Safety boot ratings explained: SB to S7
By Workrig team · Updated 2026-11-01
Every safety boot sold in the UK is certified to EN ISO 20345. The letters and numbers on the label tell you what it protects against beyond the toe cap. The 2022 version of the standard added some new codes, so you will see both old and new marks in shops for a few years.
The basic ratings
| Rating | Toe cap | Antistatic + energy-absorbing heel | Midsole (penetration) | Water-resistant upper | Fully waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB | Yes | ||||
| S1 | Yes | Yes | |||
| S1P | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| S2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| S3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (plus cleated sole) | |
| S6 (2022) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| S7 (2022) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Every toe cap is tested to 200 joules of impact and 15 kilonewtons of compression, whether steel, composite or aluminium.
Extra codes
- P / PL / PS: penetration-resistant midsole. P is steel; PL and PS are non-metal, tested with a 4.5mm and 3mm nail respectively.
- SR: passed the 2022 slip test (ceramic tile, glycerol). Replaces SRA, SRB and SRC.
- WR: the whole boot is waterproof. WRU / WPA: only the upper is water-resistant.
- HRO: heat-resistant outsole (300°C contact). HI / CI: heat or cold insulated sole.
- ESD: electrostatic dissipative, for electronics and explosive atmospheres.
- FO: fuel-oil-resistant sole (now optional rather than built into S1-S3).
- M: metatarsal protection. AN: ankle protection. SC: scuff cap. LG: ladder grip.
Which rating for which job
- Warehouse, workshop, delivery: S1 or S1P trainers.
- Construction, demolition, groundwork: S1P indoors and dry, S3 outdoors.
- Wet sites, winter, drainage: S3 WR or S7.
- Kitchens: SB or S1 with an SR sole.
- Electronics: S1 ESD.
Shop safety boots and safety trainers.
