PPE

Safety Boots Guide: AS/NZS 2210.3 and the SB, S1, S2 and S3 Classes

Read safety boot markings under AS/NZS 2210.3, compare SB, S1, S2 and S3 classes, toe caps and soles, and choose the right fit for your crew.

By the Star Safety Supplies team 9 min read

Four safety boots on a warehouse floor: a brown lace up boot, a tan elastic sided boot, a black zip boot and a grey and orange hiker style boot, with a treaded outsole shown in front

Key points

  • Safety footwear has a toe cap tested against a 200 joule impact and 15 kilonewtons of compression under AS/NZS 2210.3 and EN ISO 20345.
  • The S class on the listing (SB, S1, S1P, S2, S3) shows which extra features the boot has, such as a closed heel, water resistant upper or penetration resistant midsole.
  • Not every work boot is a safety boot, so check that the listing says safety footwear and names the standard.
  • Fit, the right sole for the surface and regular inspection matter as much as the rating.

This guide helps supervisors, safety officers and tradespeople read the markings on safety boots and safety shoes so they can match the footwear to the hazards on site. It covers the Australian and New Zealand standard, the S class system, toe cap types, sole choices and how to fit and maintain the boots.

Personal protective equipment is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls. It is used together with higher order controls such as tidy walkways, safe storage and traffic management. The business identifies the hazards, chooses the controls and provides the footwear with training. Workers use the footwear as instructed.

When do you need safety boots?

Safety boots are required when a risk assessment shows that feet can be injured by falling or rolling objects, sharp items on the ground, moving vehicles or forklifts, or wet and oily floors. The business identifies the hazard and the footwear needed to control it. Ask what the feet are exposed to and for how long during a shift. The answer drives the class and the features you select.

A site with concrete pours, steel delivery or pallet movement needs toe protection. A workshop with metal offcuts or nails on the floor needs penetration resistance. A yard with oil spills or a washdown area needs slip resistance and a water resistant upper. The standard on the listing confirms the boot has been tested for those features.

What does AS/NZS 2210.3 cover?

AS/NZS 2210.3 is the Australian and New Zealand standard for safety footwear. It requires a toe cap that protects against an impact of 200 joules and a compression of 15 kilonewtons. EN ISO 20345 is the European standard with the same toe cap requirement. Listings on our store name one or both standards so you can see the test basis.

The standard also sets requirements for the upper, the lining, the outsole and the whole shoe construction. It defines the S classes that show which extra features are present. When you browse the range, look for products marked as tested to AS/NZS 2210.3 or EN ISO 20345 to confirm you are looking at safety footwear.

What do SB, S1, S2 and S3 mean?

The classes build on each other. Each higher class keeps the features of the one before and adds more. Choose the class for the conditions. A higher class adds features but can be heavier or less breathable. Check the listing for the exact features of the model.

Class What it adds Typical use
SB The basic safety footwear requirements, including the toe cap Dry indoor work with toe hazards
S1 Closed heel, antistatic, energy absorption in the heel, fuel oil resistant outsole Dry indoor work such as warehouses
S1P As S1, plus penetration resistance Dry work where sharp objects may be stood on
S2 As S1, plus a water resistant upper Work in damp or wet conditions
S3 As S2, plus a penetration resistant midsole and treaded outsole Outdoor sites and construction

Are all work boots safety boots?

No. Some work boots and shoes are sold as non-safety footwear without a toe cap. They are not tested to the toe cap impact and compression requirement. Check that the title or listing says safety and names the standard. Non-safety work boots suit areas without foot hazards only if the business has assessed that.

Our range includes safety boots, safety shoes, safety gumboots and work socks. Some work boots and shoes in the wider range are listed as Non-Safety in their name. If the hazard assessment calls for toe protection, select a product that states safety footwear and the standard.

Steel toe or composite toe?

Both types of toe cap must meet the same impact and compression test. Composite caps are non-metal. Steel midsoles are a full-length steel plate while non-metal penetration resistant midsoles are made of layered textile. Check the listing for the toe cap and midsole type. The Puma Iron HD Mid Stone Heavy Duty Boot is an example of a safety boot in the range.

The choice often comes down to site rules, temperature comfort and weight preference. Some sites set their own rules on toe cap or midsole type, so check before you order. Both satisfy the standard when the product is listed against it.

How do you choose the sole for the surface?

Slip resistance codes SRA, SRB or SRC appear on many listings depending on the model. Check the code and the outsole description. Cleated or treaded outsoles suit outdoor ground. Fuel and oil resistant outsoles suit workshops. Ask the crew about the floors they work on so the sole matches the surface.

