S1 is the entry-level class within the EN ISO 20345 standard for safety footwear and the minimum protection requirement for many work environments. But did you know that at Shaped4, you never have to settle for the minimum? All Neskrid safety shoes are S3 certified, the highest protection level recognized by the standard. You're looking for S1, but you always get more.
What are S1 safety shoes?
S1 safety shoes are the entry-level class within the EN ISO 20345 standard and impose the following requirements on footwear:
- A protective toe cap that can withstand an impact energy of at least 200 joules and a compression force of at least 15 kilonewtons, providing protection against falling and rolling objects.
- A closed heel cap for extra stability and protection at the back of the foot.
- Energy absorption in the heel that absorbs shocks with every step and reduces the strain on feet, knees, and back.
- Antistatic properties that prevent the build-up of static electricity on the body.
- An oil-resistant sole that provides grip on floors with oil or grease residue.
S1 safety shoes are suitable for dry work environments without the risk of water penetration and without the risk of sharp objects on the floor, such as light industry, warehouses, and production halls with a controlled work environment.
What is the difference between S1, S2, and S3?
The three safety classes build on each other. S1 is the basic class, S2 adds water resistance to the upper, and S3 additionally includes a penetration-resistant and profiled sole. Each higher class includes all the features of the lower class, so S3 automatically meets all the requirements of S1 and S2.
This means that S3 safety shoes can always be used in environments where S1 is required, but not vice versa. S1 safety shoes are not suitable for environments where S2 or S3 is required.
When are S1 safety shoes sufficient?
S1 safety shoes are sufficient in work environments where the risk assessment shows that there is only a risk of falling or rolling objects, without the risk of wet surfaces or sharp objects on the floor. This is the case in dry production halls, warehouses, and light industry where the work environment is well controlled.
Are you unsure whether S1 is sufficient for your work environment? Always consult your employer's risk assessment or occupational health and safety legislation. In practice, many employers deliberately choose S3 as standard, even in environments where S1 would technically be sufficient, because S3 always offers more protection than necessary, never less.
S1 safety shoes at Shaped4: always S3
At Shaped4, we exclusively sell Neskrid safety shoes that are S3 certified. This means that you won't find separate S1 models with us; instead, we offer shoes that meet all safety standards, including S1. An S3 safety shoe can always be used where S1 is required, while simultaneously offering the protection you need if the work environment is tougher than expected.
View the full range on our [safety shoes page].
Safety shoes for men and women
Neskrid safety shoes are available for both men and women, in multiple width sizes to ensure the shoe always fits well, even for wide feet. Wide safety shoes are a standard part of the assortment.
View [safety shoes for women] and [safety shoes for men] for a filtered overview per target group.
Size advice
Safety shoes, due to their protective toe cap and more robust construction, have slightly less room in the forefoot than regular shoes. Choose your normal shoe size as a starting point and select the width size that matches the width of your foot. If in doubt, we recommend going half a size larger. Do you have wide feet? Then choose wide safety shoes in the wider width size.
View the products on the safety shoes page for an overview of all safety shoes.
