EN ISO 20345:2022 Explained from a Manufacturer’s Perspective

What European buyers should really understand beyond the test report

Introduction

EN ISO 20345:2022 represents one of the most important updates to the European safety footwear standard in recent years.
For European brands and importers, this revision is not only a regulatory update, but also a clear signal that safety footwear is increasingly evaluated based on real working conditions, rather than laboratory results alone.

From a manufacturer’s perspective, compliance with EN ISO 20345:2022 is no longer a final step before shipment. It directly influences product design decisions, material selection and production consistency from the early development stage.

This article explains what has practically changed in EN ISO 20345:2022, and what European buyers should pay attention to when working with manufacturers.

1. EN ISO 20345:2022 Is More Than a Label Update

A common misunderstanding is that the 2022 revision is mainly about updated markings.
In reality, the revision reflects a broader shift in how safety footwear performance is evaluated and documented.

Key changes include:

• Updated slip resistance classification (SR replacing previous SRA / SRB / SRC)

• Revised testing logic related to durability and long-term wear

• Clearer differentiation between mandatory requirements and optional performance claims

For manufacturers, this means that product development can no longer rely on previous constructions without reassessment. Existing designs often require structural or material adjustments to align with the revised standard.

2. Slip Resistance: Why “SR” Requires More Attention Than Before

Slip resistance is one of the most discussed changes introduced in EN ISO 20345:2022.

Under the new standard:

• Slip resistance is no longer automatically included

• The SR marking represents an additional performance requirement

• Testing is conducted under specific, clearly defined conditions

From a manufacturing perspective, achieving stable SR performance is not only about passing a single test. It depends on multiple factors, including:

• Outsole material formulation

• Tread pattern design

• Compound stability during mass production

European buyers should be cautious of SR claims that are not supported by clear information about outsole structure and material control.

3. Compliance Starts at the Development Stage, Not the Final Test

One of the most common sourcing risks is treating certification as a final checkpoint rather than a development framework.

In practice, EN ISO 20345:2022 affects:

• Last design and internal fitting volume

• Selection of toe caps and penetration-resistant components

• Upper materials and lining combinations

• Outsole construction and bonding methods

If these elements are not aligned from the early development stage, manufacturers may face repeated testing, unstable results or limited room for product optimization.

This is often where the difference becomes visible between a product-driven manufacturer and a factory focused purely on production output.

4. Test Reports Do Not Replace Manufacturing Consistency

A valid test report confirms that a sample meets the standard at a specific point in time.
It does not automatically guarantee long-term production consistency.

From a manufacturing standpoint, stable compliance relies on:

• Material traceability

• Controlled supplier selection

• Internal quality checks beyond third-party testing

• Experience with different usage environments across European markets

For buyers supplying multiple European countries, this consistency is particularly important, as working conditions and user expectations can vary significantly.

5. What European Buyers Should Discuss With Manufacturers

When sourcing safety footwear under EN ISO 20345:2022, European buyers are encouraged to discuss topics such as:

• How product structures were adapted for the 2022 revision

• Whether SR performance is designed as an option or as a core requirement

• How material or component changes are managed during long-term production

• How manufacturers prepare for future regulatory updates

These discussions often provide more meaningful insight than certificates alone.

Conclusion

EN ISO 20345:2022 has raised expectations for both manufacturers and buyers.
Compliance is no longer just a technical requirement, but a reflection of how safety footwear is designed, produced and controlled over time.

At Workway, EN ISO 20345:2022 considerations are integrated into product development from the earliest stages, ensuring that compliance, comfort and durability are addressed as part of a unified development process rather than as separate steps.

For European brands and importers, working with manufacturers who understand the standard from a development and production perspective is becoming increasingly important for long-term product success.