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Having trouble deciding?

Choose the right safety shoe for you

Published on Wednesday, October 22, 2025
shoe on rock
Een goede veiligheidsschoen is meer dan alleen een verplichting op de werkvloer – het is een investering in je eigen gezondheid en comfort. Maar met al die verschillende modellen en veiligheidsklassen kan het lastig zijn om de juiste keuze te maken. Hieronder vind je een overzicht dat je helpt om snel te bepalen welke schoen bij jouw werk past.

Safety classes in brief

Safety shoes are classified according to the European standard EN ISO 20345. The main ones are:
  • S1: Basic protection with safety toe, antistatic, and shock-absorbing heel. Ideal for dry indoor spaces, like warehouses.
  • S1P: Everything from S1, but with a puncture-resistant sole. Handy if you work where nails or sharp objects are on the ground.
  • S2: Same as S1, but with water-repellent upper material. Perfect for outdoor or damp conditions.
  • S3: The most chosen class: water-repellent, puncture-resistant sole, and profile sole. Suitable for construction, building, and outdoor work.
  • S4: Made entirely of rubber or plastic, waterproof, and with a safety toe. Often used in the food industry or in wet working environments.
  • S5: Everything from S4, but with an extra puncture-resistant sole and profile sole. For the toughest conditions, such as agriculture or heavy industry.
In short: the higher the number, the more complete the protection.

High or low model?

  • High shoes: provide extra support for your ankles and keep dirt and moisture out better. Handy if you work a lot outdoors or on uneven terrain.
  • Low shoes: are lighter and more comfortable if you walk or bend a lot. Ideal for warehouse work, transport, and logistics.

What else to pay attention to

  • Fit: A shoe that doesn't fit well can cause back and foot problems. Always try them on with the socks you normally wear.
  • Weight: The lighter the shoe, the better for long working days.
  • Ventilation: Do you work a lot indoors? Then choose breathable materials.
  • Anti-slip sole: Definitely important on slippery floors or oily surfaces.
  • Maintenance: Clean your shoes regularly and replace them on time. On average, they last 1 to 2 years, depending on how intensively you use them.

Conclusion

Choosing the right safety shoe is about balance: sufficient protection for the risks of your work, but also comfort so you can move comfortably all day long. Think carefully about the safety class, choose between high or low, and don't forget that a good fit is at least as important as the protection itself.