European Standard · Foot Protection
EN ISO 20347 – Occupational Footwear: Requirements Without Protective Toecap
EN ISO 20347 is the European standard specifying requirements for occupational footwear that does not include a protective toecap, intended for workplaces where impact and compression risks to the toes are minimal but slip resistance and other features remain important.
1. Scope
EN ISO 20347 applies to footwear without toecap protection, covering general occupational use such as catering, cleaning, healthcare and light office-adjacent industrial roles. It shares the same optional feature marking system as EN ISO 20345 and EN ISO 20346.
2. Exclusions & Related Standards
- Does not include toecap protection – for impact and compression protection, see EN ISO 20345 or EN ISO 20346.
- Shares the same optional marking codes (SRA/SRB/SRC slip resistance, WR water resistance, antistatic properties) as related footwear standards.
- Commonly specified for food service and healthcare settings prioritising slip resistance and hygiene over impact protection.
3. Key Requirements & Marking
Since there is no toecap requirement, footwear must still meet baseline requirements for upper and outsole material quality, dimensional stability, and any claimed optional features such as slip resistance class, water resistance, or antistatic properties, using the same lettering system as safety and protective footwear standards.
4. Testing Overview
Testing includes slip resistance testing on standardised surfaces with water and oil-based lubricants, sole flexing and abrasion durability, and any optional feature testing such as water penetration resistance or electrical resistance for antistatic claims.
5. Selection Guide
Select EN ISO 20347 footwear for roles where toe impact risk is minimal but slip resistance, hygiene, or comfort are priorities, such as catering, hospitality, cleaning, and many healthcare settings; always confirm no toe impact hazard exists before choosing non-toecap footwear.
6. Inspection, Care and Maintenance
- Clean regularly according to manufacturer guidance, particularly important in food service and healthcare hygiene contexts
- Check outsole tread wear regularly since worn treads significantly reduce slip resistance
- Replace footwear once soles show cracking or significant wear that could affect grip or comfort
- Store away from excessive heat or moisture that could degrade materials over time
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Does EN ISO 20347 footwear have toe protection?
No, this standard specifically covers footwear without a protective toecap; toe protection requires EN ISO 20345 or EN ISO 20346 footwear instead.
Is EN ISO 20347 footwear suitable for kitchens?
Yes, this category is commonly used in catering and hospitality settings where slip resistance and hygiene matter more than impact protection.
Can EN ISO 20347 footwear still be slip resistant?
Yes, slip resistance is tested and marked using the same SRA, SRB and SRC classification system used across all footwear standards in this family.
Is EN ISO 20347 footwear appropriate for warehouse work?
Generally not if there is any risk of dropped objects or crushing hazards to the feet, in which case toecap-protected footwear would be required instead.
What does the SRC rating mean on occupational footwear?
SRC indicates the footwear has passed slip resistance testing on both ceramic tile with soap solution and steel surfaces with glycerol, the most comprehensive slip resistance rating.