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Each safety style states its EN ISO rating
Each safety style states its EN ISO rating
S2 sits between S1 and S3 and is easy to overlook, but it is exactly right for a specific set of jobs. It keeps everything in S1, the 200 joule toecap, closed heel, antistatic build and energy-absorbing heel, and adds an upper tested against water penetration and absorption. It does not add a midsole, so it stays lighter and more flexible than S3. That combination suits food production, dairies, kitchens, hospitals, laundries and cleaning contracts, where floors are wet and washed down but nobody is walking over nails. Each style states its own rating on its page.
All of S1 plus a water-resistant upper (WRU): the upper must resist water penetration and absorption for a set period under test. We list 24 S2 styles ready to order.
No midsole plate means a lighter, more flexible shoe. If your floor is wet but clean, S2 gives you the water protection without carrying a plate you do not need for eight hours.
Many S2 styles are built for food and healthcare: wipe-clean microfibre uppers, no laces or covered laces, and white or washable colourways. The product page states the upper material for each.
Standing water rather than wet floors calls for S6 (S2 with whole-boot water resistance) or S7. Any sharp debris underfoot calls for S3, which adds the midsole to S2.
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The question that decides between S2 and S3 is what is on the floor. Water, detergent, food product and blood are S2 territory. Nails, swarf, broken pallets and glass are S3 territory, because S3 adds the penetration-resistant midsole. Our ratings guide lays the ladder out rung by rung so you can match the rating to the risk assessment rather than over-buy.
Water-resistant is not waterproof. An S2 upper resists water coming through for a tested period; it is not tested submerged. For persistent standing water look at safety wellingtons or an S7 boot. Sizing is stated per style, so check the size and fit guide first, and note that qualifying safety footwear bought by an individual for work use is sold VAT-free, explained on our VAT-free page.