The main difference between S2 and S3 safety shoes is the presence of an anti-perforation sole. While both classes of EN ISO 20345 have a safety toe cap and water-repellent material, the S3 standard offers additional protection against sharp objects that can penetrate the sole from below. S2 shoes are ideal for damp conditions without sharp objects on the ground, while S3 is the standard for construction and industry where nails or glass pose a risk.
What are S2 safety shoes?
S2 safety shoes are designed for environments where the wearer works in damp conditions, but where there is no direct danger from sharp objects on the floor. These shoes have a protective toe cap (steel, composite, or aluminum) and are made of water-repellent material. This means the upper part offers protection against splashing water and light rain for up to 60 minutes.
You often find S2 safety shoes in sectors such as logistics, the food industry, or laboratories. Because a heavy midsole is absent, these S2 safety shoes are often lighter and more flexible, which benefits comfort during a long workday on a flat floor.
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What are S3 safety shoes?
S3 safety shoes are the most commonly worn shoes in heavier industries. In addition to the S2 standard features, these shoes have an impenetrable midsole and a profiled outsole for extra grip. This anti-perforation sole prevents things like nails, screws, or glass shards from penetrating the sole and injuring your foot.
Whether you choose traditional models or sporty S3 safety shoes, you are assured of maximum basic safety. Due to the combination of a safety toe cap, water-repellent upper, and protective sole, S3 safety shoes are the standard for anyone working in construction, engineering, or warehouses where pallets and heavy tools are used.
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What is the main difference between S2 and S3 safety shoes?
When choosing between S3 or S2 safety shoes, it all depends on the work environment. The core difference lies at the bottom of the shoe. The overview below directly shows the additional features of the S3 standard compared to S2:
- Anti-perforation sole: S3 has a steel or kevlar midsole; S2 does not.
- Profiled outsole: S3 inherently offers more grip on unpaved or slippery terrain.
- Application: S2 is for warehouses and industry; S3 is for construction and outdoor work.
Nowadays, you don't have to compromise on style for safety. There are excellent S3 safety sneakers that combine the look of a sports shoe with the full protection of the S3 standard. If you are now in doubt between S2 or S3 safety shoes, always consider the surface you walk on.
Which safety shoes do you need?
The choice for the right S2 and S3 safety shoes depends on your daily activities and personal preferences. Do you have a representative function where you work both in the office and in a warehouse? Then there are smart S3 safety shoes that perfectly match trousers without it being noticeable that you are wearing PPE.
At Unishore Workwear, we understand that comfort is just as important as safety. As a total supplier, we offer a wide range of top brands. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of work shoe standards and technologies and our fast delivery, we ensure that you always find the right shoe for the job.
What are S6 and S7 safety shoes compared to S2 and S3 safety shoes?
Since the renewal of safety standards, you also hear more often about S6 and S7. See these as an improved version of the well-known classes. The main difference lies in water resistance. Regular S2 and S3 shoes have a water-repellent shaft that protects against splashes for up to 60 minutes.
However, when a shoe has WR certification, it is submersible water-resistant for 60 to 80 minutes. With the new standards, this water resistance is standard:
- S6: Is the waterproof (WR) variant of the S2 shoe.
- S7: Is the waterproof (WR) variant of the S3 shoe.
In the old version of EN ISO 20345, there were still S2 and S3 safety shoes that also had WR certification; from 2022 onwards, these will be certified as S6 and S7 safety shoes.
For extremely wet conditions, you can look at our S6 safety shoes or robust S6 work boots, S7 safety shoes or S7 work boots.
Are you looking for the highest protection including an anti-perforation sole and complete submersible water resistance? Then S3 work boots with WR certification or the new S7 models are the best choice for you.
