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Safety footwear certified to EN ISO 20345
Safety footwear certified to EN ISO 20345
S3 is the most widely specified rating in UK safety footwear because it bundles the three things most trades actually need: a 200 joule toecap, a penetration-resistant midsole and a water-resistant upper. If a site spec or risk assessment simply says "S3 boots", any style in this collection meets it, and S3 shoes and trainers are listed alongside the boots for sites that allow a lower cut. Each style states its rating on its page, in both lightweight composite and traditional steel toe, so you can match the protection to your worksite rather than over-buying.
An S3 boot carries everything in S1 and S2 plus a penetration-resistant midsole and a cleated outsole. In plain terms that means a 200 joule toecap, antistatic and energy-absorbing heel, a water-resistant upper and underfoot protection against sharp objects. We hold 497 S3 boots ready to order.
S3 means the upper resists water for a tested period, which suits damp floors, outdoor sites and showery days. If you stand in water or work in persistent wet, step up to a fully waterproof S7 boot, which is tested submerged across the whole construction rather than just the upper.
Both meet the same 200 joule impact and compression test. Composite is lighter, warmer underfoot and passes through metal detectors, which suits airports, logistics and cold work. Steel is hard-wearing and lower cost. The choice comes down to weight, temperature and site rules, not protection level.
The penetration-resistant midsole is what separates S3 from S1P-on-paper marketing: it shields the sole against nails and debris. Pair that with a deep-cleated, slip-resistant outsole tested to the SR mark and you have a boot built for groundwork, construction and warehouse floors alike.
Boots · SJ-BESTBOY
Boots · SJ-MODULOS3M
Shoes · SJ-MODULOS3L
Boots · SJ-DAKAREWS3
Shoes · SJ-X0600
Boots · SJ-MODULOS3MT
Boots · SJ-SAFETYSTAR
Trainers · COFRA-36390
Boots · COFRA-36386
Trainers · COFRA-36385
Boots · SJ-BESTBOYMF
Boots · COFRA-36388
Trainers · COFRA-36383
Boots · COFRA-36395
Boots · COFRA-36384
Shoes · SJ-BESTRUN
Boots · SJ-DAKREWS3LE
Boots · COFRA-36393
Shoes · SJ-MODULOS3LT
Boots · COFRA-36394
Boots · SJ-MAYONS3S
Shoes · SJ-SFTYSTRS3L
Boots · SJ-BESTBOY2
Boots · COFRA-43783
The S-rating system under EN ISO 20345 is cumulative, so each step adds protection. S1 gives a 200 joule toecap with an antistatic, energy-absorbing heel. S1P adds a penetration-resistant midsole. S2 adds a water-resistant upper. S3 combines all of it, the midsole and the water-resistant upper together, plus a cleated outsole. That is why S3 has become the default specification for construction, utilities, agriculture and most outdoor trades: one rating covers impact, penetration and wet underfoot.
Once you have settled on S3, the remaining decisions are toecap material, fit and any extra hazard codes. Look for P for the midsole, HRO for a heat-resistant outsole, CI for cold insulation and M for metatarsal protection if your risk assessment calls for it. Our size and fit guide explains how fit varies between brands so you order the right size first time. Many S3 work boots also qualify for VAT relief when bought by an individual for work use, which we apply automatically where eligible, and our VAT-free safety boots page sets out the rules.