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Slip Resistance Ratings in Safety Shoes

As safety standards evolve, understanding their impact on the products we rely on is essential. We spoke with Ejendals' compliance expert, Sandra Dahlström, about the latest updates to slip resistance standards in the EN ISO 20345:2022 regulation. Here’s her insight on what these changes mean for workers seeking reliable protection on various surfaces.

Key Updates in the New EN ISO 20345:2022 Standard

Sandra began by explaining that EN ISO 20345:2022 introduces changes that make it easier to understand how safety footwear performs under different conditions, particularly in slip resistance and nail perforation resistance.

Nail Perforation Resistance

The standard specifies three types of markings, distinguishing between steel and non-metal options:
P: Steel insert with a 4.5 mm diameter test nail.
PL: Non-metal insert, also tested with a 4.5 mm nail.
PS: Non-metal insert tested with a smaller, 3 mm diameter nail.

Ladder Grip

This is now a non-mandatory test, allowing some flexibility depending on the intended use of the footwear.​

Slip Resistance

Is There Really a “Best” Rating?
One of the most important insights Sandra shared was that there is no single “best” slip resistance rating. “From a standards perspective, these ratings were never meant to create a hierarchy of good, better, and best,” Sandra explained. Instead, the choice of rating depends heavily on the specific conditions of the workplace.

Previously, the EN ISO 20345:2011 standard classified slip resistance into three categories:
SRA: Tested on a ceramic floor with a soap solution.
SRB: Tested on a steel floor with glycerin.
SRC: Met the requirements of both SRA and SRB.

Sandra Dahlström

Product Compliance Manager at Ejendals

Discover More about EN ISO 20345:2022

Want to know what else is new in the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard? Find out here.

Under this older standard, SRC might seem like the “best” option, but as Sandra points out, it’s more complex than that.

“An outsole that excels in SRA conditions might not be as effective in SRB conditions, and vice versa. To meet both requirements, some compromises might be made in the design, so SRC approval doesn’t necessarily mean the highest slip resistance in every environment.”

What’s New in EN ISO 20345:2022?

The new 2022 standard has eliminated the SRA, SRB, and SRC classifications to avoid confusion. Instead, slip resistance testing is now a basic requirement, meaning all safety footwear must be tested on ceramic floors with soap solutions without needing a specific marking. However, there is an optional SR test, indicating that the footwear has been tested on a ceramic floor with glycerin, suited for more oily surfaces.

  • Mandatory Test (no marking) - Conducted on ceramic floors with soap solution.
  • Optional SR Test - Conducted on ceramic floors with glycerin, designed to evaluate the footwear’s performance on oily surfaces.

By incorporating slip resistance as a baseline requirement, the updated standard emphasizes that all certified safety shoes meet a minimum threshold without labeling, making the selection process more straightforward.

Real-World Application: Testing Beyond the Laboratory

Sandra emphasized that while lab-tested slip resistance ratings are helpful, they don’t account for the diverse and unpredictable conditions workers may encounter. “No set of laboratory tests can fully model the wide range of real-life walking surfaces,” she noted. This is why Sandra recommends conducting footwear field trials in the actual workplace environment to assess performance accurately.

A slip-resistant outsole reduces, but doesn’t eliminate, the risk of slipping.

“It’s essential to remember that these ratings indicate potential performance; they aren’t a guarantee. Testing the shoes in the environment where they will be used provides a clearer picture of suitability.”

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Footwear for Your Environment

The EN ISO 20345:2022 update reflects a more holistic approach to safety standards, eliminating the misconception of a “best” slip resistance rating and promoting a focus on the actual needs of the workplace. With slip resistance now a foundational requirement, workers and employers can select footwear with confidence while understanding that some conditions may still require additional trials.

Sandra’s final advice?

“Stay proactive in safety equipment choices. Opt for shoes with slip resistance ratings that align with your specific work environment and, whenever possible, test them on-site to ensure they provide the protection you need.”

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JALAS® Work & Safety Shoes are engineered for the ultimate in slip resistance, comfort, and protection. Since 1916, JALAS® has upheld a commitment to quality, with all products designed, developed, and crafted in Jokipii, Finland. Discover our range of safety shoes, boots, and sandals—each built to keep you safe on the job without compromising comfort.

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