Compliance Tool · Free
Safety Footwear Label Decoder
Paste a marking with its standard and year to interpret supported codes, identify edition conflicts and flag unknown text.
Paste the label
This explains label text only. Verify the model, edition, declaration of conformity and test reports before purchasing; this tool does not validate certification.
Decoded 5 codes
- S3
Safety class 3
EN ISO 20345:2022 · EN ISO 20345 class
S2 plus penetration resistance with a metal insert and a cleated outsole under the 2022 edition.
- SR
Additional slip resistance (2022)
EN ISO 20345:2022 · EN slip resistance
Optional additional test on ceramic tile with glycerol. Basic slip resistance is normally required without an SR marking.
- HRO
Heat-resistant outsole
EN ISO 20345:2022 · EN additional code
Outsole hot-contact resistance under the standard test; not a safe workplace exposure temperature.
- CI
Cold insulation
EN ISO 20345:2022 · EN additional code
Cold insulation of the sole complex.
- M
Metatarsal protection
EN ISO 20345:2022 · EN additional code
EN additional protection for the top of the foot. ASTM M has a different meaning.
Reference coverage and sources
References checked 3 October 2026. Coverage: EN ISO 20345:2011 and :2022; selected ASTM F2413-18/-24 markings. Unsupported editions and unfamiliar tokens remain unresolved. No certification or regulatory approval is verified.
ASTM F2413 vs EN ISO 20345
These standards use different tests and marking systems. Select footwear against your workplace hazards and local requirements, and verify evidence for the exact model. A decoded label is not a certification check.
| Property | EN ISO 20345 (EU) | ASTM F2413 (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard editions | 2011 and 2022 use different markings | F2413-24 is active; F2413-18 is historical (checked 2026-10-03) |
| Toe protection | 200 J impact and 15 kN compression; does not specify material | Different test methods; confirm edition and report |
| Penetration resistance | 2022: metal P; non-metal PL (4.5 mm nail) or PS (3.0 mm) | PR; not directly equivalent to EN codes |
| Metatarsal | M means metatarsal protection | Mt means metatarsal; M means male footwear designation |
| Electrical properties | A is antistatic; C partly conductive; neither is insulation | EH is secondary shock resistance; CD and SD serve different purposes |
| Slip resistance | 2011: SRA/SRB/SRC; 2022: basic test normally unmarked, optional SR, exception Ø | Request separate model-specific slip evidence |
| Water resistance | Upper: WRU (2011), WPA (2022). Whole footwear: WR | Request separate model-specific water-resistance evidence |
EN ISO 20345 protection classes
The summaries below use the 2022 edition. The decoder distinguishes 2011 where the printed header provides that year. Class codes do not specify toecap material; additional codes describe further requirements.
| Class | Name | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| SB | Safety basic | Protective toecap tested at 200 J impact and 15 kN compression, with basic safety-footwear requirements. This code does not specify toecap material. |
| S1 | Safety class 1 | SB plus closed heel, antistatic properties (A) and heel energy absorption (E). FO is additional in 2022. |
| S1P | S1 with P | S1 plus penetration resistance with a metal insert under the 2022 edition. |
| S1PL | S1 with PL (2022) | S1 plus non-metal penetration-resistant insert tested with a 4.5 mm nail. |
| S1PS | S1 with PS (2022) | S1 plus non-metal penetration-resistant insert tested with a 3.0 mm nail. |
| S2 | Safety class 2 | S1 plus upper water penetration and absorption resistance (WPA); not whole-footwear water resistance. |
| S3 | Safety class 3 | S2 plus penetration resistance with a metal insert and a cleated outsole under the 2022 edition. |
| S3L | S3 with PL (2022) | S2 plus cleated outsole and non-metal insert tested with a 4.5 mm nail. |
| S3S | S3 with PS (2022) | S2 plus cleated outsole and non-metal insert tested with a 3.0 mm nail. |
| S4 | Safety class 4 | All-rubber or all-polymeric footwear with basic requirements, closed heel, antistatic properties and heel energy absorption. |
| S5 | Safety class 5 | S4 plus penetration resistance with a metal insert and cleated outsole under the 2022 edition. |
| S5L | S5 with PL (2022) | S4 plus cleated outsole and non-metal insert tested with a 4.5 mm nail. |
| S5S | S5 with PS (2022) | S4 plus cleated outsole and non-metal insert tested with a 3.0 mm nail. |
| S6 | Safety class 6 (2022) | S2 plus whole-footwear water resistance (WR). Laboratory water resistance is not an unlimited waterproof guarantee. |
| S7 | Safety class 7 (2022) | S3 plus whole-footwear water resistance (WR). |
| S7L | S7 with PL (2022) | S3L plus whole-footwear water resistance (WR). |
| S7S | S7 with PS (2022) | S3S plus whole-footwear water resistance (WR). |
EN additional requirement codes
Add-on codes extend the baseline class — for example, an S3 HRO CI boot adds heat-resistant outsole (HRO) and cold insulation (CI) to the S3 specification.
