The main difference between S1P and S3 safety shoes lies in their protection against water penetration and puncture resistance. S1P shoes are water-repellent and feature puncture protection, while S3 shoes are also completely waterproof and have a treaded outsole. Both safety classes are also available as barefoot safety shoes. Which class is right for you depends on your specific work environment.
Which protective functions are required for S1P and S3?
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ToggleS1P and S3 are safety classes defined by the European standard EN ISO 20345, which specifies the minimum requirements that safety footwear must meet. Both classes share a common foundation but differ in two key aspects: water resistance and sole design.
What S1P Prescribes
An S1P safety shoe must have the following features:
- Closed heel (no open heel area)
- Antistatic properties
- Energy absorption in the heel area
- Fuel Resistance of the Outsole
- Water-repellent outer material
- Puncture protection (protection against nails and sharp objects from below)
What S3 Requires in Addition
S3 builds on S1P and adds two additional requirements:
- The shoe is completely waterproof (not just water-repellent, but waterproof according to the standard)
- Textured outsole for better traction on uneven or slippery surfaces
That may sound like a small difference, but in practice it makes a big difference. Anyone who works on wet construction sites, outdoors, or on muddy surfaces needs these additional protective features.
For which types of work is S1P suitable, and when is it not sufficient?
S1P is suitable for work areas where heavy moisture or direct contact with water is not expected. Typical applications include warehouses, manufacturing facilities, workshops, and offices with walkways in production areas.
Specifically, S1P is a good fit if you:
- work mostly indoors
- you're walking on dry or slightly damp ground
- work in logistics, retail, or food processing
- work in the electrical industry or in areas where electrical sensitivity is a concern
S1P is not sufficient if you regularly work outdoors, come into contact with water or mud, or walk on uneven terrain. In these situations, S1P does not provide adequate protection, and you should opt for safety classifications and standards such as S3.
When is S3 required, and which occupational groups need it?
S3 is required or recommended in any situation where workers are exposed to wet conditions, mud, or uneven terrain. This applies primarily to outdoor jobs and heavy manual labor.
Typical occupational groups that require S3:
- Construction Workers and Civil Engineers
- Roofers and Scaffolders
- Landscape Gardeners and Landscapers
- Foresters and farmers
- Road and Sewer Contractors
- Fire and Rescue Services in Specific Emergency Situations
The specific requirement to use S3 stems from the risk assessment conducted by the respective workplace. Employers are legally required to conduct this assessment and, based on it, provide appropriate personal protective equipment. When in doubt, it is better to choose a higher class than to risk inadequate protection.
Can barefoot safety shoes meet the S1P and S3 protection classes?
Yes, barefoot safety shoes can be certified as both S1P and S3. The protection class is a standard requirement for the protective function, not for the shoe’s design. This means that even a shoe with a zero-drop sole, a wide toe box, and a flexible upper can meet all the standard requirements of EN ISO 20345.
Barefoot safety shoes are not the same as casual barefoot shoes and do not imply direct contact with the ground. The term describes a shoe design philosophy: promoting the most natural foot position possible through design features such as a zero-drop sole with no heel-to-toe drop, an extra-wide toe box, and flexible materials. These features promote good posture and can help reduce improper weight distribution.
Important to know: Not every barefoot safety shoe is automatically available in both protection classes. When making a purchase, always check the specific certification for the model.
How do S1P and S3 barefoot shoes differ in terms of comfort?
S1P barefoot safety shoes are generally lighter and more flexible than S3 models because they do not have the additional waterproof layer or a treaded outsole. This makes them particularly comfortable for long shifts indoors.
S3 barefoot safety shoes must meet the requirements for waterproofing and treaded soles, which requires slightly more material in their construction. Nevertheless, a natural walking sensation can still be achieved here if the shoe is consistently designed with ergonomics in mind. The zero-drop sole, wide toe box, and flexibility in the forefoot area can be incorporated regardless of the protection class.
For the right fit in both categories, the following applies: The shoe should provide ample room in the toe area, securely support the heel, and not cause any pressure points. Anyone who spends many hours on their feet every day will benefit from a model that supports the natural rolling motion of the foot and is gentle on the musculoskeletal system.
Which protection class should you choose if you're unsure?
If you're unsure which protection class you need, refer to your risk assessment or ask your safety officer. As a rule of thumb: If you work primarily indoors on dry surfaces, S1P is sufficient. If you work outdoors or on damp surfaces, choose S3.
The following questions will help you make a decision:
- Do you work mostly indoors or outdoors?
- Do you regularly come into contact with water, rain, or mud?
- Are you walking on uneven or slippery terrain?
- Does your employer require a specific protection class?
If you can answer “yes” to question two or three, S3 is the safer choice. If you work in an office, on the production floor, or in a warehouse and don’t come into contact with moisture, S1P is a good fit for you, and you’ll benefit from a lighter, more flexible shoe.
When in doubt, remember: it never hurts to be over-protective. An S3 shoe offers no disadvantage in an S1P environment; conversely, an S1P shoe can be dangerous in an S3 environment.
How We Implement the BAAK S1P and S3 Barefoot Safety Shoes
We develop certified barefoot safety shoes that are available in both protection classes and are consistently designed to promote a natural gait. Our models combine standard-compliant protection with the features that define a true barefoot safety shoe:
- Zero-drop sole with no heel-to-toe drop for an upright posture
- Extra-wide toe box that allows the toes natural freedom of movement
- Flexible sole and upper materials for a natural rolling motion
- Patented Baak Go&Relax system, which supports the natural rolling motion and can reduce strain on the knees and back
- Available as S1P and S3, each with the corresponding certification according to EN ISO 20345
Whether you work in logistics, the trades, or on a construction site: We'll help you find the right shoe for your work environment. Contact us directly or browse our selection in our online store to find the right model for your safety class.