Occupational shoes are work shoes without a toe cap that can be worn wherever safety shoes are not required. They are standardised in accordance with EN 20347. The letter O stands for the English term ‘Occupational’. The designations OB, O1, O2, O4 and O6 indicate which additional protective and comfort features the shoe possesses in addition to the basic requirements of the standard.
The basic requirements include:
- tested slip resistance (basic requirement: test on ceramic tiles with cleaning agent, optional: additional SR certification: test on ceramic tiles with cleaning agent and glycerine)
- good cushioning properties
- optimal foot stability
In the STRAUSS Online Shop, you can find an overview of the properties of the various protection classes HERE.
The most important distinguishing features in a nutshell:
OB:
- simple work shoes or boots with tested slip resistance; open heel area permitted
O1:
- work shoes for predominantly dry environments or indoor use
O2:
- work shoes for outdoor use, with an upper material protected against water penetration for at least 60 minutes
O4:
- work shoes or boots made of rubber or plastic
O6:
- waterproof work shoes with a weatherproof membrane
When selecting work shoes, the primary focus is on moisture and stress conditions. For personalized advice on choosing the right model, please feel free to contact our customer service team.