UPDATE FOR WORK AND SAFETY SHOES

NEW SHOE NORMS

The two previous norms EN ISO 20345:2011 (for safety shoes) and EN ISO 20347:2012 (for work shoes) underwent a major amendment and, in March 2023, were replaced by the new norm versions EN ISO 20345:2022 and EN ISO 20347:2022. All work shoes that are brought to market after this point must also be certified according to these new standards.

THIS HAS CHANGED:

New protection classes

Penetration protection test

Water resistance label

Fuel resistance declaration

Non-slip requirement

All details about the norm change

NEW PROTECTION CLASSES

What are the new protection classes, and what are the unique characteristics of each one?

There are a total of 3 new protection classes - one for work shoes and two for safety shoes. The O6 protection class has been newly introduced for work shoes, and safety shoes can now be certified under S6 and S7. With the introduction of the new standard, there are now protection classes that describe shoes with permanent water resistance. Previously, comparable protection classes were based on an additional test. More information on waterproofing (WR) can be found in the corresponding section.

	Similar to protection class O2, but permanently waterproof due to weather protection membrane
	Similar to protection class S2, but permanently waterproof due to weather protection membrane
	Similar to protection class S3, but permanently waterproof due to weather protection membrane

Additionally, there are new subtypes within the protection classes:

These indicate the <b>type of penetration protection</b> within the respective protection class for safety shoes. For more information, see the penetration protection section.

OVERVIEW OF PROTECTION CLASSES

To the table

PENETRATION PROTECTION

Type of penetration protection easily recognisable at a glance

With the introduction of the safety shoe standard EN ISO 20345:2022, the type of penetration protection is more finely divided. Puncture-resistant textile soles will now be labelled with an S or L - if neither of these designations is found in the protection class, the shoe will have a steel sole.

Puncture-resistant sole made of steel

Puncture-resistant sole made of textile

...acc. to basic requirements (+L)

...acc. to higher requirements (+S)

more information

WATER RESISTANCE (WR)

Introduction of new waterproof protection classes O6, S6, and S7

Work shoes in the new O6 protection class are boots or low shoes. They are equipped with a membrane, providing permanent protection against water penetration. Apart from the material, the O6 shoe shares similar characteristics with an O4 shoe.

WR = waterproof thanks to weatherproof membrane (usually dryplexx®)

FUEL RESISTANCE (FO)

The testing of fuel resistance is now voluntary

Under the old standard EN ISO 20345:2011, every safety shoe of protection classes S1-S5 had to have a sole that is resistant to hydrocarbons (oils, petrol, etc.). With the new standard EN ISO 20345:2022, this requirement is no longer mandatory, making the test voluntary. However, almost all Strauss safety and work shoes are equipped with a fuel-resistant sole (FO) and are appropriately marked for sole properties.

HIGHEST SLIP RESISTANCE

The basic requirement is no longer stated separately

According to the new standard version 2022, every tested shoe must have at least a basic slip resistance on ceramic tiles with cleaning agents. However, this is no longer explicitly marked (in the 2011 standard, this was the additional test SRA). Additionally, the shoe sole can voluntarily undergo further slip resistance tests on ceramic tiles with glycerin, which, if passed, results in the highest slip resistance rating (marked as SR).

You can find the degree of slip resistance for each Strauss work shoe in the respective product description. Shoes certified under the old standards EN ISO 20345:2011 and EN ISO 20347:2012 will continue to be marked with SRA, SRB, or SRC until the certificate expires. Shoes certified under the new version 2022 will have either an SR marking for the highest slip resistance or no marking (which automatically corresponds to basic slip resistance) in the product description.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

Can I continue using my current work and safety shoes?

Yes, of course! Work shoes and safety shoes certified under the standards EN ISO 20347:2012 and 20345:2011 will not become unusable due to the new 2022 standard. Since March 30, 2023, the new standard versions EN ISO 20345:2022 (safety shoes) and EN ISO 20347:2022 (work shoes) have officially come into effect. Work and safety shoes that are introduced to the market after this date must be certified according to these new standard versions. Work shoes that were already in the market before March 30, 2023, will maintain their current certification. This certification can remain valid for up to 5 years, and the shoe must only be certified according to the new standard requirements after its expiration. Therefore, there is a transition period during which you can find both safety shoes according to the old standard EN ISO 20345:2011 and the new standard EN ISO 20345:2022 at Strauss. Safety shoes acc. to EN ISO 20345:2011 (analogous to work shoes acc. to EN ISO 20347:2012) will gradually be issued new certificates over the next few years.

I need a waterproof safety shoe with puncture protection – which protection class is suitable?

Class S7 work shoes meet these two requirements. At Strauss, these are available with both a steel sole (e.g. S7) and a puncture-resistant textile sole (e.g. S7S, S7L). The upper material and sole of shoes in this protection class are completely and indefinitely waterproof. An alternative are the S3 safety shoes. While they may not be officially waterproof according to the norm, many Strauss S3 models achieve this feature through the incorporation of an additional dryplexx® membrane.

A Strauss shoe model that I enjoy wearing is now certified according to the new standard. Does this change anything in terms of wearing comfort?

No, your newly certified work or safety shoes from Engelbert Strauss will continue to fit you just as well as before and they meet the described safety features. The tests carried out under the new standard do not alter the fit or weight of the shoes, but merely ensure that they meet the highest requirements for work safety.