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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.

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.

What does ‘S3’ mean in the context of safety boots?

S3 refers to a protection class in accordance with EN ISO 20345. S3 footwear offers: a closed heel, a toe cap (200 joules), antistatic properties, energy absorption in the heel area, resistance to fuel, water resistance (60 mins), a puncture-resistant sole and a treaded outsole.

What does the S3 classification mean for safety boots?

S3 in accordance with EN ISO 20345 means: toe cap (200 joules), enclosed heel, antistatic properties, energy absorption in the heel area, waterproof upper, puncture-resistant sole and treaded outsole.

What do the abbreviations S3, CI and SRC mean on winter boots?

S3 refers to safety footwear with a steel toe cap, puncture resistance and a water-repellent upper. CI stands for Cold Insulation. SRC denotes the highest slip resistance class on ceramic tiles and steel plates.

Are the women’s models really any different from the men’s models?

Yes! The CITY STYLE FOR WOMEN models are produced using a special women’s last and are therefore anatomically tailored to women’s feet. This is a major difference compared to ‘scaled-down men’s shoes’ and ensures significantly greater comfort.

Do safety shoes for women fit differently to normal trainers?

Yes, usually. As safety shoes are rigid at the front due to the toe cap, they cannot be ‘broken in’ in the same way as leather shoes. We often recommend choosing your usual size, but please do check our fit advice in the product descriptions. Special women’s lasts also ensure that the shoe has a narrower cut around the heel, thus providing a better fit.

Just how waterproof are S3 shoes for women?

The S3 standard stipulates that the outer material must be water-repellent for at least 60 minutes. However, if you regularly work in puddles or in heavy rain, we recommend models with an additional GORE-TEX® membrane to ensure lasting waterproofing whilst maintaining high breathability.