A boot with a flat sole on wet concrete or a smooth sole on loose gravel increases slip risk. The outsole material and tread pattern are part of the safety function. Read the listing for the slip resistance rating and the outsole compound before you order.

When do you need gumboots or water resistant boots?

Wet work, washdown, food processing and outdoor mud call for water resistant footwear. Safety gumboots with a toe cap are made for wet work. S2 and S3 classes include a water resistant upper. Check the listing for the class and the upper material. The Maxisafe Superintendant Black Safety Gumboots FWG903 are an example of safety gumboots with a toe cap.

Leather boots in S2 or S3 resist water penetration for a period but are not fully waterproof like a gumboot. For standing water or frequent washdown, a safety gumboot is the appropriate choice. For damp ground or occasional rain, an S2 or S3 leather boot may be enough.

What about antistatic footwear?

Antistatic footwear reduces electrostatic charge by passing it from the foot to the ground. S1 and higher classes include antistatic properties. Check the listing if static is a hazard in your workplace, such as around flammable vapours or sensitive electronics.

If static is a critical risk in your workplace, ask the supplier which footwear suits the controls you already have in place. Check the class on the listing before you order.

How should safety boots fit?

Try them on later in the day with the socks worn at work. There should be room for toes in front of the toe cap. The heel should not lift when you walk. Choose a lace or zip type that the worker can adjust and secure. Break in the boots before long shifts. The Portwest Work Sock 3 Pack SK33BKR is an example of a work sock in the range.

A poor fit causes blisters, fatigue and reduced protection. The toe cap must not press on the toes. The boot must hold the heel firmly. If the crew wears orthotics, fit the boots with them. A comfortable boot is more likely to be worn correctly. An uncomfortable boot is more likely to be taken off.

How do you look after and replace safety boots?

Inspect before use. Replace when the toe cap is exposed or damaged, the sole is worn smooth or split, the upper is torn, or after a heavy impact on the toe cap. Do not dry wet boots on heaters or direct heat. Treat leather uppers regularly so they do not dry and crack. Follow the manufacturer instructions.

Dirt, chemicals and UV exposure degrade materials over time. Clean boots according to the upper material. Store them in a dry, ventilated area. A boot that looks intact may have internal damage after a significant impact. When in doubt, replace it.

How do you buy safety boots for a team?

Collect sizes and widths for each worker. Keep a short list of approved models by task so ordering is consistent. Check stock and sizes on the listing. Use the trade buying page for pathways to quick order by SKU, request a product quote, sign in to a customer account to see orders and account details, and a trade account application enquiry. The quick order by SKU page lets you enter SKUs and quantities, paste a list of SKU and quantity pairs or import a CSV, then add the exact matches to the cart in one step. The request a quote form lets you list product names or SKUs and quantities, a required-by date, delivery or pickup preference and postcode. Availability is confirmed with the quote. The Puma Elevate Knit Black Safety Shoe is an example of a safety shoe in the range.

Standardising on a few models simplifies sizing, spare laces and replacement planning. It also helps the crew know what to expect for fit and break in. Review the approved list when tasks or conditions change.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between S1 and S3 safety boots?

S1 has a closed heel, antistatic properties, energy absorption in the heel and a fuel oil resistant outsole. S3 adds a water resistant upper, a penetration resistant midsole and a treaded outsole. S3 is suited to outdoor sites and construction where ground moisture and sharp objects are present.

Do safety boots have to be steel toe?

No. Composite toe caps also meet the 200 joule impact and 15 kilonewton compression test. The listing will state the toe cap type. Both types satisfy the standard when the product is listed against AS/NZS 2210.3 or EN ISO 20345.

Are safety shoes as protective as safety boots?

Safety shoes and safety boots share the same toe cap requirement for safety footwear. A boot also covers the ankle, which can add support and protection against knocks. Choose by task and the hazards identified in the assessment.

How long do safety boots last?

There is no fixed life. Condition decides. Inspect regularly and replace when the toe cap is exposed, the sole is worn smooth or split, the upper is torn, or after a heavy impact on the toe cap. Follow the manufacturer instructions for the specific model.

Can safety boots be resoled or repaired?

Follow the manufacturer instructions. Do not modify the toe cap or the penetration resistant midsole. A repair that affects the safety features can mean the boot no longer meets the standard. When in doubt, replace the boots.

For help choosing safety boots or placing a team order, call 1300 078 277 or visit our contact page.

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Sources

This guide is general information for Australian workplaces. It is not legal advice. Requirements differ between states and territories and change over time, so check the current guidance of your regulator and the standard itself before relying on it.

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