What do S1, S3 or S7 actually mean on safety footwear? We take you through all the safety classes under the new EN ISO 20345:2022 standard, so you know exactly which shoes suit your workplace.
Safety footwear and workwear in Tromsø: Guide to S1, S3, S7 and the right equipment
What do S1, S3 or S7 actually mean on safety footwear? We take you through all the safety classes under the new EN ISO 20345:2022 standard, so you know exactly which shoes suit your workplace — and where you can find them in Tromsø.
Safety footwear is not just safety footwear. Which safety class you need depends on what you do, what risks you face and what working environment you are in. The difference between S1, S3 and S7 can mean the difference between dry, safe feet — and a workplace accident. In this guide we walk through the safety classes under the new European standard, which workwear stands up to coastal weather, and how Jobb og Fritid can help you and your company get the right equipment.
Jobb og Fritid has supplied workwear to all occupational groups in Tromsø since 1988 — to both businesses and private individuals. We know northern Norwegian weather and northern Norwegian workplaces well, and understand what actually holds up over time.
What is EN ISO 20345?
EN ISO 20345 is the European standard for safety footwear. The standard defines the requirements shoes must meet in order to be certified as protective equipment. From March 2023 the new version, EN ISO 20345:2022, applies, introducing several changes and two entirely new safety classes (S6 and S7).
Safety footwear certified under the old standard (EN ISO 20345:2011) may still legally be sold and used until the certificate expires. You will therefore find shoes certified under both standards on the market for a period of time.
The main classes explained
All safety footwear has a toecap that protects against falling objects at a minimum of 200 joules. It is the additional properties that distinguish one class from another.
SB — the basic requirement The simplest class. Has only a toecap with no other additional requirements. Rarely used in practice, but forms the basis for all the other classes.
S1 — indoor dry environments Safety footwear with a toecap, antistatic sole, energy absorption in the heel and oil-resistant sole. Best for indoor work in dry environments such as workshops, warehouses and light industry.
S1P — S1 with penetration-resistant sole Toecap and penetration protection, with a breathable upper. Well suited to indoor work: workshops, warehouses and industry, or construction sites where you may tread on nails or sharp objects. In the new standard, S1P is divided into subtypes:
- S1P (S1PS): metal plate in the sole, tested with a 4.5 mm nail
- S1PL: textile plate in the sole, tested with a 4.5 mm nail
- S1PS: textile plate in the sole, tested with a 3 mm nail (highest protection)
S2 — water-resistant upper All the properties of S1, plus a water-resistant upper that withstands rain and damp surroundings. Well suited to outdoor work in normal weather, or indoor work in damp environments.
S3 (now S3S/S3L in the latest standard) — the versatile choice The most popular class for tradespeople. Has everything from S2, plus a water-resistant upper, penetration-resistant sole and a more heavily patterned outsole for better grip. S3 is the standard choice for outdoor construction and civil engineering, and the first choice for most tradespeople who work both indoors and outdoors.
S4 — fully sealed rubber/polymer Safety footwear/boots moulded in one piece from rubber or polymer. Water-resistant, antistatic and oil-resistant. Typically used in the food industry, fishing and cleaning.
S5 — fully sealed with penetration-resistant sole Like S4, but with a penetration-resistant sole. Used in construction, agriculture, abattoirs and industry where you need maximum protection against both liquid and sharp objects. Also available in the variants S5L and S5S.
S6 — new in 2022: S2 + waterproof An entirely new class. Has all the properties of S2, plus a requirement for full waterproofness (WR). The difference from S2 is that the entire shoe is tested for waterproofness, including seams — not just the material.
S7/winter — the new top class Has all the properties of S3, plus full waterproofness. These are the insulated safety shoes for a northern Norwegian winter: with a membrane and lining they keep you dry and warm on the winter construction site. Also available as S7L and S7S.
Additional markings explained
- P — penetration-resistant sole (metal)
- PL — penetration-resistant sole (textile, 4.5 mm nail)
- PS — penetration-resistant sole (textile, 3 mm nail)
- WR — fully waterproof shoe (Water Resistance)
- WPA — waterproof upper including seams (replaces the old WRU)
- HRO — sole withstands contact heat up to 300 °C
- CI — insulated against cold
- HI — insulated against heat
- M — metatarsal protection
- AN — ankle protection
- CR — cut-resistant upper
- ESD — enhanced antistatic properties (electronics industry)
- FO — oil-resistant sole (now an additional property, not a standard requirement)
- SR — slip-resistant (tested with glycerine on tiles)
- LG — Ladder Grip sole, new in 2022, for work on ladders
- SC — abrasion resistance on the toecap (Scuff Cap)
Which class do you need?
