Work shoes can be worn wherever safety shoes are not required. Unlike safety shoes, they do not feature toe protection, for example. However, there are certain requirements they must meet in order to comply with the European standard EN ISO 20347. The basic requirements include good shock absorption, optimal foot stability and a slip-resistant sole in accordance with SRA, SRB or SRC/SR.
Work shoes that meet these basic requirements fall into safety category OB. The heel area may be open.
For work shoes in protection class O1, the heel area must be closed. Antistatic properties and energy absorption in the heel area are mandatory. If the work shoes are waterproof for at least 60 minutes, they fall under safety level O2.
Here is an overview of the individual protection levels and properties of work shoes:
OB / O1 / O2 / O6 / O4