Additional markings for safety shoes – what the abbreviations really mean
Protect yourself. Love you.
Do you know this?
You look at your safety shoes and see additional abbreviations such as HI, P, WR or LG in addition to the protection class (e.g. S3 or S5).
These little letters have it all. They explain what your shoe is really suitable for. Here you will get a clear, practical overview of the additional labels according to EN ISO 20345:2022. So that you know in everyday work what protection you wear on your foot and whether the model really fits the job.
Why additional labels are important
Protection classes S1 to S7 define the basic requirements for safety shoes. These include the protective toe cap, antistatic properties and a closed heel area.
However, many workplaces have additional requirements. Heat, cold, humidity, sharp-edged surfaces or work on ladders require more than basic protection. This is exactly where additional markings come into play.
These abbreviations provide information about, among other things:
- whether the shoe is puncture-resistant,
- how well it insulates against heat or cold,
- whether it is waterproof,
- whether it has been tested to be slip-resistant,
- whether the midfoot, ankle or upper material are additionally protected.
Those who understand these markings can procure in a more targeted manner, avoid incorrect or underprotection and increase wearing comfort and acceptance in everyday work.
The most important additional labels at a glance
Here you will find the common abbreviations - explained in an understandable and standard-compliant way.
| Abbreviations | Meaning | When is it relevant? |
|---|---|---|
| P | Metallic penetration protection (nails Ø 4.5 mm) | Construction, warehouse, workshop with nails or sharp-edged objects |
| PL | Non-metallic penetration protection, large test nail (Ø 4.5 mm) | Construction, logistics, assembly, areas at risk of injury from nails or scrap metal |
| PS | Non-metallic penetration protection, small test nail (Ø 3 mm) | Electronics production, precision assembly, punctual penetration risks |
| HI | Thermal insulation of the sole against hot floors | Foundry, metal construction, hot work |
| CI | Cold insulation down to -20 °C | Deep-freeze areas, winter service, outdoor work |
| WR / WPA | WR = waterproof (membrane), WPA = water penetration/absorption of the upper material (replaces WRU) | Outdoor work, agriculture, winter work |
| HRO | Heat-resistant sole up to 300 °C contact heat | Asphalting, welding, industrial |
| LG | Ladder Grip – profile for a secure stand on ladders | Assembly, scaffolding, work at height |
| SC | Abrasion-resistant toe cap | Workshop, logistics, work with frequent ground contact |
| ON | Ankle protection | Construction site, terrain, increased risk of twisting your ankle |
| CR | Cut resistance of the upper material (no chainsaw standard) | Metalworking, Crafts, Light Forestry |
| A | Antistatic | Electronics Manufacturing, Laboratory, Clean Production |
| E | Energy absorption in the heel area | Professions with long periods of standing or walking |
| M | Metatarsal protection | Industry, logistics, heavy-duty areas |
| FO | Fuel and oil resistant sole | Workshop, Industry, Logistics |
| SR | Tested slip resistance on ceramic tile with glycerine | Activities with a high risk of slipping |
| OF | Orthopedic Footwear (note, not an official standard abbreviation), approved according to DGUV 112-191 | Orthopedic adjustments |
Important note on slip resistance (SR)
EN ISO 20345:2022 prescribes a basic slip test for all safety shoes. The additional license plate SR indicates that the shoe has additionally passed the more demanding test for ceramic tile with glycerin.
This means:
- Basic slip test: mandatory for all safety shoes
- SR: extended, particularly demanding slip test
Practical tips for procurement and deployment
- Structure procurement: Always combine protection class with additional identifiers, e.g. S3 + PL + CI + SR.
- Check old stocks: Models according to EN ISO 20345:2011 may continue to be used if the type examination is valid.
- Combined protection: For winter outdoor use, the combination of WR and CI is particularly useful.
- Observe slip resistance: SR is crucial when there is an increased risk of slipping.
- Orthopaedic solutions only according to DGUV 112-191 or approval according to EN ISO 20345 Annex A.
- Check regularly: Check sole abrasion, protective cap, seams and tightness – additional functions only apply if the condition is intact.
Excursus: S3S, S3L and the test methods for penetration protection
Today, the standard differentiates more precisely according to the diameter of the test nail and the material:
- P: metallic, Ø 4.5 mm
- PL: non-metallic, Ø 4.5 mm
- PS: non-metallic, Ø 3 mm
Manufacturers use additional designations such as S3L (S3 + PL) or S3S (S3 + PS). These indicate which test method was used – not just the material used.
Result
The small abbreviations on safety shoes determine how well you are protected. If you know what P, CI, WR, LG or SR stand for, you choose more consciously, work more safely and reduce risks in everyday work.
Because security begins with knowledge – and ends with the right step.
Protect yourself. Love you.