- Warehouse and workshop (indoor, dry): S1 or S1P
- Vehicle mechanic: S2 or S3 (S3 if you work with heavy components)
- Carpenter and joiner: S3 or S7 (S7 if you spend a lot of time outdoors in the rain)
- Electrician: S3 (with ESD marking if you work with sensitive electronics)
- Construction and civil engineering (outdoor, all conditions): S3 in summer, insulated S7/winter from October
- Road and asphalt work: S3 with HRO and HI (heat-resistant)
- Agriculture and forestry: S3, S5 or S7
- Fishing and food industry: S4 or S5
- Cleaning and janitorial: S2 or S3 with a good SR rating
- Fire and rescue: specialist footwear beyond the EN ISO 20345 standard
With us you will find safety footwear from Jalas and other quality suppliers — but fit matters more than the brand: if you stand for eight hours on a hard surface, the shoe should be tried on with the work sock you actually use.
Changes in the new 2022 standard — a brief summary
If you already have experience with safety footwear, these are the most important changes:
- Two new classes: S6 and S7 with documented water resistance (WR)
- WRU is replaced by WPA: the entire shoe is now tested for water resistance, not just the material
- SRA, SRB and SRC have been removed — replaced by simpler SR marking. Basic slip resistance is now included in all shoes
- FO is no longer a standard requirement: oil-resistant outsole is now an optional additional property
- P marking split: differentiation between metal plate (P/PS) and textile plate (PL/PS) in the outsole
- New additional markings: LG (ladder-grip outsole) and SC (abrasion resistance on toe cap)
What to look for when buying
The correct safety class is just one of several criteria. Also consider:
Fit Safety footwear should fit well without pinching. Always try shoes on with the same type of socks you will wear at work. Bear in mind that feet swell slightly during the day — trying them on in the afternoon is a good idea.
Weight Heavy shoes take their toll on your feet over a long working day. Modern safety footwear with composite toe caps (instead of steel) is often considerably lighter.
Composite toe cap or steel Composite toe caps (plastic/carbon fibre) are lighter and do not conduct cold — a real advantage in a cold climate like ours. Steel toe caps are less expensive and slightly more durable.
Breathability Long days in safety footwear can lead to sweaty, uncomfortable feet. Shoes with a breathable lining (such as Gore-Tex or similar) provide better comfort.
Insoles Standard insoles are often not the best option for long working days. Good ergonomic insoles provide better support and reduce strain on your back and knees.
Durability A good pair of safety shoes should last 1–3 years with daily use. Check the quality of the stitching, adhesive and outsole before purchasing.
Workwear that stands up to the coast
Tromsø weather means wind and sleet during working hours too. Think in layers:
- Wool base layer next to the skin — wool keeps you warm even when damp.
- Mid layer — fleece or wool jumper.
- Outer layer — work jacket or shell jacket; hi-vis where the job requires visibility (EN ISO 20471).
Key brands we stock: Helly Hansen Workwear (the largest range), Carhartt, ProJob, Univern and Snickers Workwear — plus branded clothing from Clique, Cutter & Buck, Nimbus and J. Harvest & Frost.
For businesses: the Bedriftssenter on Kvaløyvegen
Jobb og Fritid Bedriftssenter (Kvaløyvegen 329) is our centre for business customers:
- Branding with company logo (printing and embroidery)
- Invoice solutions and business agreements with fixed discounts
- Dedicated B2B online catalogue for ordering within the company's range
- Open Mon–Fri 07–16 — tailored to the working day
Private customers are equally welcome in our shops at Jekta (open until 21 on weekdays — convenient when you cannot make it during working hours) and Veita i sentrum.
Frequently asked questions
Which safety shoes are best for construction work in Tromsø? An S3 shoe in summer and an insulated winter safety shoe from October. Come in with your work socks and we will help you find the right fit.
Can you supply workwear with a company logo? Yes — the Bedriftssenter handles branding, and business customers receive their own agreement with fixed prices and invoicing.
Do you stock hi-vis/high-visibility clothing? Yes, high-visibility garments in classes 1–3 from several of our workwear brands.
How long do safety shoes last? With daily use, replacement is recommended every 1–2 years, or when the outsole is worn down, the upper is damaged or the toe cap is deformed.
Can I wash safety shoes? Leather shoes should be brushed and treated with leather care products. Textile shoes can be wiped with a damp cloth. Avoid machine washing — it can damage the toe cap and adhesive.
Do I need safety shoes when I work alone as a sole trader? Yes, if you work under HSE requirements. Arbeidstilsynet sets requirements for protective equipment for sole traders as well, where the work involves a risk of foot injury.
What is the difference between safety shoes and work boots? Safety shoes are certified to EN ISO 20345 with a toe cap and specific safety properties. Ordinary work boots without certification do not offer the same protection, even if they look similar.
Does the employer cover the cost of safety shoes? Under the Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven), the employer is required to cover the cost of necessary protective equipment when the work demands it. Check your employment contract or the HSE procedures at your workplace.
Need help choosing?
We have extensive experience with safety footwear and workwear for all industries in Tromsø, and are happy to help you find the right equipment for your working situation. Come and see us at Jekta, Veita i sentrum, or visit Jobb og Fritid Bedriftssenter at Kvaløyvegen 329 for a business quote. We offer framework agreements with fixed discounts for business customers, and print or embroider company logos on workwear and protective equipment.
