Water-repellent, oil-resistant and provided with protective toe caps: work shoes have different properties depending on the safety class. We hope that through this article, you can find out how to find the right shoe for your job.
Security class 1: solid equipment and good protection
The soles of S1 safety shoes are oil and petrol resistant , they are also equipped with a slip-resistant (SRA, SRB or SRC) and an antistatic sole. They have a toe cap and have a shock-absorbing effect in the closed heel area.
Security class 2: additionally water-repellent
S2 work shoes have the same properties as S1 safety shoes. However, an S2 safety shoe also consists of a water-repellent upper material.
Such a shoe is therefore also better suited for outdoor areas, for damp or wet environments . S2 shoes are popular, for example, in gardening or landscaping, in the food industry, in machine and drywall construction or by tradesmen who have to work outside more often.
Security class 3: the professional
At first glance, safety shoes in classes S2 and S3 have the same protective properties. Both shoes have a shock-absorbing effect in the heel area, are made of water-repellent upper material and are therefore suitable for working outdoors and in a wet environment. They both have a protective toe cap and a slip-resistant, oil-resistant and antistatic sole.
In contrast to S2 safety shoes , S3 shoes have a puncture-proof sole to protect the wearer from injuries from nails, splinters and other sharp objects. S3 work shoes are therefore very popular with construction companies, in agriculture, but also in craft and for workshops.In contrast to S1 and S1P shoes, S3 safety shoes are also available in boot versions . This provides the necessary ankle protection on any construction or working site.
P as in plus: the penetration security
Sometimes you will discover the abbreviation “P” on shoes, eg S1P. Safety shoes standardized according to class S1P meet all the requirements of class S1, but differ in one essential point: they have an additional penetration-resistant midsole made of steel or textile. S1P safety shoes offer protection from splinters, nails or other sharp objects lying around.The areas of application are similar to S1 shoes , but thanks to the penetration protection they are also ideal for workplaces with a high risk of injury to the feet.
