Safety Shoe Standards: A World of Difference
If you're buying safety shoes for use in Europe — or importing them into the EU — you need to understand EN ISO 20345. This is the European standard that replaces the old EN 345, and it's different from the US ASTM F2413 standard in several important ways.
This guide breaks down the key differences so you can choose the right footwear for European workplaces.
EN ISO 20345 vs. ASTM F2413: The Core Differences
| Factor | EN ISO 20345 (Europe) | ASTM F2413 (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Toe Impact | 200J impact (SB rating) | 75 lb-ft (101.7J) minimum |
| Toe Compression | 15,000N | 2,500 lb (11,120N) |
| Rating System | Class-based (SB, S1, S2, S3, S1P, S3S) | Single rating with add-ons (I/C, EH, SD, MT) |
| Testing Method | European standard test rig | ANSI/ASSE standard test rig |
| CE Marking Required | Yes (mandatory for sale in EU/EEA) | No |
Breaking Down EN ISO 20345 Ratings
The European system uses a clear rating hierarchy. Higher numbers = more protection:
- SB — Basic safety: 200J steel toe protection only
- S1 — SB + closed heel + antistatic + energy absorption in heel
- S2 — S1 + water penetration resistance (upper)
- S3 — S2 + penetration-resistant midsole + cleated outsole
- S1P — S1 + penetration-resistant midsole (most popular for general use)
- S3S — S3 in a "sneaker" style (lightweight)
Additional markings: HRO (heat-resistant outsole), HI (heat insulation), CI (cold insulation), WRU (water-resistant upper), M (metatarsal protection), E (energy absorption in seat region), P (penetration-resistant midsole, often Kevlar).
What S1P Means for Your Buying Decision
In Europe, S1P is the most common rating for indoor and light industrial work. It offers:
- 200J steel toe
- Antistatic properties (important for electronics)
- Energy-absorbing heel
- Closed heel
- Penetration-resistant Kevlar midsole
The SafeStep LADY is built to meet EN ISO 20345 standards, making it suitable for European workplaces that require S1P-rated footwear.
CE Marking: What It Means
In the EU, all safety footwear must carry CE marking before it can be sold. This means the manufacturer has verified that the product meets applicable EU health, safety, and environmental requirements. For safety shoes, this means compliance with the EU Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
If you're procuring safety footwear for a European company, always verify the CE mark and the EN ISO 20345 rating before purchasing.
UKCA Marking (Post-Brexit)
Since Brexit, the UK has introduced its own UKCA marking. While CE marking is still accepted in Great Britain for a transition period, UKCA is the long-term requirement for the UK market. Northern Ireland continues to accept CE marking under the Windsor Framework.
If you supply safety footwear to UK businesses, check whether they require CE or UKCA marking.
Practical Takeaways for European Buyers
- Know your workplace's required EN ISO 20345 rating (S1P is common for most indoor work)
- Verify CE/UKCA marking for legal compliance
- For outdoor/construction use, choose S3 for full protection including water resistance
- For warehouse and logistics, S1P with a lightweight sneaker style is ideal
- Always check size conversion: EU sizes differ from US/UK sizing