How to choose work footwear? Complete guide for 2025

Work footwear protects against injuries, slips, and cold

Work footwear is an essential part of the gear for any worker who operates in demanding conditions. It is designed to protect the feet from mechanical injuries such as impacts, punctures, and slips. In addition to safety, it also provides thermal comfort, which is especially important when working in cold environments. Thanks to ergonomic design and high-quality materials, work footwear reduces fatigue and increases comfort during long-term wear.

It is used in various industries – from construction and industrial manufacturing to healthcare and logistics. Employers are required in many sectors to provide suitable footwear for their workers according to applicable safety standards. Modern work shoes are available in various types and categories based on specific needs – from light work sandals to robust safety boots with steel toes.

Work or safety footwear? The difference lies in equipment and standards

Not all work footwear provides the same level of protection. Work footwear is designed for basic protection and comfort, while safety footwear must meet strict standards and includes elements such as reinforced toes or slip-resistant soles. The correct choice depends on the work environment and the risks your feet are exposed to.

Safety class and work shoes: What do S1, S2, and S3 mean?

When choosing safety footwear, it is important to know the designations S1, S2, and S3, which determine the level of protection provided by the shoes according to the EN ISO 20345 standard. Each class has specific features such as a protective toe cap, water resistance, or slip-resistant soles. The right choice depends on the work environment and the risks to which the feet are exposed.

Safety footwear classes in a clear table

According to the latest standard, the classification expands from the original S1 - S5 to S1 - S7. You can view an overview of the changes in the standard in the attached article.

Classes S4 and S5 fall under category II, and this footwear is fully rubber, so it is mostly rubber boots.

Class		Safety toe (200 J/15000 N)	Mandatory slip resistance	Closed heel	A Electrical resistance (0.1–1000 MΩ)	E Energy absorption in the heel (20 J)	Puncture protection			WPA Water penetration and absorption	Textured sole	WR Water resistance
							P Metal plate	PL Non-metallic plate, large nail	PS Non-metallic plate, small nail
I, II	SB	✅	✅
I	S1	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
I	S1P	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
I	S1PL	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅		✅
I	S1PS	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅			✅
I	S2	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅				✅
I	S3	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅			✅	✅
I	S3L	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅		✅		✅	✅
I	S3S	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅			✅	✅	✅
II	S4	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
II	S5	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅				✅
II	S5L	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅		✅			✅
II	S5S	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅			✅		✅
I	S6	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅				✅		✅
I	S7	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅			✅	✅	✅
I	S7L	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅		✅		✅	✅	✅
I	S7S	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅			✅	✅	✅	✅

Additional protections - list

• A - Antistatic footwear. Footwear isolates against electrical resistance, but it is not an ESD standard. (See also ESD footwear)
• AN - Ankle protection. Footwear has additional physical protection that shields the ankle area.
• CI - Insulation of the sole against cold. The sole contains an insulating layer that protects against cold from the ground.
• HI - Thermal insulation of the sole. The sole contains an insulating layer that protects against heat from the ground.
• CR - Cut resistance. Mechanically very durable shoes that resist cutting.
• E - Energy absorption in the heel area. A basic feature that all work footwear meets.
• FO - Resistance to heating oil. Special sole that does not slip on oils.
• LG - Ladder grip. Special sole with a profile for better standing on a ladder.
• M - Metatarsal. Metatarsal protection against the falling load on the instep area.
• WR - Water resistance. Water-resistant upper of the footwear.
• WPA - Water penetration and absorption. Footwear meets resistance to water penetration and further absorption.
• C - Conductive footwear. Footwear that is partially conductive due to its materials.
• P - Puncture resistance (metal plate, large nail). Resistance to puncturing by a large nail in the sole area, with a metal plate.
• PL - Puncture resistance (non-metallic plate, large nail). Resistance to puncturing by a large nail in the sole area, with a non-metallic (e.g., kevlar, composite) plate.
• PS - Puncture resistance (non-metallic plate, small nail). Resistance to puncturing by a small nail in the sole area, with a non-metallic (e.g., kevlar, composite) plate.
• SC - Shock absorption at the toe. Additional protection that absorbs impacts at the toe.
• HRO - Heat-resistant sole. Rubber sole that withstands temperatures up to 300°C.
• SR* - Slip resistance (ceramic tiles with glycerin). Slip-resistant sole tested on ceramic tiles.
  *You may also find this marked as SRC

When choosing work footwear, the type, materials, and price are important

Proper work footwear must meet not only safety standards but also comfort, durability, and price requirements. The type of footwear, the materials used, and the level of protection are crucial factors that affect its lifespan and comfort during long-term wear. Investing in quality footwear pays off as it reduces fatigue and the risk of injury.

