Don’t Be Caught Out - New PPE Footwear Standards 8th April 2026
Footwear standards are changing from Wednesday 8th April.
The Core Standards: What Buyers Must Look For
The standard EN ISO 20345 defines both the basic and additional requirements for safety shoes for commercial use. Footwear in accordance with EN ISO 20345 is intended to protect the wearer from bumps, crushing, falling or rolling objects, from walking into sharp or pointed objects, heat or cold, and hot substances.
General Safety Footwear is classed as Category 2 and EN ISO 20347 specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for occupational footwear that is not exposed to any mechanical risks (impact or compression.
Up until today, the below standards were accepted:
· EN ISO 20345:2011
· EN ISO 20347:2012
· EN ISO 20345:2022 + A1:2024
· EN ISO 20347:2022 + A1:2024
From the 8th of April 2026 only the 2024 standards will be accepted.
Meeting the standards
For any product to be certified to EN ISO 20345 (or 23047), they must meet a set of basic requirements to ensure the footwear is of a professional standard. The following parts of the shoe/boot should be tested:
· Whole footwear
· Upper
· Lining
· Tongue
· Outsole
· Insole
· Inlay sole
· Slip resistance (added in 2022 revision)
What do the new standards cover?
| EN ISO 20345:2022 + A1:2024 | EN ISO 20347:2022 standard |
| SB: Basic requirements under the standard are fulfilled (including toe cap & slip resistance) | OB: Basic requirements under the standard are fulfilled (including toe cap & slip resistance) |
| S1: As SB plus closed heel area, antistatic, energy absorption of seat region. S2: As S1, additional requirements in terms of water penetration, water absorption S3: As S2, additional metallic penetration resistant midsole (4.5mm nail) and cleated sole S3L: As S2, additional non-metallic penetration resistant midsole (4.5mm nail) and cleated sole S3S: As S2, additional non-metallic penetration resistant midsole (3.0mm nail) and cleated sole S6: As S2, additional water resistance of shoe (no puncture resistance) S7: As S3, additional water resistance of the shoe S7L: As S3L, additional water resistance of the shoe S7S: As S3S, additional water resistance of the shoe |
O1: As OB plus closed heel area, antistatic, energy absorption of seat region. O2: As O1, additional requirements in terms of water penetration, water absorption O3: As O2, additional metallic penetration resistant midsole (4.5mm nail) and cleated sole O3L: As O2, additional non-metallic penetration resistant midsole (4.5mm nail) and cleated sole O3S: As O2, additional non-metallic penetration resistant midsole (3.0mm nail) and cleated sole O6: As O2, additional water resistance of shoe (no puncture resistance) O7: As O3, additional water resistance of the shoe O7L: As O3L, additional water resistance of the shoe O7S: As O3S, additional water resistance of the shoe |
Key takeaways
On the 8th of April, PPE footwear standards are changing to the updated EN ISO 20345:2022 + A1:2024 or EN ISO 20347:2022 + A1:2024 standards. As this deadline approaches, the responsibility falls on employers to audit their current PPE procurement processes. Transitioning to the 2024 standards is not merely a regulatory hurdle, but a vital step in mitigating hidden workplace risks. By insisting on clear documentation, verifying declarations of conformity, and sourcing from transparent manufacturers, you ensure that your team is not just "wearing boots," but is genuinely protected by equipment that is proven to be fit for purpose.
For more information on HAIX’s range of fully compliant safety boots, visit: www.haix.co.uk
👉 Register to attend The Health and Safety Event HERE. 👉 View the full agenda HERE.
