What are safety shoes S1, S2, S3?

Protective footwear is the basic personal protective equipment (PPE) for many industries, which effectively protects workers’ feet from mechanical damage during the working day. Work shoes have different protection classes: S1, S2 and S3. These shoes must also comply with a specific standard: EN ISO 20345. It is recognized as an international benchmark for the safety of work shoes.
Before starting work on the production, construction site, it is extremely important to understand what class of work shoes to choose. Let’s get to the bottom of it!

Overview of EN ISO 20345

EN ISO 20345 is an international standard that defines the requirements for safety footwear that can be worn without worrying about safety in the workplace. It requires all certified safety shoes to have a protective toe capable of withstanding an impact force of 200 joules. In addition to this basic requirement (referred to as SB from “safety basic”), the standard defines several S-Classes of footwear, each of which adds protective features. The S1, S2 and S3 categories build on each other as follows:

• S1: 200 J toe, closed heel, anti-static properties, heel energy absorption and fuel/oil resistant outsole.
• S2: All the features of the S1, plus a water-resistant upper (repels water penetration).
• S3: All the characteristics of S2, plus a puncture-resistant midsole and usually a spiked outsole for better grip.

These categories make it easy to select shoes for different working conditions. For example, a dry indoor warehouse may only require S1 footwear, while an outdoor construction site with risks such as sharp debris and mud will require S3 boots. Following the EN ISO 20345 rating, workplaces in the UAE ensure that their footwear meets internationally recognized safety standards and at the same time is suitable for local conditions. Footwear from the TALAN factory has S2, S1P, S3 safety grades. The models of safety shoes can be viewed and ordered in UAE on our website.

Categories S1, S2 and S3 – more details about each of the protection classes

S1 work shoes

S1 safety shoes are designed for workplaces where the main risks are impact or compression injuries (e.g. dropping heavy objects on the foot), without significant water exposure or puncture hazards. Key features of the S1 footwear include:

• Reinforced toe cap (200 J): Built-in toe guard box (steel or composite) that protects toes from impact and compression.
• Closed, shock-absorbing heel: Fully enclosed heel area with energy absorption to soften impact and reduce fatigue.
• Anti-static construction: Static dissipating materials reduce the chance of static sparks (important around sensitive electronics or flammables).
• Oil-resistant outsole: Outsole resistant to breakdown by oil, fuel and other chemicals.

S1 shoes are ideal for dry indoor environments without sharp debris or excessive moisture. Examples include warehouses, factories and logistics facilities where the floors are clean and dry. S1 shoes also tend to be lighter and more breathable than higher rated shoes, which can be useful in hot environments.

S2 work shoes

S2 safety shoes incorporate all the protective elements of S1 and add resistance to water penetration. The defining feature of S2 shoes is the water-resistant upper – the upper material (often treated leather or coated textile) repels water and prevents its rapid absorption. This keeps feet dry when working in wet conditions. S2 footwear is suitable for work with occasional contact with liquids or wet environments, such as food processing, cleaning/maintenance or outdoors in light rain or puddles. Essentially, the S2 shoe provides the basic protection of the S1, but protects against getting wet. (The S2 does not have a puncture-resistant sole, so it is not designed for environments where nails or splinters may be underfoot.)

S3 work shoes

S3 protective footwear combines the waterproofness of S2 with additional protective features for harsh conditions. S3 boots and shoes have an anti-puncture intermediate sole and typically a clear sole in addition to all the features of S2 (and S1). The puncture-resistant midsole (steel or composite) is built into the outsole to prevent puncture by nails or other sharp objects. A studded outsole with deep treads provides reliable traction on uneven or slippery surfaces such as dirt, gravel or construction debris. The S3 is the optimal choice for construction, engineering and other heavy outdoor work where workers face both the risk of collision with sharp objects and wet or muddy ground.

S1 vs S2 vs S3: Choosing the Right Option

The impact of UAE working conditions on footwear selection

Working conditions in the UAE pose additional challenges for safety footwear due to the extreme climate and terrain. When choosing between S1, S2 and S3 footwear in the Emirates, consider the following factors:

• High temperatures: The intense heat can make any shoes uncomfortable. Look for shoes with heat-resistant soles and breathable, moisture-wicking linings to keep your feet cooler and drier in hot weather.
• Sand and dust: Sandy and dusty areas can cause fine particles to get into your shoes and accelerate wear and tear. High boots (such as many S3 models) with padded collars help keep sand out, and spiked soles provide better traction on loose sand or gravel.
• High humidity: In coastal areas, humidity combined with heat leads to excessive sweating inside the shoe. It is better to choose shoes with ventilated or quick-drying insides, and periodically change pairs or remove insoles so that each pair can dry between uses. This will prevent odor and fungus.

The UAE climate means that durability and comfort are as important as protection. Protective footwear that meets the required S rating must also utilize materials suitable for high heat and humidity. Many manufacturers offer S1, S2, and S3 models with special features (lighter fabrics, ventilation, antimicrobial lining) so that even a rugged boot can be worn in Middle Eastern conditions with relative comfort.

Choosing the right category of safety footwear – S1, S2 or S3 – ensures that workers are protected from hazards while remaining comfortable. Each category corresponds to a level of protection: S1 for basic toe protection in dry conditions, S2 for extra water resistance and S3 for the most robust protection with puncture protection. In the UAE, heat, sand and humidity are also important to consider when choosing a specific boot model in these categories. By understanding the differences, safety professionals can make informed decisions – for example, equipping a warehouse crew with breathable S1 footwear and a construction crew with durable S3 boots. All three categories of certified safety footwear are available at talansafetyshoes.com, allowing UAE businesses to purchase the appropriate S-rated footwear that meets international standards and withstands local working conditions.