| Code | Meaning | Test requirement |
|---|---|---|
| P | Penetration resistance | 2022: metal insert with a 4.5 mm test nail. The 2011 P code does not distinguish insert materials. |
| PL | Non-metal penetration resistance (2022) | Non-metal insert with a 4.5 mm test nail; not a replacement for a metal insert code. |
| PS | Non-metal penetration resistance (2022) | Non-metal insert with a 3.0 mm test nail. Do not assume equivalence to PL or ASTM PR. |
| A | Antistatic | Electrical resistance controlled to reduce static buildup. Not electrical insulation. |
| C | Partly conductive | Partly conductive footwear; not electrical insulation. |
| E | Heel energy absorption | Energy absorption of the seat region. |
| FO | Fuel oil resistance | Fuel oil resistance of the outsole; optional additional requirement in 2022. |
| WR | Whole-footwear water resistance | Whole-footwear water resistance under the stated edition test; not an unlimited waterproof guarantee. |
| WRU | Upper water resistance (2011) | Upper water penetration and absorption resistance; replaced by WPA in 2022. |
| WPA | Upper water resistance (2022) | Upper water penetration and absorption resistance; not whole-footwear WR. |
| HI | Heat insulation | Heat insulation of the sole complex. |
| CI | Cold insulation | Cold insulation of the sole complex. |
| HRO | Heat-resistant outsole | Outsole hot-contact resistance under the standard test; not a safe workplace exposure temperature. |
| M | Metatarsal protection | EN additional protection for the top of the foot. ASTM M has a different meaning. |
| AN | Ankle protection | Ankle impact protection. |
| CR | Upper cut resistance | Cut resistance of the upper. |
| SC | Scuff-cap abrasion resistance (2022) | Abrasion resistance of an optional overcap; not a slip code. |
| LG | Ladder grip (2022) | Additional outsole ladder-grip requirement. |
Slip resistance codes
EN ISO 20345:2022 removed SRA/SRB/SRC. Basic slip testing normally has no marking; SR is an optional additional test on ceramic tile with glycerol. Specialised footwear that cannot be tested may carry Ø. Legacy codes belong to the 2011 system.
| Code | Surface / contaminant |
|---|---|
| SRA | Ceramic tile with SLS (2011). Legacy ceramic-tile slip test with sodium lauryl sulphate solution. |
| SRB | Steel with glycerol (2011). Legacy steel-floor slip test with glycerol. |
| SRC | Both SRA and SRB (2011). Both legacy slip tests. SRC is not a 2022 marking or a direct ranking against SR. |
| SR | Additional slip resistance (2022). Optional additional test on ceramic tile with glycerol. Basic slip resistance is normally required without an SR marking. |
| Ø | Slip test exception (2022). Slip testing cannot be performed for this specialised footwear, such as footwear with spikes. |
ASTM F2413 section codes
Read the printed ASTM F2413 edition alongside footwear designation (M or F), impact/compression markings and additional protections. ASTM lists F2413-24 as active and F2413-18 as historical. Legacy /75 formats should be checked against the model report and stated edition.
| Code | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| M | Men’s footwear designation | ASTM M identifies male footwear sizing/designation, not EN metatarsal protection. |
| F | Women’s footwear designation | ASTM F identifies female footwear sizing/designation. |
| I | Toe impact resistance | Impact protection marking; confirm the edition and model test report. |
| C | Toe compression resistance | Compression protection marking; confirm the edition and model test report. |
| I/75 | Legacy toe impact rating | 75 ft·lbf toe impact rating format; label text alone does not verify certification. |
| C/75 | Legacy toe compression rating | 2,500 lbf toe compression rating format; confirm the edition and model report. |
| Mt | Metatarsal protection | ASTM metatarsal protection marking, distinct from M. |
| Mt/75 | Legacy metatarsal rating | Legacy metatarsal impact rating format; confirm the edition and report. |
| PR | Puncture resistance | Footwear-bottom puncture resistance; not automatically equivalent to EN P, PL or PS. |
| EH | Electrical hazard | Secondary electric shock resistance under test conditions. Not primary live-line insulation; wetness, wear and damage can reduce protection. |
| SD | Static dissipative | Static dissipative footwear; confirm category and resistance range in the model report. |
| SD10 | Static dissipative category 10 | Edition-specific category; confirm in the model report. |
| SD35 | Static dissipative category 35 | Edition-specific category; confirm in the model report. |
| SD100 | Static dissipative category 100 | Edition-specific category; confirm in the model report. |
| CD | Conductive | Conductive properties to reduce static accumulation. Not live electrical-contact protection. |
| DI | Dielectric insulation | Specialised dielectric insulation; confirm standard, report and intended use with the manufacturer. |
How to read a safety boot label
Every certified safety boot carries its marking on the tongue, sidewall or inside-collar label. Here is how to read both formats at a glance.
