European Standard · Foot Protection
EN ISO 20346 – Protective Footwear: Requirements Below Safety Footwear Level
EN ISO 20346 is the European standard specifying requirements for protective footwear offering a toe protection impact resistance of 100 joules, one tier below full safety footwear under EN ISO 20345, intended for environments with moderate impact and compression risks.
1. Scope
EN ISO 20346 applies to footwear with a protective toecap tested to withstand 100 joules of impact energy and 10 kilonewtons of compression, compared to the 200 joule/15 kilonewton requirement for safety footwear under EN ISO 20345. It shares the same additional marking system for optional features.
2. Exclusions & Related Standards
- One protection tier below EN ISO 20345 safety footwear, which requires higher toecap impact resistance.
- Shares the same optional marking codes (such as SRA/SRB/SRC slip resistance, WR water resistance, and P penetration resistance) as EN ISO 20345 and EN ISO 20347.
- Often selected for lighter industrial or logistics roles where full safety-rated impact protection is not required.
3. Key Requirements & Marking
Footwear must pass a 100 joule impact test and 10 kilonewton compression test on the toecap, plus base requirements for upper material, outsole properties and dimensional stability. Optional markings add features such as slip resistance class, penetration resistance, and antistatic properties, following the same lettering system as EN ISO 20345.
4. Testing Overview
Testing includes toecap impact and compression testing at the reduced energy level, slip resistance testing on ceramic tile and steel surfaces with different lubricants, sole flexing durability, and optional penetration resistance testing of the insole where the P marking is claimed.
5. Selection Guide
Choose EN ISO 20346 protective footwear for roles with moderate impact and compression risks that don’t justify full safety footwear, such as light warehouse work, retail logistics or general maintenance, always confirming the specific risk assessment supports this reduced protection tier.
6. Inspection, Care and Maintenance
- Inspect the toecap area regularly for cracking or deformation after any impact
- Check outsole tread wear, as reduced tread depth lowers slip resistance performance
- Replace footwear once the protective toecap has been impacted, even without visible external damage
- Clean and dry footwear according to manufacturer guidance to preserve material integrity
7. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EN ISO 20346 and EN ISO 20345?
EN ISO 20346 requires a lower toecap impact and compression resistance (100 joules/10 kilonewtons) compared to EN ISO 20345 safety footwear (200 joules/15 kilonewtons).
Can EN ISO 20346 footwear be used on a construction site?
Generally no, construction sites typically require the higher protection level of EN ISO 20345 safety footwear due to greater impact and compression risks.
Does EN ISO 20346 footwear have slip-resistant markings?
Yes, the same SRA, SRB and SRC slip resistance classifications used in EN ISO 20345 also apply to EN ISO 20346 protective footwear.
Is EN ISO 20346 footwear waterproof?
Only if marked with the WR (water resistant) or WRU (water resistant upper) codes; waterproofing is not guaranteed unless specifically indicated.
What industries typically use EN ISO 20346 footwear?
Light industrial, warehousing, logistics and retail environments where moderate impact protection is appropriate but full safety footwear is not mandated.