S1 work shoes - what does it mean? Classification of work shoes

Work shoes can be divided into different classes. Choosing the one that is right for you or your employees is not so easy. Therefore, before you place an order in a work shoe store, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the standards and commonly used symbols. Choosing work shoes that will ensure the safety of your feet depends primarily on the place where you work and the risks that await you there. That is why we have taken up this challenge and we will discuss individual classes of work shoes, but we will not persuade you to buy a specific model. We perfectly understand that everyone has slightly different needs, so at Baltic BHP you will find safety shoes for all kinds of work.

Which class of work shoes should you choose?

Regardless of their purpose, safety shoes must provide you with an appropriate level of protection at the workplace. Additionally, their task is to have approvals required by Polish law. Also, make sure that the safety shoes you choose are made of durable materials. Only this will be a guarantee of a long product life. In general, work shoes can be divided into: safe (S), safety (P) and professional (O) shoes. Safety shoes are rarely found in workwear stores today. Increasingly, online stores offer safe shoes that will guarantee increased protection.

What is class S protection for work shoes?

Maybe let's start with safety footwear. It has a class S. It must meet the EN ISO 20345 standard. The toe cap of these shoes withstands an impact with an energy of 200 J and crushing up to 15 kN. These safety shoes guarantee a high level of protection. It is worth using such work shoes in all those workplaces where the feet are exposed to punctures, cuts or crushing by falling objects. We mean here, among others: construction sites, warehouses, production halls, factories and workshops. You can find this type of footwear in our Baltic BHP work shoe store. The letter "S" is followed by further markings that define the exact protection class of the footwear. You surely know the models S1, S2, S3. In addition, the classification of footwear uses various symbols and pictograms that inform about additional features of the shoes - it can be an anti-puncture insert (P), antistatic properties (A), insulation of the bottom from cold (CI) and many others, including on the properties of the sole. We will present all types of protection classes and their properties soon!

What are the features of professional work shoes?

Occupational footwear is class O. It meets the EN ISO 20347 standard. They are used in workplaces where the employee's shoes may become dirty or damaged. They guarantee protection at a basic level. Among other things, they protect against mechanical injuries. At the same time, we must emphasize here that they do not provide effective protection of the fingers against impact, squeezing and puncture. Occupational shoes are mainly used in the medical industry, police, military, forestry and tourism. They are usually worn by GOPR employees and mountain guides.

Is it better to choose S1 or S3 work shoes?

Safety shoes S1 are safety footwear with a composite or metal toe cap. It meets the EN ISO 20345 standard. S1P shoes are used in industry, crafts and logistics. They provide a high level of protection. They have a toe cap, a closed heel area, are often antistatic and absorb energy at the heel. They provide additional protection against punctures, as indicated by the symbol "P". The S3 work shoes, on the other hand, have a composite or metal toecap, a puncture resistant sole, and are waterproof. They are suitable for outdoor work, for example on a construction site. They have a closed heel area, are often antistatic, and absorb energy in the heel area. The sole is resistant to gasoline and oils. Their sole is sculpted and puncture resistant. The most common doubts arise whether to choose S1P or S3 work shoes - when you know that you need shoes with a toe cap and an anti-puncture insole. In this case, we advise you to first make sure of the requirements in the workplace, and secondly, consider whether you need shoes for working in difficult conditions? Do they have to be waterproof or membrane boots? If not - often the S1P shoes will be a better choice, as they may have similar protective properties, but they will be much more breathable. All because they do not have to meet the requirement of water resistance.