Safety shoes protect feet against impact, crushing, puncture and slipping while remaining suited to on-site demands. They are essential in construction, logistics, metalworking, food processing, energy and maintenance. Groupe RG selects certified models that are easy to read in terms of standards, to guarantee compliance and comfort at the workstation. The approach favours reading markings and traceability rather than choosing out of habit.
Safety shoe guide: role, hazards covered and sectors involved
A pair of protective footwear first aims to protect the toes via a toecap, then to prevent slipping and puncture through a suitable sole. In a warehouse or on a building site, a trade-off is sought between grip, puncture resistance and support; in food processing, the criteria extend to cleaning and moisture. The choice should be made according to the work situation: workshop, loading dock, outdoor intervention or sensitive environment (ESD, chemicals).
For multi-trade SMEs, standardisation by usage profile limits the number of references without sacrificing compliance. Standards markings and documentary checks remain the key elements for validating consistent provision.
Standards, certifications and protection levels to know
The main reference for models with a toecap is EN ISO 20345, supplemented by EN ISO 20344 for test methods. Other targeted standards may be added depending on the hazards: EN 13832 for certain chemical exposures, EN 50321 for electrical insulation. Consistency between the risk assessment and the markings on the label is essential for a defensible choice during an audit.
EN ISO 20345: requirements, protective toecap and minimum performance
This standard requires a toecap resistant to 200 J, anti-static properties and heel energy absorption, and criteria for material strength. The classes (SB, S1, S1P, S3, S7...) guide selection according to moisture, puncture and outdoor use. Use this framework to define common requirements across multiple sites.
Decoding the markings (SRC, HRO, HI, CI, ESD, WR, FO…)
Markings supplement the class: SRC indicates slip resistance on smooth and tiled floors, HRO signals resistance to contact heat, HI/CI relate to thermal insulation, FO to resistance to hydrocarbons and WR to water resistance. ESD certifies electrostatic dissipation for sensitive environments; all these markings should be checked against identified hazards.
Selection criteria and points of vigilance on site
Base the selection on the dominant hazards: falling objects, puncture, slippery floors, chemical splashes, extreme temperatures. Consider compatibility with postures (walking, standing), vehicle operation and other PPE worn simultaneously. The most robust response comes from a risk assessment that prioritises the performance needed, not just price.
Grip, anti-puncture sole and heel shock absorption
Grip depends on the sole pattern and material; oils or mud reduce its effectiveness. Anti-puncture protection must match actual exposure (nails, shavings), and heel absorption limits fatigue during long periods of walking.
Ergonomics, fit and long-term comfort (weight, breathability, support)
Weight and toecap type affect fatigue; breathability and moisture management support comfort without compromising water resistance where needed. Confirm heel support, the absence of pressure points and compatibility with any orthopaedic insoles.
Durability: materials, construction and abrasion resistance
Full-grain leather and certain technical textiles offer good mechanical performance; polymer uppers make cleaning easier. Seams, adhesives and reinforcements determine resistance to friction and abrasion; assess the stability of performance over time, not just appearance.
Groupe RG support: compliance, traceability and multi-site roll-out
To equip multiple sites, proceed through risk assessment, profile selection and securing supply. Groupe RG provides technical data sheets, certificates and guidance on reading markings to document choices and make audits easier. Stock monitoring, standardisation of provision and coordination with purchasing/HSE are offered without generic prescriptions.
Standardising a footwear provision by trade and securing availability
Define 2 to 3 profiles (dry workshop, building site, wet/cold outdoors) with the classes and markings required. This method simplifies ordering, reduces mistakes and makes restocking between sites and subcontractors easier.
Documenting the choice for audits (technical data sheets, PPE traceability)
Keep risk assessments, models chosen, certificates and technical data sheets. Formalise the rules for allocation by workstation and replacement criteria (wear, deterioration, loss of water resistance) to ensure traceability during an audit.
FAQ on choosing safety shoes
How do I choose safety shoes suited to my trade?
First identify the hazards and the working environment, then select the EN ISO 20345 class and the relevant markings. Test ergonomics over a typical day and confirm through the HSE risk assessment.
What is the difference between S1P, S3 and S7 safety shoes?
S1P suits fairly dry use with toecap and anti-puncture protection, S3 adds partial water resistance and a cleated sole for outdoor use, S7 enhances water resistance for very wet uses according to the associated markings.
What are the safety shoe standards in France?
The reference is EN ISO 20345, supplemented by EN ISO 20344 for testing. Depending on the need, EN 13832 or EN 50321 may be used for specific applications.
Which materials should be favoured for durable safety shoes?
Full-grain leather and certain technical textiles offer good resistance; choose soles suited to hydrocarbons and reinforcements for abrasive workstations. Durability mainly depends on the quality of the construction.
Which safety shoes should be chosen for cold and wet environments?
Favour CI insulation and WR water resistance, with a cleated sole for grip. Check the fit to allow thermal socks to be worn without compression.
Which safety shoes should be chosen for chemical environments and splashes?
Check the compatibility of materials with the agents handled and favour surfaces that are easy to decontaminate. For certain products, look for references compliant with EN 13832 in addition to EN ISO 20345.
Which safety shoes should be chosen to stay comfortable over long days?
Opt for a good fit, effective shock absorption and a weight suited to walking. Breathability matters in hot workstations; water resistance is a priority in wet environments.
Which safety shoes should be chosen for an SME with several trades and sites?
Define profiles by main use and formalise the classes and markings expected. This approach reduces ordering mistakes and simplifies restocking and audit management.