Safety Footwear

The shape of a work shoe does not tell you its protection level. Use the product specification alongside your workplace risk assessment when choosing between these ranges:

• Safety boots offer higher coverage around the foot and ankle, with lace-up, chukka and waterproof options across selected models.
• Safety shoes offer a lower-cut design, including lace-up and slip-on styles. Check whether the model has the toe and underfoot protection your work requires.
• Safety trainers combine a trainer-style appearance with protection features on certified models. Compare the actual rating rather than assuming a sporty design offers less protection.
• Wellington boots include Dunlop safety wellingtons for buyers comparing protection for wet working conditions. Check toe protection, midsole and insulation details.

EN ISO 20345 covers safety footwear with protective toe caps tested for 200-joule impact resistance. Additional markings describe other tested properties; the standard number alone does not mean a shoe protects against every workplace hazard.

For models marked to EN ISO 20345:2011, S1P includes penetration resistance, S2 adds upper water-resistance requirements to S1, and S3 combines these features with a cleated outsole. Newer editions use additional distinctions such as S1PL, S1PS, S3L and S3S for different penetration-resistant inserts and tests.

Read the complete code and standard year on the exact model. Occupational footwear marked to EN ISO 20347 does not require the same protective toe cap as EN ISO 20345 safety footwear.

A toe cap protects the toe area; a penetration-resistant midsole addresses sharp objects entering through the sole. These are separate features, so a steel toe cap does not automatically mean the footwear also has midsole protection.

The range includes steel protection and selected non-metallic designs, including Rock Fall models with fibreglass toe caps and non-metallic midsoles. If your site requires metal-free footwear, check the complete construction: a composite toe cap alone does not establish that the whole shoe is metal-free.

Match the outsole to the floor and likely contamination, such as water, oil or food residue. A slip-resistance test result does not guarantee grip on every surface, and an oil-resistant sole is not the same as a sole tested for slip resistance.

Older specifications may show SRA, SRB or SRC. Under EN ISO 20345:2022, SR identifies an additional slip-resistance test. The testing methods differ, so avoid treating SRC and SR as identical ratings.

Water-resistant uppers and whole-footwear water resistance are also different. An S3 marking alone does not establish that a boot is waterproof. For sustained wet work, check the manufacturer's waterproof specification, relevant WR marking and intended use.

Check the manufacturer's size guidance, width, fastening and toe-box shape. Employees wearing the same usual shoe size may need different fits, especially when work socks or other approved accessories are involved.

For staff walking or standing throughout a shift, compare the footwear's weight, lining, flexibility and cushioning as well as its protection. Assess fit with the socks used at work, and check each item's returns conditions before placing a large order.

For replacement orders, record the manufacturer, model code and size rather than relying on a description such as “black safety boot”.

A useful workforce order groups employees by the protection they need, then records their chosen model and size. A warehouse team, maintenance crew and catering team may need different footwear even within the same organisation.

For a quotation, send AOS your required protection specification, preferred products, quantities by size, delivery locations and target date. This makes it easier to compare the total requirement and identify availability questions before ordering.

Selected products display multibuy prices. For recurring requirements, contact AOS about bulk footwear purchasing and discuss suitable account options.