The key difference between S1P and S3 safety shoes is that, in addition to puncture resistance, the S3 class requires the upper to meet specific requirements for water penetration and water absorption, and the shoe must have a cleated outsole. S1P is a class that offers protection against puncture risks but does not necessarily include the additional water-related requirements of S3.
The S1P class covers models that, in addition to the basic properties of S1 safety footwear, feature puncture-resistant sole protection. Products in this class meet S1 requirements such as a toe cap, closed heel area, antistatic properties and energy absorption in the heel area.
S1P models may be considered particularly for dry or controlled indoor work environments where there is a risk of nails, metal fragments or similar sharp objects on the floor.
S3 safety footwear features a toe cap, antistatic properties, energy absorption in the heel and puncture-resistant sole protection, and in addition meets specific requirements for water penetration and water absorption of the upper. A cleated outsole is also required.
For this reason, S3 models are often considered for outdoor sites, construction sites, maintenance, manufacturing, or work environments with a higher likelihood of contact with moisture and water.
| Feature | S1P | S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Toe cap | Yes | Yes |
| Antistatic properties | Yes | Yes |
| Heel energy absorption | Yes | Yes |
| Puncture resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Upper water penetration / absorption requirement | Not a core requirement of the class | Included in S3 requirements |
| Cleated outsole | Not mandatory to S3 level | Required |
| General use | Dry indoor areas, warehouses, manufacturing, maintenance | Outdoor sites, construction sites, areas with possible contact with moisture or water |
S3 involves more technical requirements; however, this does not automatically make it the right choice for every work environment. The key criterion when selecting safety equipment is that the product suits the actual risks of the work environment.
These examples show a general selection approach. The final choice should be based on the workplace risk assessment, the product label and the manufacturer's current technical documentation.
On new-generation safety shoes you may also see markings such as S1PL, S1PS, S3L and S3S in addition to S1P or S3. This is because penetration resistance is now classified in more detail according to the protective insert material and the test method used.
So when comparing two pairs of safety shoes, look not only at the “S1P” or “S3” marking but also at the EN ISO 20345 edition and additional markings shown on the product.
No. The fact that the S3 class includes requirements for water penetration and water absorption does not mean the shoe is fully waterproof.
Water resistance of the whole shoe is a separate technical requirement. For work involving heavy water exposure, prolonged wet conditions or specific water-resistance needs, also check the additional markings in the product's technical documentation.
No. The terms steel and composite describe the material of the toe cap. S1P or S3, on the other hand, refers to a broader set of safety requirements that the shoe as a whole must meet.
Both steel toe and composite toe products can be rated S1P, S3 or another safety class, provided they meet the relevant technical requirements.
The safety class is important, but it is not the only selection criterion. Assessing the following features together gives a better result:
To find the right safety shoes for your work environment, compare models with different toe caps, safety classes and features.
The S1P class alone does not indicate that a product is waterproof. If performance against water is required, check the product's additional technical features separately.
The S3 class includes requirements for water penetration and water absorption of the upper material; however, this does not mean the shoe is fully waterproof.
S3 covers more of the standard's requirements. That said, the right product is the one that matches the actual risks in the working environment.
No. The toe cap can be made from different materials. The toe cap material and the safety class are not the same thing.
These are new classifications relating to non-metal penetration-resistant inserts. The PL and PS markings relate to different test nail diameters and test methods.
The information below compares the features stated in Vitrin Online product records. Even when two models from the same brand share the same toe cap material, their protection class and upper material can differ.
| Catalogue feature | Mekap 157 S1P | Mekap 106 Rolax S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Protection class | S1P | S3 |
| Toe cap | Steel | Steel |
| Upper material | Suede leather | Smooth leather |
| Colour | Grey | Black |
| Product record | Mekap 157 S1P specifications | Mekap 106 Rolax S3 specifications |
This table is not a test or certification result. To assess suitability for a workplace, refer to the product label, the manufacturer's current technical documentation and the workplace risk assessment. Prices and size availability are shown on the relevant product pages.
Related guide: You can find what the other abbreviations on the label (SB, S1–S7, O1–O7, SR, FO, ESD) mean in the tables of our guide How to Read a Safety Shoe Label.
Publisher:Vitrin Online
Comparison and source check: 6 October 2026
Explanations of the standard are for general information only; the features described in the sources should not be taken as separately certified for each product in the comparison.
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