Types of work footwear and classification by categories

The type of work footwear is not only defined by the safety class but also by the overall design of the shoe. Footwear is divided into open sandals, modern sneakers, classic loafers, higher ankle boots, high boots, and rubber boots. The choice of footwear is primarily based on the environment in which the footwear is used and the preferences of each customer.

Safety classes and standards

Safety work footwear is subject to strict standards that determine its durability and level of protection. The most important is the EN ISO 20345 standard, which defines the requirements for protection against impact, slipping, electrical discharge, and chemicals.

In addition to the basic safety classes, there are also supplementary standards that focus on specific risks. For example, SRC denotes a slip-resistant sole tested on various surfaces, HRO guarantees resistance to high temperatures, and ESD provides protection against electrostatic discharge.

Leather or textile shoes?

The choice between leather and textile work footwear depends on the environment in which it will be used and the requirements for durability and comfort. Leather shoes are known for their high durability and natural resistance to water, oils, and mechanical damage. They are an ideal choice for those who need robust footwear for long wear in demanding conditions, such as in construction or heavy industry.

On the other hand, textile shoes are lighter and better at wicking moisture, making them suitable for warm and dry environments. They are often combined with synthetic materials to enhance their breathability and flexibility. Although they do not provide the same level of protection as leather footwear, they are more comfortable for long-term wear and are popular in warehouses, logistics, or light manufacturing.

The sole may be PU-coated, quality rubber, or premium Vibram

Choosing the right sole material is crucial for safety and comfort at work. PU (polyurethane) coating is lightweight, flexible, and provides good shock absorption, making it commonly used in general work footwear. Quality rubber is resistant to abrasion, oils, and chemicals, making it ideal for demanding work conditions in industry or construction.

The highest standard is represented by the Vibram sole, which is known for its extreme grip, resistance to high temperatures, and long-lasting durability. This type of sole is used in premium models of work footwear. Other branded soles such as Michelin or MACsole are also equivalent to Vibram.

ESD footwear is a must when working with electronics

In electrostatic-sensitive environments, such as electronic component manufacturing, laboratories, or data centers, ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) footwear is essential. This special footwear prevents the buildup of static electricity and protects sensitive electronic devices from damage.

ESD footwear is made from materials with low electrical resistance, effectively dissipating electrostatic charges into the ground. It must meet the EN 61340-5-1 standard, which defines safety requirements for ESD environments. Choosing the right ESD footwear helps prevent unwanted discharges that could damage electronic components or cause failures in sensitive systems.

Price determines quality and comfort

The price of work footwear is often directly proportional to its quality, durability, and level of protection. Cheaper models may only provide basic protection and have a shorter lifespan, while more expensive branded shoes are made from high-quality materials and offer greater comfort for long-term wear. Investing in quality footwear not only improves safety but also overall comfort at work – ergonomic models with quality soles can reduce foot fatigue and joint pain.

Branded work footwear guarantees quality

Renowned work footwear brands focus on the quality of materials, technological innovations, and compliance with safety standards. Manufacturers such as Jalas, Elten, Uvex, Panda, or Cerva offer a wide selection of models that combine high durability, comfort, and modern design. High-quality branded shoes are often tested in extreme conditions and provide better protection than cheap uncertified alternatives.

Best work footwear: myth or fact?

On our website, we are preparing a section where we highlight the best work footwear of the month. The top 10 list of shoes is based on sales and customer popularity. We also complement the list with current trends in the category and our own opinion on selected brands. You can find the list at the link Best Work Footwear 2025.