Safety shoes are a crucial part of workplace protection. Whether you work in construction, heavy industry or any other high-risk profession, choosing the right S1, S2 or S3 safety footwear can make all the difference.

Many workers get confused by the different safety shoe classifications, which can lead to buying the wrong pair or, even worse, unsafe situations.

Wearing the correct safety shoes is not only important for your own protection but also for complying with workplace safety laws and avoiding fines. According to the Dutch Arbo Centre, more than 60 percent of foot injuries occur due to insufficient protection.
Time to clear things up.

Safety shoe classes

Safety shoes are divided into different categories based on the level of protection they offer. These categories follow the EN ISO 20345 standard, which defines the safety requirements for work shoes across Europe.

S1 Safety shoes – basic protection

S1 safety shoes provide the minimum protection needed for standard working conditions. They are breathable, stable and protect against impact and static electricity — but they are not water-resistant.

Many people ask: What does S1 mean in safety shoes?
In short: S1 is ideal for dry indoor workplaces where you want lightweight, comfortable and reliable protection.

Key Features

• Anti-slip outsole (SRA) for extra stability

• Reinforced toe cap (steel or composite)

• Breathable upper for long-lasting comfort

• Antistatic properties and shock-absorbing heel

Best Work Environments

• Dry indoor areas like offices, warehouses and workshops

• Production environments without moisture or fall hazards

Suitable Industries

• Light industry

• Assembly and maintenance

• Indoor logistics and transport

Limitations

• No water protection

• No resistance against sharp objects

• Not suitable for outdoor or heavy-duty work

Browse all S1 safety shoes

S2 Safety shoes – water-resistant protection

S2 safety shoes offer all the protection of S1, plus water resistance. This makes them ideal for outdoor work or indoor areas with wet floors.
The main difference between S1 and S2 is simple: S2 protects against moisture, S1 does not.

Key Features (everything from S1 plus)

• Water-resistant and breathable upper (usually leather or microfiber)

• SRA or SRC anti-slip outsole

• Shock-absorbing heel

• Antistatic properties

• Reinforced toe cap

Best Work Environments

• Outdoor workplaces

• Wet or humid indoor areas

• Production facilities with cleaning processes or condensation

Suitable Industries

• Construction and infrastructure

• Horticulture and groundworks

• Food industry and logistics

Limitations

• No puncture-resistant midsole

• Not suitable for chemical environments or extreme heat

Explore our S2 safety shoes

S3 Safety shoes – maximum protection

S3 safety shoes offer the highest level of protection. They include everything from S2 safety shoes plus extra layers of safety, making them ideal for heavy-duty work.

If you're wondering What does S3 mean in safety shoes?
Think of S3 as the category built for the toughest conditions.

Key Features

• Water-resistant upper

• Fuel and oil-resistant outsole

• Puncture-resistant midsole (steel or Kevlar)

• SRC anti-slip grip

• Shock-absorbing heel and antistatic protection

• Extremely durable construction

Best Work Environments

• Construction sites

• Outdoor heavy-duty work

• Wet, oily or slippery floors

• Worksites with risks of sharp materials or heavy machinery

Suitable Industries

• Construction and civil engineering

• Oil and gas

• Offshore and petrochemical

• Heavy logistics and transport

Limitations

• Less breathable than S1 and S2

• Slightly heavier due to reinforced construction

View all S3 safety shoes

S1 vs S2 vs S3 – What’s the difference?

The biggest differences between S1, S2 and S3 lie in moisture protection, resistance to sharp objects and overall durability.

Difference Between S1 and S2

S1 safety shoes are made for dry indoor areas.
S2 safety shoes are water-resistant and suitable for wet or outdoor environments.

Difference Between S2 and S3

S3 safety shoes include a puncture-resistant midsole — something S2 shoes do not have.
That means S3 protects you from nails, glass or sharp objects penetrating the bottom of the shoe.

Other safety shoe categories

Besides S1, S2 and S3, there are more classifications such as S4, S5 and S1P.

A common question we get: S1P or S3 — which is better?
S3 offers more moisture protection, while S1P is lighter and more breathable, ideal for dry indoor work.

Additional safety standards for work shoes

Work shoes can also include extra certifications such as:

• Metatarsal protection

• EH (Electrical Hazard) rating

• ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection

• HRO (heat-resistant outsole)

• SRC (maximum slip resistance)

This helps you understand exactly what S3 means and choose the right level of protection for your job.

Summary: How to choose between S1, S2 and S3

Your work environment determines which safety shoe class you need.

• Dry indoor work? Choose S1 safety shoes.

• Wet or outdoor environments? Go for S2.

• Heavy-duty and high-risk work? S3 is the safest choice.

Selecting the right class is crucial to prevent injuries and meet legal safety requirements.

Looking for the best S3 work shoes for your job?

• S1 Safety Shoes

• S2 Safety Shoes

• S3 Safety Footwear