Safety footwear labels are full of codes. Two matter most: ASTM for the US market, and EN ISO 20345 for Europe. Understanding what each standard protects against helps you buy the right boot for the right job, and keeps you legal.
EN ISO 20345: the European benchmark
This standard defines safety footwear with toe protection against at least 200 joules of impact. It grades additional features with codes: SB is the base standard, S1 adds antistatic properties and energy absorption, S2 adds water resistance to the upper, and S3 adds a puncture-resistant midsole and cleated outsole. Additional codes such as HRO (heat resistant outsole) and WR (water resistance) appear when they apply.
ASTM F2413: the US equivalent
ASTM uses a different format. The label starts with the standard number, then the impact and compression rating, which is almost always I/75 C/75 for safety footwear. Additional letters cover metatarsal protection (Mt), electrical hazard (EH), static dissipative properties (SD) and puncture resistance (PR). So an ASTM label reading I/75 C/75 EH tells you the boot meets toe protection and electrical hazard requirements.
CE marking and what it does and does not mean
CE marking shows the product complies with the relevant European directive and can be sold in the EU. It is not a quality grade; it is a legal declaration supported by the testing and documentation behind it. For PPE like safety shoes, conformity usually involves a notified body, so look for the CE mark alongside the EN ISO 20345 rating, not instead of it.
Choosing the right rating
- Construction sites and heavy industry: S3 in Europe, or ASTM I/75 C/75 PR in the US, for puncture resistance and grip.
- Warehouses and logistics: S1P or S2P for antistatic properties with puncture protection.
- Kitchens and wet environments: S2 with a slip-resistant outsole, prioritizing upper water resistance.
- Electrical work: look for EH in ASTM terms or antistatic ratings appropriate to your risk assessment.
Checking compliance as a buyer
Ask the supplier for the test certificate and the declaration of conformity, not just a photo of the label. Reputable manufacturers provide them readily. Our own safety range is produced under these standards and tested through SGS and TUV, and we supply documentation with every B2B order.
Unsure which rating your market requires? Tell us your industry and region and our team will recommend the correct specification.