Safety boots explained: S1, S3, SB and what the codes mean

Safety footwear sold in the UK is rated to EN ISO 20345. Every rating starts with a 200 joule toecap — the letters after it tell you what else the boot does.

The ratings, in order of protection

• SB — the baseline: 200J toecap only.
• S1 — toecap, closed heel, antistatic, oil-resistant sole and energy absorption at the heel.
• S1P — S1 plus a penetration-resistant midsole (protects against nails through the sole).
• S2 — S1 plus a water-resistant upper.
• S3 — S2 plus penetration resistance and a cleated sole. The usual choice for construction and outdoor work.

Which rating for which job

Warehouse and workshop work is usually well covered by S1P. Building sites, groundwork and anything wet or nail-strewn wants S3. Kitchens and food production lean towards slip-resistant S2 with a wipe-clean upper.

Getting the fit right

• Try boots on late in the day — feet swell, and a boot fitted at 8am can be tight by 4pm.
• Wear the socks you actually work in. Thick work socks can take a full half size.
• You want roughly a thumb-width in front of the toes; the toecap does not flex, so a short boot will bruise the top of your foot.
• Break new boots in over a few short shifts rather than a full day.

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