High Safety Shoes WASHINGTON SB

High Safety Shoes WASHINGTON SB

High Safety Shoes WASHINGTON SB by VM Footwear are specialised safety boots for workplaces requiring mechanical protection and protection against specific electrical hazards. Their key feature is the electrically insulating construction of the lower part of the footwear. According to the manufacturer, it provides resistance to electric shock at voltages up to 10 kV under EN 50321.

The boots combine durable cowhide leather, a composite safety toe cap, a Kevlar midsole and a heat-resistant PU/rubber outsole. The black upper with orange details creates a distinctive appearance. The high-cut design provides additional ankle coverage.

The upper is made from coated, brushed cowhide leather, 1.8–2.0 mm thick. This durable natural material withstands everyday mechanical wear in demanding workplaces. Traditional laces allow individual fit adjustment and help secure the boots around the feet.

Inside, a laminated, breathable MESH lining promotes air circulation and contributes to comfort during prolonged wear. Additional cushioning comes from the anatomically shaped HI-POLY insole. It is made from lightweight polyurethane foam and covered with MESH fabric. Its shape supports the feet during walking and standing.

The PU/rubber outsole combines cushioning with a durable rubber tread. It is resistant to fuel oils and offers SRC slip resistance. The HRO marking confirms resistance to contact heat at 300°C during a standardised short-duration test.

Mechanical protection comes from a composite safety toe cap and Kevlar midsole. The composite toe cap protects against impact and compression. The Kevlar insert reduces the risk of penetration by sharp objects on the ground. Both protective components are non-metallic.

A distinctive feature of WASHINGTON is the dielectric protection of the lower part of the footwear. The manufacturer states resistance to electric shock at voltages up to 10 kV under EN 50321. This specialised protective property must not be confused with the antistatic properties of conventional safety footwear.

When selecting footwear for electrical work, always consider its exact certification, condition and the prescribed electrical safety procedures. The stated resistance of up to 10 kV does not automatically make the boots suitable for every task involving live electrical equipment.

Areas of use

High Safety Shoes WASHINGTON SB are primarily intended for the electrical industry, electrical installation, electrical maintenance and other specialist activities. Their use in these environments depends on the footwear having the appropriate electrical insulation certification.

The composite safety toe cap and Kevlar midsole also make these boots useful where impact, compression and sole penetration are workplace hazards.

The PU/rubber outsole with HRO and SRC markings is suitable for workplaces requiring slip resistance and occasional brief contact with hot surfaces. Fuel-oil resistance provides an additional benefit in technical and industrial environments.

The laminated MESH lining and anatomically shaped HI-POLY insole contribute to comfort during long working shifts. The high-cut design provides additional ankle coverage. However, it does not indicate certified AN ankle protection.

Important: Footwear for electrical work must be selected according to its valid certification, appropriate voltage class and a workplace risk assessment. Inspect electrically insulating footwear before each use. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and use any additional personal protective equipment required for the task.

Material Composition and Technical Specifications

Upper material: Coated, brushed cowhide leather, 1.8–2.0 mm thick

Lining: Laminated, breathable MESH fabric

Insole: HI-POLY – anatomically shaped lightweight polyurethane foam, covered with MESH fabric

Outsole: PU/rubber – fuel-oil resistant, SRC slip resistant and HRO contact heat resistant

Closure: Laces

Sizes: 40–47

Colour: Black with orange details

Model: Men's / Women's, high

Manufacturer: VM Footwear

Technical features: SB, P, HRO, SRC, electrically insulating construction of the lower part of the footwear under EN 50321, resistance to electric shock up to 10 kV according to the manufacturer, non-metallic protective components, penetration protection, fuel-oil resistant outsole, slip resistance, contact heat resistance

Toe protection: Composite safety toe cap

Midsole protection: Non-metallic Kevlar penetration-resistant midsole

Standard: EN ISO 20345:2011 / SB P HRO SRC; EN 50321

Standard Description

According to the manufacturer, WASHINGTON SB meets the requirements of EN ISO 20345:2011 and EN 50321. Its safety classification is SB P HRO SRC. An additional feature is the electrically insulating protection of the lower part of the footwear.

SB indicates the basic requirements for safety footwear. These include a protective toe cap that must withstand an impact energy of 200 J and a compression force of 15 kN. WASHINGTON features a composite safety toe cap.

The P marking confirms penetration resistance. In this model, a non-metallic Kevlar midsole provides protection against sharp objects on the ground.

The HRO marking confirms outsole resistance to contact heat at 300°C during a standardised short-duration test. It does not indicate suitability for continuous exposure to this temperature. Nor does it mean the entire boot is protected against extreme heat.

The SRC marking confirms that the footwear has passed both SRA and SRB slip-resistance tests. These involve ceramic tiles with a detergent solution and a steel surface with glycerol.

EN 50321 specifies requirements for electrically insulating footwear used when working on or near electrical installations. For WASHINGTON, the manufacturer states resistance to electric shock at voltages up to 10 kV.

This information must be considered alongside the footwear's marked voltage class, certificate and manufacturer instructions. Resistance at a test voltage is not the same as the permitted working voltage. Before electrical work, verify that the certified footwear class is appropriate for the actual working conditions.

Electrical insulation also depends on the condition of the footwear. Moisture, damage, dirt and improper maintenance can affect its protective performance. Inspect the boots before use according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The model is classified as SB P HRO SRC, not S3. Therefore, it must not automatically be assumed to meet every additional S3 requirement. These include antistatic properties, heel energy absorption and upper resistance to water penetration and absorption.

Collection Description

WASHINGTON SB belongs to the Safety collection by VM Footwear. It is specialised safety footwear combining mechanical protection with an electrically insulating construction for appropriately defined workplaces.

Coated, brushed cowhide leather provides a durable upper, while the laminated MESH lining contributes to breathability. The anatomically shaped HI-POLY insole adds comfort during everyday work.

The composite safety toe cap and Kevlar midsole provide non-metallic protection against impact, compression and penetration. The PU/rubber outsole adds SRC slip resistance, fuel-oil resistance and HRO contact heat resistance.

A key feature is electrical insulation under EN 50321. The manufacturer states that the lower part of the footwear resists electric shock at voltages up to 10 kV. Suitability for a specific electrical task must always be verified against the certified voltage class and applicable safety procedures.

Choose High Safety Shoes WASHINGTON SB when your workplace requires non-metallic mechanical protection, a durable outsole and appropriately certified electrically insulating footwear.

Tips for choosing the right safety shoes for your needs can be found in the "Expert Advice" section.