ISO 20345 is the international standard that specifies basic and additional safety requirements for protective footwear. It defines minimum levels of protection to reduce the risk of injury in workplaces where hazards such as impact, crushing, penetration, slipping, heat, or chemicals are present.
ISO 20345 is a product standard. Footwear that meets its requirements can be tested and certified and is typically marked to show the level of protection provided.
What is ISO 20345?
ISO 20345 is published by the International Organization for Standardization. It sets out performance requirements and test methods for safety footwear, including boots and shoes used in industrial, construction, logistics, manufacturing, and similar environments.
The standard applies to footwear designed to protect the wearer from occupational hazards, rather than everyday or casual footwear.
What does ISO 20345 cover?
ISO 20345 specifies requirements for:
- Toe protection against impact and compression
- Slip resistance on defined surfaces
- Resistance to penetration (where applicable)
- Heel design and stability
- Upper, lining, and sole performance
- Ergonomic and durability requirements
- Optional protective features, depending on category
All ISO 20345 safety footwear must include a protective toe cap that meets defined impact and compression thresholds.
Mandatory toe protection requirements
Under ISO 20345, safety footwear must protect against:
- Impact energy of 200 joules
- Compression force of 15 kN (kilonewtons)
Toe caps may be made from steel, aluminium, composite materials, or other approved materials, provided they meet the test requirements.
Safety footwear categories explained
ISO 20345 defines a series of protection categories. Common examples include:
SB – Basic safety
- 200 J toe protection
- Basic slip resistance
S1
- SB requirements
- Closed heel
- Anti-static properties
- Energy absorption in the heel
S1P
- S1 requirements
- Penetration-resistant midsole
S2
- S1 requirements
- Water-resistant upper
S3
- S2 requirements
- Penetration-resistant midsole
- Cleated outsole for grip
S4 and S5
- Typically waterproof (often polymer footwear)
- S5 includes penetration resistance and cleated outsole
The category marking helps users select footwear appropriate to specific hazards.
Additional protection markings
ISO 20345 also allows optional markings to indicate extra protection, such as:
- SRC – Enhanced slip resistance
- HRO – Heat-resistant outsole
- CI / HI – Cold or heat insulation
- WR – Water resistance
- ESD – Electrostatic discharge protection
- P – Penetration resistance
Footwear may carry multiple markings to reflect combined protection features.
Who is ISO 20345 for?
ISO 20345 applies to:
- Manufacturers of safety footwear
- Employers selecting protective footwear for workers
- Health and safety professionals
- Procurement teams
- Workers in hazardous environments
It is widely used across construction, engineering, logistics, manufacturing, utilities, and industrial services.
ISO 20345 vs other footwear standards
| ISO 20345 | Other footwear standards |
|---|---|
| Safety footwear | Protective or occupational footwear |
| Mandatory toe protection | May not require toe protection |
| Higher impact/compression thresholds | Lower or no thresholds |
| Tested and certified | Often guidance-based |
Related standards include ISO 20346 (protective footwear) and ISO 20347 (occupational footwear).
Certification and conformity marking
Safety footwear claiming compliance with ISO 20345 must:
- Be tested against the standard’s requirements
- Be manufactured under controlled conditions
- Be correctly labelled with protection categories and markings
Certification is typically carried out by approved or accredited testing bodies, depending on market requirements.
Benefits of ISO 20345-compliant safety footwear
Using ISO 20345-compliant footwear helps organisations:
- Reduce foot and toe injuries
- Meet workplace health and safety obligations
- Select footwear matched to specific hazards
- Improve worker comfort and confidence
- Demonstrate due diligence in PPE selection
Correct selection is as important as certification.
Common misunderstandings about ISO 20345
- “All safety shoes are the same” – protection levels vary widely
- “Steel toe means safer” – alternative materials can meet the same standard
- “One rating fits all jobs” – different environments need different categories
- “Certification lasts forever” – design changes require reassessment
Understanding markings is essential for safe use.
How ISO 20345 fits with other safety standards
ISO 20345 is commonly used alongside:
- ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety management)
- PPE regulations and workplace safety policies
- Risk assessments for manual work and site safety
It supports a broader approach to workplace health and safety.
Next steps
If you are selecting or supplying safety footwear:
- Identify workplace hazards and risk levels
- Choose ISO 20345 categories that match those risks
- Check markings and certification documentation
- Ensure correct sizing, comfort, and suitability
- Review footwear regularly for wear and damage
ISOcertified.net provides guidance on ISO product standards, including ISO 20345, how to interpret safety markings, and how protective equipment standards support effective health and safety management.