Everything You Need to Know About Safety Shoes Singapore: Standards, Styles & When to Replace
- Ansac Team
- Sep 18
- 7 min read
Ensuring foot safety in the workplace isn’t optional, it’s essential. For operation in Singapore, having the right safety shoes for your employees means not only compliance but preventing injuries, increasing productivity, and improving wellbeing. Employers across industries can provide safety shoes to protect workers from hazards such as heavy objects, slips, and sharp debris. By wearing certified safety boots, employees significantly reduce the risk of foot injuries.
At Ansac Technology, we supply high-quality Safety Shoes Singapore, trusted by companies nationwide. As a reliable distributor of King’s Safety Shoes and Otter Safety Shoes, we ensure your workforce stays protected with durable, comfortable, and compliant footwear.
In this updated guide you will learn what to look for, the latest standards, how to choose the right style (low, mid, boots), how to care for them, and when to replace them.
What is EN ISO 20345:2022 & SS 513 Singapore Standard?
EN ISO 20345:2022 is an international standard that defines the basic and additional requirements for Safety Shoes in Singapore that are designed for use in professional environments. These Safety Shoes are specifically designed to protect the feet from a range of workplace hazards, including impact, compression, punctures, and exposure to various chemicals and electrical risks.
The EN ISO 20345:2022 standard is the updated version of its predecessor, EN ISO 20345:2011. This new update introduces modifications to enhance safety features and reflect changes in workplace environments, technology, and materials.
Key changes & additions in the new standard:
Feature | EN ISO 20345:2011 | EN ISO 20345:2022 |
Slip Resistance | Markings SRA / SRB / SRC; tests with ceramic tile + detergent and steel + glycerol. | Basic requirement: test equivalent to old SRA (ceramic tile + soap); additional optional test SR (with glycerol) for better performance. All safety shoes must now meet basic slip resistance. |
Water Resistance | Upper water resistance (WRU) optional / in certain classes only. | WRU replaced by WPA (Water Penetration & Absorption) for uppers; full boot waterproofing (WR) introduced; new classes S6 (similar to S2 + full water resistance) and S7 (like S3 + full water resistance) added. |
Puncture (Perforation) Resistance | Single “P” marking for puncture resistant midsoles (steel) in classes like S1P, S3 etc. | Now differentiated: Steel insert (P), non-metallic large point (PL), non-metal small point (PS) depending on the size and materials. Markings like S3L, S3S etc introduced. |
Additional Protection Levels | SB, S1, S1P, S2, S3, S4, S5 etc. | New classes S6 & S7 (waterproof ones); more granularity in non-metallic puncture resistance; optional features (LG, SC, etc.). |
Optional Features | Antistatic (A), Energy Absorption (E), FO (fuel oil) resistance, etc. | FO becomes optional; new features like SC (Scuff Cap), LG (Ladder Grip), WPA etc formalised. |
Singapore Standard SS 513:2024
Singapore has its specification: SS 513-1:2024 Specification for personal protective equipment – Footwear – Part 1: Safety footwear which adopts the ISO 20345:2021 (IDT) standard.
Employers and suppliers in Singapore need to ensure compliance with SS 513, particularly under the Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) Act.
Comparison: Low-Cut vs Mid-Cut vs Boots
Here’s a comparison table showing differences, pros & cons, typical use cases, and example models (from King's, Otter, etc.):
Style | Advantages | Disadvantages | Typical Environments | Example Models |
Low-Cut
(below ankle)
 | Light, flexible, good for mobility; often cooler / less restrictive; faster to put on/off | Less ankle support; less protection from mud, water, debris; not ideal for uneven ground or heavy duty tasks | Warehousing, indoor work, light assembly, factories with flat clean floors | King's Low-cut Safety Shoe KWS200, Otter Nubuck Leather OWT900KW-R, King's Impact S3 Low-cut Lace Safety Shoe K9531, etc. |
Mid-Cut
(just over ankle)
 | Offers better ankle support; some protection from water/mud; better stability; may resist debris more than low-cut | Heavier; less flexibility; can be warmer; more cost than low-cut | Outdoor work, moderate terrain, light construction, roadwork, delivery tasks | King's Mid-cut Safety Shoe KWD301, King's Zipper Leather Side-Zip KWD206, King's Chelsea Leather Elastic Sided KWD106, Otter Nubuck Leather Mid-cut Lace Safety Boot OWT993KW-R, etc. |
Boots
(higher shaft, full ankle protection or more)
 | Maximum protection: ankle support, full waterproof boots, insulation; protects from weather, electrical risks, water ingress; great for rough terrain | Heavy; less breathability; slower to don/doff; more expensive; need good fit to avoid discomfort | Construction sites, oil & gas, chemical plants, forestry, wet or rugged terrain | King's PVC Yellow Waterproof Safety Boots KV20/KV20Y, King's Rigger Leather Pull-up Lace Safety Boot KWD205, Otter Nubuck Leather High-cut Pull-up Safety Boot OWT805KW-R. |
How to Choose the Right Safety Shoes in Singapore
Putting together everything above, here are steps to pick the best pair:
Risk Assessment: Identify hazards in your workplace — heavy falling objects, wet surfaces, sharp debris, electrical hazards, chemicals, etc.
Match standard / class: Based on hazards, choose the correct EN ISO 20345 / SS 513 class (SB, S1, S1P, S2, S3, S6, S7 etc).
Select style (low, mid, boot) based on mobility, terrain, weather, and required support.
Check additional features: waterproofing, fuel-oil resistance (FO), ladder grip, scuff cap, ankle protection, etc.
Fit & comfort: proper sizing, ergonomic design, good insole, breathable lining. If uncomfortable, employee may not wear them consistently.
