel a distance that is longer than four paths around the equator. Choosing the right and high-quality work footwear is therefore crucial for health and well-being during work. There is a wide range of work footwear on the market, which makes our choice even more difficult. In order to facilitate the process of choosing work shoes, we have prepared a short guide for you.

Work shoes

Work shoes are without a protective cap and can be identified by the basic OB mark. They are available in low and high version, but all of them have in common that they must comply with the EN ISO 20347 standard. A case of European standard for footwear without a protective cap for commercial use. Work footwear may have many features of safety and protective footwear, but without a toe cap. It is suitable for work where there is a small possibility of damage due to mechanical influences.

Depending on the weather conditions, the risks and the type of work they are intended for, there are different models of work shoes available. They differ from each other in the degree of protection.

Protection level

OB = work shoes without protective cap
O1 = OB + A + FO + E;
O2 = O1 + WRU;
O3 = O2 + P.

Label table

A – antistatic sole and insole
FO - Hydrocarbon Resistant Sole
E – energy absorbing heel
WRU - Water Resistant Upper
P – puncture resistant sole

Advanced protections

HI – sole with heat insulation,
CI – sole with cold insulation,
HRO – sole resistant to contact heat up to 300°C,
CR – upper part resistant to cuts,
WR – waterproof shoe,
ESD - electrostatic discharge,
M – metatarsal protection.

Work shoes that meet the EN ISO 20347 standard have a non-slip sole on various surfaces. We distinguish:

SRA - tested on ceramic tiles soaked in a dilute solution of sodium lauryl sulfate (soap)
SRB – tested on smooth steel with glycerol
SRC – tested under SRA + SRB conditions

Safety shoes

Safety shoes have a protective cap and can be identified by the basic marking SB. They are available in low and high version, but all of them have in common that they must comply with the EN ISO 20345 standard. It is European safety footwear standard, which ensures that safety shoes, sandals and flip-flops meet the necessary requirements and standards, with a protective cap. The protective cap must withstand shocks of up to 200 joules and pass a compression test of 15 KN. Protective footwear with a cap is suitable for work where there is a high possibility of injury due to mechanical influences.

Depending on weather conditions, risks and the type of work for which they are intended, different models of safety shoes are offered. They differ from each other in the degree of protection.

Levels of protection

SB = safety shoes with protective cap;
S1 = SB + A+FO+E;
S2 = S1 + WRU;
S3 = S2 + P.

Label table

A – antistatic sole and insole;
FO – hydrocarbon resistant sole;
E – energy-absorbing heel;
WRU - Water Resistant Upper;
P – puncture resistant sole.

Advanced protections

HI – sole with heat insulation;
CI – sole with cold insulation;
HRO – sole resistant to contact heat up to 300°C;
CR – upper part resistant to cuts;
WR – waterproof shoe;
ESD – electrostatic discharge;
M – metatarsal protection.

Safety shoes that meet the ISO 20345 standard have a non-slip sole on various surfaces. We distinguish:

SRA – tested on ceramic tiles soaked in a diluted solution of sodium lauryl sulfate (soap);
SRB – tested on smooth steel with glycerol;
SRC – tested under SRA + SRB conditions.

Table of symbols of additional protection

When describing the technical characteristics of work footwear, you will find many abbreviations that describe the technical characteristics of work or safety shoes. The list includes the most commonly used abbreviations and their meanings.