What is the difference between work shoes and safety shoes?
In many sectors, choosing the right professional footwear is essential for working safely and reducing fatigue. Yet work shoes and safety shoes are often confused. Although both types of footwear are classed as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), they do not offer the same level of protection or serve the same purposes.
Understanding this difference is crucial: footwear that is too light or non‑compliant can increase the risk of injury, while overly protective footwear can be unnecessary when risks are low. This guide explains the standards, protection levels and available features (including EN ISO 20345, EN ISO 20347, puncture resistance and slip resistance) to help professionals select the most appropriate footwear for their activity.
Whether you work in construction, logistics, industry, catering, healthcare or services, you will find the essential guidance you need to choose the footwear best suited to your environment.
What are work shoes?
Work shoes are professional footwear designed to provide comfort, grip and hygiene in environments where mechanical risks are limited.
EN ISO 20347: PPE without a protective toecap
Shoes compliant with the EN ISO 20347 standard are PPE but do not include a protective toecap. They therefore do not protect against impacts or crushing, unlike safety shoes, safety boots or safety trainers.
Learn more in the Heckel Standards Guide.
Key characteristics
• Lightweight – ideal for long periods of standing
• Enhanced slip resistance – very useful in kitchens or wet environments
• High breathability
• Sometimes washable (catering, healthcare)
• Non‑slip versions for sensitive environments
Typical sectors
• Healthcare and care services
• Catering, food service (e.g. kitchen footwear when a toecap is not required)
• Cleaning and maintenance
• Hospitality and public services
Limitations
Work shoes do not include:
• 200‑joule toecap
• Anti‑perforation midsole
• Advanced protections (hydrocarbons, antistatic features, etc.)
What are safety shoes?
Safety shoes are PPE designed to withstand high‑level risks: crushing, impacts, perforation, sharp objects, and slipping.
EN ISO 20345: mandatory protection depending on risk level
All safety shoes must comply with EN ISO 20345, which includes:
• A protective toecap resistant to 200 J impact
• Compression resistance of 15 kN
Categories such as lightweight safety shoes, ultra‑light trainer‑style safety footwear or high‑cut models adapt to different environments and uses.
See the Heckel safety shoe range.
Available protections
• Anti‑perforation midsole
• Resistance to hydrocarbons (FO)
• Antistatic properties
• Energy absorption in the heel
• Moisture protection (WPA, WR)
• Lugged soles for construction
• Men’s and women’s versions adapted to foot morphology
Main classes
• S1: dry environments
• S1P / S1PL / S1PS: dry environments with perforation risk
• S2: wet environments
• S3 / S3L / S3S: outdoor environments + perforation protection
Some models are known for comfort, value for money or lightness depending on the materials used.
Work shoes vs safety shoes: how to tell the difference?
| Criteria | Work shoes (EN ISO 20347) | Safety shoes (EN ISO 20345) |
| Standard | EN ISO 20347 | EN ISO 20345 |
| Protective toecap | No | Yes |
| Type of equipment | PPE | PPE |
| Protection level | Basic | High |
| Purpose | Comfort, hygiene | Safety, protection |
| Typical sectors | Healthcare, catering, services | Construction, industry, logistics |
The choice depends on the risk level in your work environment.
How to choose the right footwear for your job?
• Slip hazards
• Risk of falling objects
• Risk of ground perforation
• Humidity, chemicals or hydrocarbons
• Indoor vs outdoor work
See the Heckel job‑specific section.
• Catering → O2 non‑slip work shoe (or S2 in kitchens depending on risks)
• Healthcare → breathable, washable O1/O2 shoe
• Construction → S3 safety shoe, often high‑cut
• Logistics → lightweight S1P safety shoe
• Industry → S1P to S3 depending on the workstation
• Look for models combining comfort, durability and the right protection
• Assess long‑term durability
• Ensure compliance with safety standards
• Prefer breathable and lightweight materials
Why choose safety shoes even when not mandatory?
Even when not required, safety shoes:
• Provide additional protection
• Reduce workplace accidents
• Can be very comfortable (thanks to lightweight or sporty designs)
• Represent a durable investment
Heckel designs safety footwear that combines protection, comfort and style for every profession.
Summary: choose according to your working environment
The right footwear depends on three key factors: comfort + appropriate protection + compliance with standards.
FAQ
On average every 12 months, depending on wear.
No, unless specified by the manufacturer. Hand‑washing is recommended.
From professional distributors, specialist shops or via the Heckel dedicated page.
The employer must supply mandatory PPE, including safety shoes.
Models made from technical textiles with composite toecaps are the lightest while still complying with EN ISO 20345.