The difference between S1, S2, and S3 safety shoes lies in the level of protection and the conditions in which you use them. In short: the higher the class, the more comprehensive the protection. Choosing the right standard is crucial for your safety, comfort, and compliance with the Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbowet). The difference between S1, S2, and S3 safety shoes determines whether your feet are adequately protected against risks such as falling objects, moisture, sharp materials, or slippery surfaces.
In this blog, we clearly explain what each safety class entails and which work shoe is suitable for your work.
What do S1, S2 and S3 mean for safety shoes?
The S1, S2, and S3 safety shoe designations come from the European standard EN ISO 20345. This standard describes the minimum requirements for safety shoes. All S classes are based on:
- A safety nose that offers protection up to 200 joules
- Antistatic properties
- Energy absorption in the heel
Furthermore, the classes differ in terms of additional protection, such as water resistance, puncture resistance, and grip. Class S3 safety shoes, in particular, are considered the most comprehensive and are often required in construction and industry. The new S7 offers additional water resistance compared to S3.
You can also read more about foot protection on the Arboportaal
What are S1 safety shoes?
S1 safety shoes are the entry-level safety footwear and are suitable for dry work environments without sharp hazards on the ground. They offer basic protection and are often lightweight and breathable.
Features of S1 safety shoes:
- Safety toe cap (steel, aluminium or composite)
- Antistatic
- Energy absorption in the heel
- Closed heel
- No water-repellent upper material
Typical work environments:
- Warehouses
- Logistics
- Assembly
- Light industry
These shoes are often chosen when comfort is important and the working environment is clean and dry.
What are S1P safety shoes? 
S1P safety shoes are an extension of the S1. The main difference is the extra anti-perforation sole, which protects against sharp objects such as nails or screws.
Features of S1P safety shoes:
- All features of S1
- Anti-perforation midsole (metal or textile)
S1P safety shoes are ideal for:
- Technical service
- Installation
- Workplaces where sharp materials may be on the floor
View the range here:
What are S2 safety shoes? 
S2 safety shoes build on the S1, but are specifically designed for wet work environments. The upper material is water-repellent, keeping your feet drier for longer.
Features of S2 safety shoes:
- All features of S1
- Water-repellent upper (WRU)
- No anti-perforation sole
S2 safety shoes are often seen in:
- Food industry
- Healthcare and facility services
Discover the S2 safety shoe range:
What are S3 safety shoes? 
S3 safety shoes are the most popular and often required class for demanding occupations. They combine protection against sharp objects, moisture, and slippery surfaces.
Features of S3 safety shoes:
- Safety nose
- Anti-perforation sole
- Water-repellent upper material
- Profile sole with extra grip
Safety shoes S3 are often worn in:
- Build
- Infrastructure
- Industry
- Outside work
It is not without reason that S3 safety shoes are often the standard choice for risky work.
View all S3 safety shoes here:
What are S6 safety shoes? 
S6 safety shoes are designed for extremely wet conditions. They are completely waterproof and often equipped with a membrane.
Features of S6 safety shoes:
- All features of S2
- Fully waterproof (WR) for up to 80 minutes in water
- Suitable for long-term outdoor work
Typical applications:
- Agricultural work
- Working in rain and mud
View the range of S6 safety shoes:
What are S7 safety shoes?
S7 safety shoes are the newest and most comprehensive safety class. They combine waterproofness with extra grip and stability.
Features of S7 safety shoes: 
- All features of S3
- Fully waterproof (WR) for up to 80 minutes in water
- High profile non-slip sole
- Often ESD and with extra ankle support
Typical applications:
- Build
- Agricultural work
- Road construction
S7 safety shoes are becoming increasingly popular in heavy industry and construction.
View S7 safety shoes here:
What is the difference between S1, S2, S3, S6 and S7 safety shoes?
The difference is mainly in protection against:
- Humidity: S2, S3, S6, S7
- Sharp objects: S1P, S3, S6, S7
- Severe outdoor conditions: S3 and above
The heavier and wetter the work, the higher the class you need.
What safety class do you need for your work?
Officially, the employer's Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) must determine which safety shoes are required. Are you unsure whether to choose S1 or S3 safety shoes, or S2 or S3 safety shoes? Use these guidelines:
- Indoor & dry → S1 or S1P
- Damp but clean → S2
- Construction, industry, outdoors → S3
- Long-term wet outdoor work → S6 or S7
The right choice prevents injuries and complies with the Working Conditions Act.
Buy safety shoes S1, S2 and S3 at Unishore Workwear
At Unishore Workwear you will find a complete range of safety shoes S1, S2, S3, S6 and S7, as well as SB safety shoes and matching work boots:
We also clearly explain everything about standards and technologies .
This way you can be sure that you are working safely, comfortably and in accordance with the rules.
