ALU-TEC XP und FLASH 6105 XP

Overview of safety classes S1–S7

Your guide to the ideal ATLAS safety footwear

Safety footwear is essential for protecting your feet from injury at work. Choosing the right pair of safety shoes depends on the specific hazards and requirements of your workplace. This overview explains the various safety classes (S1 to S7) and shows you which ATLAS products offer the appropriate protective features. Find the ideal ATLAS safety footwear for your needs now!

Safety class S1- 

Basic protection for dry working environments


Features:

  • Toe cap: Protects your toes from impact and pressure  
  • Closed heel area with energy absorption (E): Reduces strain on the joints  
  • Antistatic properties (A): Prevents electrostatic build-up 
  • Fuel-resistant sole (FO): Resistant to oil and petrol  

Areas of use:  

Ideal for dry working environments such as warehouses, workshops, assembly areas and indoor areas without any particular risks from wet conditions or sharp objects.


You can find further information on safety class S1 in our ATLAS guide.

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Safety classes S1P, S1PL & S1PS –  

Protection against punctures and impacts

Features:  

  • Optimised slip resistance (SR): Secure grip on slippery and oily floors (replaces the old designations SRA/SRB/SRC).
  • Closed heel area: For increased stability.
  • Antistatic properties (A): Protection against electrostatic build-up.
  • Energy absorption in the heel area (E): Reduces strain on the joints.
  • Fuel resistance of the sole (FO): Optional protection in environments with high levels of oil and fuel.
  • Graded puncture protection: Prevents sharp objects (e.g. nails, glass) from penetrating the sole: 

    - S1P: Classic steel midsole (tested with a 4.5 mm nail).

    - S1PL: Metal-free textile protection (Large) – flexible and lightweight (tested with a 4.5 mm nail).

    - S1PS: Highest level of metal-free textile protection (Small) – maximum resistance to particularly fine, sharp objects (tested with a 3.0 mm nail).

Areas of use:  

Work environments where there is a risk of injury from loose, pointed or sharp objects. Typical examples include joinery workshops, general workshops, interior fit-out sites and areas where work involves nails, screws or glass.

Further information on the safety classes S1P, S1PL and S1PS can be found in our ATLAS guide.

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Comparison of safety classes – Find the right ATLAS safety shoe

Atlas Flash 6100 ESD Sicherheitsschuhe

Safety class S2 – 

Protection against moisture and impacts

Features: 

  • Slip resistance (SRA/SRB/SRC)
  • Toe cap
  • Fuel-resistant (FO) sole
  • Water-repellent upper (WRU): Protects the feet from water
    for at least 80 minutes
  • ESD (Electro Static Discharge) features
  • Energy absorption in the heel area (E)

Areas of use: 

Work environments where moisture is a factor, e.g. in logistics, in car workshops, outdoors in light rain or in the food industry.

You can find further information about safety class S2 in our ATLAS guide.

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ATLAS Safety Footwear - 
The right safety class for every job

Safety classes S3, S3L & S3S – The all-rounder for demanding working environments

Features:  

  • Toe cap: Reliable protection against impact and compression.
  • Optimised slip resistance (SR): Basic slip resistance is now standard; the additional SR marking indicates maximum grip on ceramic tiles treated with glycerine (replaces SRA/SRB/SRC).
  • Water-repellent upper (WPA): Protection against water penetration and water absorption (replaces WRU).
  • Profiled outsole: For a secure footing off-road and on uneven surfaces.
  • Closed heel area & energy absorption (E): To relieve pressure on the joints and spine.
  • Antistatic (A): Protection against electrostatic build-up.
  • Fuel resistance (FO): Optional protection of the sole against oils and fuels.
  • Graded puncture protection: Protection against sharp objects (e.g. nails, glass) penetrating the sole:
    - S3: Classic steel midsole (4.5 mm test nail). 

    - S3L: Metal-free textile protection (Large) – flexible and lightweight (4.5 mm test nail). 

    - S3S: Highest level of metal-free textile protection (Small) – maximum resistance to the finest sharp objects (3.0 mm test nail).

Areas of use:  

Work environments where there is a risk of injury from loose, pointed or sharp objects. Typical examples include joinery workshops, general workshops, interior fit-out construction sites and areas where work involves nails, screws or glass.

You can find further information on safety class S3 in our ATLAS guide.

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Safety Class 5 –  

The class for extreme conditions 

Features:  

  • Completely waterproof thanks to the plastic or rubber upper 
  • Toe cap 
  • Antistatic properties (A) 
  • Slip resistance (SRA/SRB/SRC) 
  • Puncture-resistant (P), fuel-resistant (FO) and treaded sole 
  • Energy absorption in the heel area (E)

Areas of use:  

Work environments where there is a risk of injury from loose, pointed or sharp objects. Typical examples include joinery workshops, engineering workshops, interior fit-out sites and areas where work is carried out with nails, screws or glass.

You can find further information on safety class S5 in our ATLAS guide.

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Class O1 –  

Work shoes

Features:  

  • Lightweight and comfortable 
  • Breathable 
  • Flexible thanks to the use of high-tech upper material 
  • Slip resistance (SRA/SRB/SRC) 
  • Closed heel area 
  • Energy absorption (E) 
  • Antistatic properties 
  • 3D cushioning system

Areas of use:  

Work shoes are the ideal choice for work environments where there are no mechanical hazards, but where slip-resistant, comfortable and functional footwear is still required.