Example Models from King’s & Otter You Can Consider
King’s Low Cut S1P or Otter's Low Cut Safety Shoes– low-cut, steel toe, metal puncture plate, S1P class, ideal for warehouse.
King's Mid Cut S1P or Otter's Mid Cut Safety Shoes – mid-cut, resistant to water (WPA), with non-metallic puncture midsole (PL/PS) for light‐mud conditions.
King’s PVC Boot – full waterproof boot (class S5), high shaft, rugged outsole.
How To Take Care of Your Safety Shoes & When To Replace Them
Care Tips
Clean regularly: Remove dirt and debris. Use a soft brush. Wipe off mud, let dry naturally.
Dry properly: After wet use, dry at room temperature. Avoid direct heat sources (heaters, open flame) which can damage materials.
Condition leather: Use a leather conditioner or waterproofing cream appropriate to the leather type.
Inspect soles: Remove small stones or objects stuck in treads, clean slip-grooves.
Store correctly: Keep in a cool, dry place, avoid dampness, use shoe trees if possible to maintain shape.
Alternate pairs: If you have two pairs, rotating helps them dry and reduces wear.
When to Replace
Here are signs that your Safety Shoes need replacement:
Issue | What to Look For |
Toe cap damage
 | Cracks, dents, or deformation that compromises protection. steel/composite cracked. |
Sole wear
 | Tread worn flat, loss of slip resistance, parts of outsole coming off, midsole exposed. |
Puncture/damage in midsole
 | If you step on something sharp and feel it, or see holes. |
Upper damage
 | Tears, seams ripped, water leaking (if supposed to be water resistant). |
Insole degraded
 | Cushioning flattened, discomfort / pain after use. |
Comfort issues
 | If foot starts hurting, frequent blisters, ankle discomfort even if look okay. |
Age / usage
 | Even without visible damage, shoes older than ~12-18 months in heavy use may no longer protect as designed or earlier depending on frequency. |
FAQs About Safety Shoes Singapore
What minimum certification should I look for when buying safety shoes Singapore?
You should check for EN ISO 20345:2022 or SS 513-1:2024 certification. If the shoes are older stock, EN ISO 20345:2011 is valid during the transition period, but you should ensure features still match your risk needs (slip, puncture, water etc.).
Are older safety shoes (with 2011 standard) still acceptable?
Yes, in many cases. But check whether they still meet the features you need (e.g. water resistance, puncture resistance). Also, ensure they are in good condition. Look at expiration of certificate, or indication on the label. During the transition to 2022 standards many manufacturers/suppliers are re-certifying.
Steel toe vs composite toe, which is better in Singapore?
Steel toe gives strong impact and compression resistance, very durable. But heavier, colder in lower temperatures, may conduct heat/cold.
Composite toe (non-metallic materials) lighter, non-conductive (does not conduct electricity), more comfortable in hot environments but sometimes bulkier in shape or more expensive. Choose based on weight vs required protection.
What do all the markings (S1P, S3L, WR, SC, LG etc.) mean?
Some common ones:
S1 / S2 / S3 / S6 / S7 etc – class of protection
P / PL / PS – puncture-resistant midsole type (metallic, non-metallic large point, non-metal small point)
WR / WPA – waterproofing (WR = full waterproof boot; WPA = water penetration/absorption upper)
SC = scuff cap (for toe cap abrasion resistance)
LG = ladder grip
Fo = resistance to fuel/hydrocarbons (often optional now)
Do I need different safety shoes for wet vs dry environments?
Yes, ideally. Shoes rated S6 or S7 (or with WR) are better for wet conditions, water, mud. Shoes without waterproof rating will absorb water, which can damage materials or reduce protection. Also, wet soles increase slip risk so slip resistance becomes more critical.
How many pairs should I have / rotate?
If possible, have two pairs to rotate them so that each gets time to dry and recover. This extends life. Also helps avoid wearing out one pair too fast.
Can I wash safety shoes in washing machine?
Generally no, especially for leather, steel toe, or padded/composite parts. Use manual cleaning (brush, damp cloth). Washing machines can deform toe caps, break internal linings, damage waterproofing.
Is there a warranty or guarantee period?
Depends on brand. King’s Safety Shoes, Otter Safety Shoes etc may offer limited warranty for manufacturing defects. But wear & tear, misuse, or failure to maintain/care usually are not covered. Always check with supplier (i.e. Ansac Technology) for warranty details.
Which brand is best for safety shoes?
Honeywell and Kings are among the best brands for safety shoes in Singapore. They have patented design technology that makes their safety boots comfortable while enhancing the grip, thickness and durability.
What is S1 S2 S3 in safety shoes?
S1, S2 and S3 are labels used in safety shoes. These typically refer to the level of protection the safety boots can offer. Manufacturers label their shoes in such a way to make it easier for consumers to find the ideal safety shoes based on their requirements.
Are safety boots better than safety shoes?
Safety boots and safety shoes may be used interchangeably as most safety shoes are actually designed as boots to cover up to the ankles. That being said, if we are talking about safety boots and safety shoes of other forms, safety boots are better in terms of protection.
Key Takeaways
The latest EN ISO 20345:2022 standard introduces new protection classes (S6, S7), revised marking systems (P / PL / PS), and stronger baseline requirements (slip resistance, water resistance).
For safety shoes Singapore, ensure compliance with SS 513-1:2024 and check whether the specific shoe model meets the features your work environment demands.
Choose between low, mid or boot cuts based on terrain, hazards, mobility and support.
Regular care & inspection is crucial: a high-quality safety shoe is only effective if maintained and replaced when its protection degrades.
Ready to upgrade or equip your team with certified safety shoes Singapore that meet the latest standards?
Explore our current collection from King’s Safety Shoes, Otter Safety Shoes, and more. All rigorously tested and made for real-world performance.
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