EN ISO 20345 example
EN ISO 20345:2022 S3 SR HRO CI Size 43
- S3 — water-resistant upper, cleated outsole, penetration-resistant midsole
- SR - optional ceramic tile and glycerol slip test
- HRO - hot-contact outsole resistance under the test conditions
- CI - cold insulation of the sole complex
ASTM F2413 example
ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH PR Size 10 W
- M — men's sizing
- I/75 C/75 — 75 ft·lb impact + 2,500 lbf compression
- EH — electrical hazard (18 kV secondary insulation)
- PR — puncture-resistant midsole
Related buying guides
Guides for checking standards before buying
Use these pages to connect decoded labels with construction footwear requirements, OSHA context, and RFQ-level supplier checks.
Safety Footwear Guide
Compare toe protection, outsole requirements and fit evidence before ordering safety footwear.
Read guideMining footwearMining & Quarry Safety Boots Guide
Turn mine hazards, standards evidence, fit trials, size curves, and replacement stock into a footwear RFQ.
Read guideWorkplace requirementsOSHA PPE Requirements
Review construction PPE requirements, fit and documentation before selecting equipment.
Read guideBulk purchasingBulk PPE Procurement
Prepare a clear RFQ, compare supplier evidence and plan repeat orders.
Read guideChecklistConstruction PPE Checklist
A field checklist for turning tool output into daily PPE issue and inspection routines.
Read guideFrequently asked questions
What does S3 SRC HRO mean on a safety boot?
For EN ISO 20345:2011, S3 includes a protective toecap, closed heel, antistatic properties, heel energy absorption, fuel oil resistance, upper water resistance, penetration resistance and a cleated outsole. SRC means both legacy slip tests; HRO indicates hot-contact outsole resistance. S3 does not require a steel toecap. SRC is not a 2022 marking.
What is the difference between S1, S2 and S3?
S1 adds closed heel, antistatic properties and heel energy absorption to the basic requirements. S2 adds upper water resistance; S3 adds penetration resistance and a cleated outsole. In 2011 these classes also include FO. In 2022 FO is additional, and S3 uses a metal insert; S3L and S3S identify non-metal inserts.
What is the difference between ASTM M and EN M?
In ASTM F2413 markings, M identifies male footwear designation; F identifies female footwear designation. ASTM metatarsal protection uses Mt. Under EN ISO 20345, M means metatarsal protection. Include the standard header to resolve this ambiguity.
What does EH stand for on work boots?
EH identifies secondary electric shock resistance under ASTM test conditions. It is not primary insulation for live-line work. Confirm the exact model report and manufacturer limits; wetness, wear and damage can reduce protection.
What changed in EN ISO 20345:2022?
SRA, SRB and SRC were removed. Basic slip resistance is normally required without a marking, while SR identifies an optional additional test with glycerol on ceramic tile; specialised footwear may use the exception symbol Ø. The edition distinguishes metal P and non-metal PL/PS inserts, replaces WRU with WPA, makes FO additional, and adds classes S6/S7 plus SC and LG requirements.
Does decoding a label verify certification?
No. Match the product model and edition to manufacturer documentation, applicable declarations of conformity, certificates and test reports. Confirm workplace hazards and local requirements with your safety team. An ASTM reference alone is not an independent certification or a notified-body identifier.
Is SRC or SR better for slip resistance?
They belong to different editions and use different test surfaces and procedures. SRC means both 2011 tests. SR is the optional 2022 ceramic-tile/glycerol test. Neither guarantees performance on every workplace surface; do not treat them as a direct ranking.
What do P, PL and PS mean?
In 2022, P means a metal insert tested with a 4.5 mm nail; PL means a non-metal insert tested with a 4.5 mm nail; PS means a non-metal insert tested with a 3.0 mm nail. In 2011, P did not make that material distinction. The codes do not establish equivalence to ASTM PR.
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