At EMMA, we work in accordance with European safety standards, based on EN ISO 20345:2022.
Each safety standard represents a combination of features, such as a protective toe cap,
slip resistance, energy absorption in the heel and protection against sharp objects.
On this page, you can read about each safety standard:
- What the standard means
- What protection you can expect
- Which working environments the shoe is suitable for
S1P safety shoes
Protection for dry working environments
S1P safety shoes are designed for working environments where protection against sharp objects on the floor is required, but where there is little moisture. These shoes combine basic protection with puncture resistance in the sole. This makes them suitable for use in, for example, warehouses, logistics and light industry.
S1PS safety shoes
Flexible protection with a metal-free sole
S1PS safety shoes offer the same protection as S1P, but with non-metallic puncture protection in the sole. This flexible midsole can provide greater freedom of movement and comfort whilst walking. S1PS is often chosen in working environments where there is a lot of walking or bending.
S2 safety shoes
Protection in damp working environments
S2 safety shoes are suitable for working environments where damp conditions are common, but where there is no risk of sharp objects on the floor. These shoes have a water-repellent upper that helps keep feet drier whilst working. As a result, they are often used in sectors such as healthcare, food and facility services.
S3 safety shoes
Robust protection for wet and harsh working conditions
S3 safety shoes are designed for working environments where moisture and sharp materials are present. Think of building sites, outdoor work or industrial sites. These safety shoes combine a protective toe cap, a water-repellent upper and puncture protection in the sole. As a result, they offer protection against falling objects, sharp materials on the floor and wet conditions.
S3S safety shoes
Robust protection with a flexible midsole
S3S safety shoes offer the same protection as S3, but with non-metallic puncture protection. This flexible midsole can provide greater freedom of movement whilst walking, whilst the shoe still offers protection against moisture and sharp objects.
O2 work shoes
Comfort and protection in damp working environments
O2 work shoes are designed for work environments where a protective toe cap is not mandatory, but where comfort and protection against moisture are important. They feature a water-repellent upper and are often used in sectors such as logistics, healthcare and facility management.
O3 work shoes
Extra protection without a safety toe cap
O3 work shoes combine a water-repellent upper with puncture protection in the sole.
This provides extra protection against sharp objects on the floor, whilst they do not have a protective toe cap. They are used, for example, in maintenance work, field service or logistics operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
S1, S2 and S3 are safety standards that specify the level of protection offered by safety footwear. S1 safety footwear is suitable for dry working environments and features a protective toe cap. S2 safety footwear also has a water-repellent upper for damp conditions. S3 safety shoes offer extra protection with a protective midsole against sharp objects on the floor. Which standard is suitable depends on the working environment and the risks involved in the work.
S3 and S3S safety shoes both offer protection against moisture, impact and sharp objects. The difference lies in the puncture-resistant midsole. S3 models often feature a steel midsole, whilst S3S models have a non-metallic puncture-resistant midsole. As a result, S3S safety shoes are often lighter and more flexible than comparable S3 models. S3 is widely used in construction, industry and outdoor work. S3S is often chosen in working environments where protection and freedom of movement are important.
O1, O2 and O3 are standards for work shoes without a protective toe cap. O1 work shoes are suitable for dry working environments and offer comfort and basic protection. O2 work shoes also have a water-repellent upper for damp conditions. O3 work shoes offer extra protection with a sole construction designed to protect against sharp objects on the floor. These standards are used in working environments where there is no risk of falling objects.
S1P and S1PS safety shoes are suitable for dry working environments where protection against sharp objects is required. Both standards feature a protective toe cap and a protective midsole. S1PS safety shoes are often lighter and more flexible, making them comfortable when you do a lot of walking, bending or moving around whilst at work.
The safety standard you require depends on the working environment and the risks involved in the job. If you work in a dry environment with no risk of falling objects, O1 may be sufficient. If a protective toe cap is required, choose an S standard, such as S1, S2, S3 or S3S. In damp conditions, S2 or O2 is suitable. If you also work with sharp objects on the floor, S3, S3S or O3 offer extra protection underfoot (puncture resistance).
Safety footwear and work shoes are available in various levels of protection. The most common safety standards are S1, S1P, S1PS, S2, S3 and S3S for safety footwear with a protective toe cap. For work shoes without a protective toe cap, standards such as O1, O2 and O3 are used. Which standard is appropriate depends on the nature of the work and the risks in the workplace.