The best safety boots carry the safety rating your job needs, fit well and suit your floor and weather. In the UK and Europe that means an EN ISO 20345 class such as S1P, S3 or S7. In the US it means an ASTM F2413 label with impact and compression protection, plus EH or PR if your work needs them.
This guide explains what the ratings on the label mean, which class suits which job, how to choose between steel and composite toes, and how to get a safety boot that's comfortable for a full shift.
In this guide
- What Makes a Boot a Safety Boot?
- EN ISO 20345 Safety Classes (UK and Europe)
- ASTM F2413 Markings (US)
- Best Safety Boots by Job
- Steel, Composite or Alloy Toe Caps?
- Fit and Comfort in Safety Boots
- How to Make Safety Boots Last
- Socks and Insoles for Safety Boots
- Safety Boot Buying Checklist
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes a Boot a Safety Boot?
A safety boot has a protective toe cap that has passed a standard test. Under EN ISO 20345, the toe cap has to survive a 200 joule drop test and a 15 kilonewton compression test, according to the uvex guide to EN ISO 20345:2022. Shoes without a safety toe cap are occupational shoes, certified to EN ISO 20347 instead, as Arbesko explains.
In the US, OSHA requires employers to make sure workers wear protective footwear where there's a danger of foot injuries from falling or rolling objects, objects piercing the sole, or electrical hazards. That footwear must meet ASTM F2413 or an equivalent standard.
EN ISO 20345 Safety Classes (UK and Europe)
Each class builds on the one before it. This summary follows Arbesko:
| Class | What it adds |
|---|---|
| SB | Basic requirements: safety toe cap and slip test |
| S1 | SB plus closed heel, energy absorption in the heel and antistatic |
| S2 | S1 plus a water-resistant upper |
| S3 | S2 plus a penetration-resistant midsole and a cleated outsole |
| S4 / S5 | Rubber or polymer boots; S5 adds a penetration-resistant midsole and cleated sole |
| S6 | S2 plus water resistance of the whole boot |
| S7 | S3 plus water resistance of the whole boot |
The 2022 version of the standard made slip resistance a basic requirement for every class. Boots can also carry extra markings, such as SR for extra slip resistance, P, PL or PS for nail penetration resistance, WR for water resistance, FO for fuel and oil resistance and LG for ladder grip. Boots certified under the older 2011 version can still be on sale until November 2029, so check which version is on the label, according to the uvex guide to EN ISO 20345:2022.
ASTM F2413 Markings (US)
US safety boots list their protections on a label, usually inside the tongue. These are the common codes, as summarised by HexArmor:
- I/75: impact resistance (75 ft-lb)
- C/75: compression resistance (2,500 lb)
- EH: electrical hazard protection
- Mt/75: metatarsal protection
- PR: puncture resistance
- SD: static dissipative
- Cd: conductive
A label like "ASTM F2413-24 M/I/C/EH" means the boot meets the 2024 version, is a men's size, and has impact, compression and electrical hazard protection. Slip resistance is tested under a separate standard, so check the slip rating on the box or product page.
Best Safety Boots by Job
Construction
Look for S3 or S7 in the UK and EU, or ASTM I/75 C/75 with PR in the US, plus ankle support and a lugged sole for mud and loose ground. See work boots for construction workers.
Warehouse and factory
S1P or S3 boots and lighter safety trainers suit flat floors, as long as the sole has a good slip rating. Choose a lighter boot for long walking shifts. See work boots for factory work.
Electrical work
In the US, look for the EH marking. Electrical protection depends on the boot's sole and construction, not just a non-metallic toe cap. Check your employer's requirements before you buy.
Wet and outdoor work
S6 or S7 boots are tested for water resistance of the whole boot, not just the upper. See waterproof and water-resistant work boots.
Oily or fuel-exposed floors
Under the 2022 EN standard, look for the FO marking for fuel and oil resistance, together with a good slip rating.
Steel, Composite or Alloy Toe Caps?
All three can pass the same toe-cap tests when they're certified. Steel caps are strong and usually thinner. Composite caps are lighter and non-metallic, but usually a little bulkier. Aluminium or alloy caps sit between the two. Compare them in steel toe vs composite toe boots and aluminum toe vs composite toe boots, and see the best steel toe work boots.
Fit and Comfort in Safety Boots
The toe cap doesn't stretch, so fit matters more than with ordinary boots. Try safety boots on at the end of a shift, with your work socks, and check that your toes don't touch the cap when you crouch. Look for a cushioned heel, arch support and a removable insole so you can add support if you need it.
If your feet hurt in safety boots, see the side effects of steel toe boots and work boots for plantar fasciitis.
How to Make Safety Boots Last
- Clean them after each shift. Brush off mud and grit, and wipe leather with a damp cloth.
- Dry them slowly. Let boots dry at room temperature, away from heaters. Newspaper inside helps absorb moisture.
- Treat the leather. Use the care and waterproofing products the boot maker recommends.
- Store them dry. Keep boots in a ventilated place, out of direct sun.
- Replace damaged boots. A toe cap that has taken a heavy impact, or one that shows through the leather, needs replacing.
See how often to replace work boots.
Socks and Insoles for Safety Boots
A sock with a smooth toe and cushioning under the heel and ball of the foot makes a big difference inside a stiff safety boot. MASON, the work sock brand, makes Tradesman Boot Socks (13 in) and Tradesman Socks (8 in) with Cloud Cushioning and an Arch Strap that stops the sock bunching, from 56% bamboo lyocell, 38% nylon and 6% spandex. For extra support underfoot, the Pro Cushion Insole trims to fit most work boots.
Safety Boot Buying Checklist
- Check the label for the standard (EN ISO 20345 or ASTM F2413) and the class or codes your job needs.
- Check the slip rating for your floor.
- Try boots on at the end of the day with your work socks.
- Leave a thumb's width at the toe, and make sure the cap doesn't touch your toes when you crouch.
- Check for heel slip and pressure on top of the foot.
- Read up on the different types of safety boots if you're not sure which style you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best safety boots?
What does S3 mean on safety boots?
What is the difference between S1P and S3?
Are composite toe safety boots as safe as steel?
Do I need EH rated boots?
Can safety boots be comfortable?
Want more workwear guides like this in your Google results? Add masonclothing.com as a preferred source.
Next, see how to choose the best work boots.
