S1 vs S2 vs S3 Safety Boots Explained

Safety boots aren't all rated the same, and the letters on the box aren't just marketing. S1, S1P, S2, S3 — these are specific, tested protection levels under a European standard, and the difference between them can matter a lot depending on where you're working.

Here's what each rating actually covers, and how to tell which one you need.

The Standard: EN ISO 20345

EN ISO 20345:2022 is the European standard for safety footwear. Every rating below builds on the one before it — S2 includes everything S1 covers, and S3 includes everything S2 covers, plus more.

S1 — The Baseline

Every S-rated boot starts here. S1 requires:

• A protective toecap (rated to withstand 200 joules of impact and 15kN of compression)
• Antistatic properties
• An energy-absorbing heel
• A closed seat region (no gaps around the heel)

S1 is suited to dry, indoor environments — warehouses, light assembly, workshops — where the main risk is dropped objects rather than wet ground or sharp debris underfoot.

S1P — S1 Plus Penetration Resistance

S1P adds a penetration-resistant midsole, protecting against sharp objects underfoot such as nails or screws. A common choice for sites that are dry but have loose debris on the ground.

S2 — Built for Wet Conditions

S2 includes everything in S1, plus water penetration and absorption resistance. If the site is outdoors, damp, or the ground is regularly wet, S2 is the practical minimum.

S3 — The Full Package

S3 includes everything in S2, plus a penetration-resistant midsole and a cleated outsole for grip. This is the rating most commonly specified for general construction and groundwork in Ireland, where sites are outdoors, wet, and likely to have sharp debris underfoot.

Other Letters You'll See on the Label

• SR — Slip Resistant. Tested on both ceramic tile and smooth steel surfaces.
• PL — Performance Level, the EN ISO 20345:2022 designation for penetration resistance testing.

Which Rating Do You Actually Need?

If in doubt, check what your site's safety officer or PPE policy specifies — many Irish construction sites set S3 as the minimum for anyone on the ground floor, regardless of role.

Checking the Label

A genuinely rated boot will carry the full standard string on the inner label or box — for example EN ISO 20345:2022 — S3 — along with a CE mark. If a boot is only described as "safety boots" with no standard or rating listed, it hasn't been independently tested to any of the levels above.

Looking for the right boot for your site? Browse our safety footwear range →