Safety shoes

The safety classes at a glance

Every safety shoe falls under EN ISO 20345 and always has a toe cap that withstands 200 joules. The letter after it says what else is included:

SB – just the basic requirement: protective toe cap.
SBP – basic requirement plus penetration-resistant sole.
S1 – anti-static, closed heel area and energy-absorbing heel. For dry indoor work.
S1P – S1 plus penetration-resistant sole. The industry standard.
S2 – S1 plus water-repellent upper.
S3 – S2 plus penetration-resistant and profiled sole. The most commonly chosen class.
S4 and S5 – fully waterproof boots made of rubber or PVC, S5 also with a penetration-resistant sole.

Since the standard was revised in 2022, you'll also see S3S and S3L: the same protection, but with a non-metallic penetration-resistant insert that's lighter and doesn't conduct cold.

Choose by style

Low shoes and high shoes
Sport and sneakers for those who walk a lot and want lightweight work footwear
Boots for water, mud and heavy terrain
Sandals for warm indoor environments
Women's on a narrower last
ESD for electronics and controlled environments
Microfibre for metal-free and vegan work
Casual and work for those looking for a smart shoe without a safety toe cap

Steel, composite or textile

The steel toe cap is the classic: cheap and indestructible, but heavy and cold. Composite is lighter, metal-free and insulates better — handy at security scanners, electrical work and in the cold. The same applies to the penetration-resistant sole: steel protects across the full width, textile is more flexible and lighter but is tested with a thinner nail.

Fit, socks and insoles

Measure your foot at the end of the day and leave a centimetre of space for your toes. Always try shoes on with the work socks you'll actually wear on the job, and walk around for a few minutes. Pressure points are rarely solved by breaking the shoes in; a different last or a suitable insole works better. Note: a third-party support insole is only allowed if the manufacturer permits it, since the shoe is certified including its original sole.

Ordering safety shoes from Total Protex

All shoes are supplied with a declaration of conformity and are available from stock. Ordering for an entire team? Request a business account to order on account with volume pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Which safety class do I need?

If you work in dry indoor conditions, S1 or S1P is enough. If you work outdoors, on a construction site or in wet conditions, S3 is the logical choice. If you're standing in water or mud, you'll want S4 or S5 boots. The penetration-resistant sole (the P) is needed as soon as nails, screws or shards could be lying on the floor.

Steel toe cap or composite toe cap?

Both absorb 200 joules, so the protection is the same. Composite is lighter, doesn't conduct cold or heat, and is metal-free, which is handy at security scanners. Steel is cheaper and better able to withstand repeated heavy impacts.

Are safety shoes mandatory?

Not everywhere, but they are as soon as the workplace's risk inventory shows there's a risk of falling objects, stepping on sharp objects, or slipping. The employer must then provide the shoes free of charge, and the employee is required to wear them.

How long does a pair of safety shoes last?

With daily use, six to twelve months. Replace them sooner if the tread is worn smooth, the sole is coming loose, the toe cap is visibly damaged, or the shoe has absorbed a heavy impact — the protection can then no longer be guaranteed.

Can I exchange safety shoes if they don't fit?

Yes, unworn shoes in their original box can be exchanged or returned according to our returns policy. So try them on indoors, on a clean floor. If you're ordering for an entire team, you can also request sample sizes before placing the large order.

What is the difference between S3 and S7?

An S7 shoe has the same protection as an S3 shoe, but is tested as a complete shoe for waterproofness (WR), whereas with S3 only the upper needs to be water-repellent. As a result, your feet stay dry in an S7 shoe even during long work in rain, puddles or wet grass, usually thanks to a waterproof membrane. The S7 class has existed since the 2022 revision of EN ISO 20345; the addition S or L (S7S, S7L) means that the penetration-resistant midsole is not made of metal.

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