Atlas Berufsschuh 40 ESD 01

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Safety classes S7, S7L & S7S –  

Maximum water resistance for extreme conditions

Features:  

  • Fully waterproof (WR): Absolutely waterproof thanks to an integrated membrane (highest standard, exceeds the WPA requirements of the S3 class). 
  • Toe cap: Reliable protection against impact and compression. 
  • Optimised slip resistance (SR): Maximum grip on wet and slippery surfaces (replaces SRA/SRB/SRC).
  • Profiled outsole: Deep tread pattern for maximum traction on mud, earth and uneven terrain.
  • Closed heel area & energy absorption (E): To relieve strain on the joints during demanding outdoor work.
  • Antistatic (A): Protection against electrostatic build-up.
  • Fuel resistance (FO): Optional protection of the sole against oils and fuels.
  • Graded puncture protection: Protection against sharp objects (e.g. nails, glass) penetrating the sole:
    - S7: Classic steel midsole (4.5 mm test nail). 

    - S7L: Metal-free textile protection (Large) – flexible and lightweight (4.5 mm test nail). 

    - S7S: Highest level of metal-free textile protection (Small) – maximum resistance to the finest pointed objects (3.0 mm test nail).

Areas of application:  

Working environments that require both absolute protection against moisture and puncture resistance. Typical examples include civil engineering, agriculture and forestry, gardening and landscaping, as well as all outdoor activities involving working for hours in puddles, mud or heavy rain.

Further information on safety classes S7, S7L and S7S can be found in our ATLAS guide.

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our full range of work shoes

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Frequently asked questions about safety classes S1–S7

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAFETY CLASSES S1 AND S3?

Class S1 and S3 safety footwear differ in terms of their protective functions and areas of use, with Class S3 footwear offering a higher level of safety. Both classes feature basic protective characteristics such as a toe cap capable of withstanding impact forces of up to 200 joules, as well as antistatic properties that prevent electrostatic build-up. In addition, the soles are fuel-resistant and protect against oil and petrol. Both classes of footwear have a closed heel area with energy absorption, which reduces strain on the joints and improves comfort. The main difference lies in the additional protective features of Class S3. Safety footwear in this class is fitted with puncture protection, which prevents injuries caused by sharp objects such as nails or glass. They also have a water-repellent upper that protects the feet from moisture and wet conditions. This makes them particularly suitable for working outdoors or in damp environments. Another feature of S3 footwear is the treaded outsole, which offers better grip on uneven or slippery surfaces.

HOW DO SAFETY FOOTWEAR IN SAFETY CLASSES S1 AND S1P DIFFER?

S1 safety shoes are the ideal basic footwear for dry working environments. They feature a toe cap, a closed heel area and antistatic properties. They are ideal for use in warehouses and workshops. S1P safety footwear supplements the S1 standard with useful puncture protection. S1P safety footwear is required in work areas where sharp objects on the floor pose a hazard.

WHEN DO I NEED S3 SAFETY FOOTWEAR?

Class S3 safety footwear offers comprehensive protection and is specifically designed for working environments with high safety requirements. It combines the protective features of safety classes S1 and S2 and supplements these with additional functions such as puncture resistance and water resistance. S3 safety footwear protects against damp and wet conditions, particularly if you spend a lot of time working outdoors or in natural surroundings. On uneven or slippery surfaces, the deeply grooved sole ensures a secure grip.

WHEN MUST ESD SHOES BE WORN?

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) footwear is specially designed work footwear that safely dissipates electrostatic charges to prevent damage to sensitive electronic components or hazards caused by sparks. They are essential in certain work environments and are often required by regulations. ESD shoes prevent even minor discharges from damaging or destroying electronic components by dissipating the charge through the sole of the shoe. In many industries, standards such as DIN EN 61340-5-1 stipulate the use of ESD footwear to ensure product protection and occupational safety.

WHERE ARE S2 SAFETY FOOTWEAR USED?

Class S2 safety footwear is specifically designed for working environments where moisture is a factor. They offer all the protective features of Class S1 (toe cap, antistatic properties, closed heel and resistance to fuel) and also have a water-repellent upper. Due to the versatile properties of S2 safety footwear, it is frequently used, for example, in the food industry, agriculture or logistics.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAFETY FOOTWEAR AND WORK FOOTWEAR?

Safety footwear is essential for workplaces with mechanical hazards and offers comprehensive protection thanks to its toe cap and other safety features. Work shoes, on the other hand, are designed for less hazardous environments and prioritise comfort and stability. Choosing the right footwear depends on the specific requirements of your workplace.
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Class Toe Cap Heel Energy Absorption Slip Resistance (Basic) Water Protection (WPA) Penetration Resistance Cleated Outsole WR (Fully Waterproof)
SB ✓ ✓
S1 ✓ ✓ ✓
S1P ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Steel (4.5 mm)
S1PL ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Textile (4.5 mm)
S1PS ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Textile (3.0 mm)
S2 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
S3 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Steel (4.5 mm) ✓
S3L ✓ ✓ ✓