ABNT NBR ISO 20345:2025 is the technical standard that establishes the requirements for safety footwear in Brazil. Its main criterion is the presence of a safety toe cap capable of withstanding impacts of 200 joules and compression of 15 kilonewtons.
In addition to toe protection, the standard establishes requirements related to slip resistance, energy absorption in the heel area, penetration resistance, and protection against specific thermal conditions.
Knowing these requirements is essential to properly specify safety footwear, taking into account the hazards present in each activity and the proven technical features of the product.
This guide presents the key protection requirements and explains how to use them when selecting safety footwear for different industrial environments.
What ABNT NBR ISO 20345:2025 establishes
ABNT NBR ISO 20345:2025 defines the basic and additional requirements that safety footwear must meet to protect the worker.
The core criterion is the safety toe cap resistant to 200 joules impact and 15 kN compression. This requirement differentiates safety footwear from occupational footwear, which is regulated by ABNT NBR ISO 20347 and does not require an impact and compression-resistant toe cap.
There is also ABNT NBR ISO 20346, applicable to protective footwear, whose toe cap must withstand 100 joules impact and 10 kN compression.
However, although this standard is in force and establishes an intermediate level of protection between occupational and safety footwear, its application is relatively rare in the Brazilian market. The adoption of footwear certified according to ABNT NBR ISO 20345, which requires resistance to 200 joules impact and 15 kN compression, is much more common.
For managers, these standards serve as a technical benchmark to evaluate product features and select the appropriate equipment for the identified hazards.
If the environment presents a risk of objects falling on feet, ABNT NBR ISO 20345 is the reference standard for selecting safety footwear.
Key protection requirements for safety footwear
The standard establishes basic and additional requirements related to the different protective features of footwear.
When specifying safety footwear, it is important to understand each requirement individually, considering its application and the hazards present in the work environment.
The main technical requirements include:
| Protection requirement | Identification |
|---|---|
| Toe protection against impacts and compression | 200 J safety toe cap |
| Energy absorption in the heel area | E |
| Antistatic property | A |
| Penetration resistance | P |
| Metatarsal protection | M |
| Resistance to contact heat | HRO |
| Heat insulation | HI |
| Cold insulation | CI |
| Resistance to fuel oil | FO |
| Water resistance of the complete footwear | WR |
Other requirements, such as slip resistance and upper water penetration and absorption resistance, are also important when selecting the product.
Classifications and testing procedures may vary depending on the applicable edition of the standard. Therefore, it is essential to consult the technical documentation and verify the protection features actually proven for each model.
The presence of each requirement must be evaluated according to the needs of the task and the hazards identified in the workplace.
Relationship between the standard and the Certificate of Approval (CA)
In Brazil, meeting the requirements of a technical standard is not enough to market footwear as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The product must undergo the applicable conformity assessment procedures and hold a valid Certificate of Approval (CA), issued by the Ministry of Labor and Employment, in accordance with NR 6 and relevant regulations.
Before finalizing a purchase, it is important to consult the CA and confirm that it is valid and corresponds to the selected model.
It is also necessary to verify whether the footwear's protective features meet the identified hazards, as certified models may feature different additional requirements.
How each standard test translates into shop floor performance
Each laboratory test evaluates a protection feature that is important to the industrial routine.
Understanding this relationship helps managers specify footwear based on actual operational hazards rather than mere habit.
Toe cap impact and compression
Tests evaluate the resistance of the toe cap against impact and compression loads, situations that can occur during material handling, industrial operations, and logistics activities.
Safety toe caps can be manufactured from different materials, such as steel and composite. Regardless of the material, they must meet the strength requirements demanded by ABNT NBR ISO 20345.
Safetline uses different types of toe caps in its footwear, according to the characteristics and applications of each model.
The integrity of this component is essential for toe protection. If the footwear shows damage, deformation, or alterations that compromise its protective capacity, it must be replaced.
Outsole slip resistance
Slip resistance is an important feature for workers exposed to smooth or wet floors, or surfaces subject to contaminants.
Tests evaluate outsole behavior under standardized conditions, verifying its ability to provide resistance against slipping.
In previous editions of the standards, SRA, SRB, and SRC classifications were used to identify different test conditions. With the normative update, procedures and markings have changed.
It is important to emphasize that slip-resistant footwear does not completely eliminate the risk of slipping. Even an outsole engineered to offer a high friction coefficient can struggle with grip on extremely smooth surfaces.
Therefore, the choice must consider the combination of outsole material, floor type, and the presence of contaminants such as water, oil, grease, or other residues.
Compatibility between floor and outsole is essential to provide greater traction and reduce the risk of accidents.
Energy absorption in the heel area (E)
The test evaluates the footwear's ability to absorb energy in the heel area during contact with the ground.
Identified by the code E, this property contributes to cushioning during walking and can enhance comfort for workers who spend long hours on their feet or walk frequently.
Dual-density polyurethane outsoles, for example, combine a softer layer that helps absorb impact with a denser, abrasion-resistant outer layer.
Penetration resistance
Penetration resistance is important in activities where there is a risk of sharp objects penetrating the outsole and reaching the feet.
This protection can be provided by penetration-resistant insoles made of steel or non-metallic materials, such as high-tenacity fabrics.
Test requirements account for the properties of the components used. Therefore, it is important to check the product's technical documentation to identify the type of protection provided.
The choice of insole should consider workplace hazards such as nails, sharp objects, and debris from industrial processes.
Antistatic property (A)
The antistatic property, identified by the code A, relates to controlling the accumulation of electrostatic charges on the worker wearing the footwear.
This feature can be important in industrial environments where static electricity poses a risk to specific processes or equipment.
It is essential to distinguish antistatic properties from protection against electric shock. An antistatic footwear cannot be considered suitable for work involving the risk of contact with live electrical parts.
For tasks involving electrical hazards, specific protection requirements and standards applicable to the activity must be observed.
Metatarsal protection (M)
Metatarsal protection, identified by the code M, is designed to protect the upper region of the foot.
This feature is important in activities involving heavy material handling and the risk of objects falling onto the instep.
Protectors can be built into the footwear structure, according to the characteristics of each model.
Their use must be defined based on the hazard assessment of the task.
Resistance to contact heat (HRO)
Resistance to contact heat, identified by the code HRO, indicates that the outsole is subjected to a temperature of 300 °C (572 °F) for 1 minute without showing damage under specific test conditions.
This feature is important in certain industrial applications, such as foundries and tasks with exposure to heated surfaces.
Nitrile rubber outsoles can be used in these applications, provided their formulation and technical characteristics meet the required criteria.
Resistance to contact heat should not be confused with the thermal insulation of the complete footwear.
Heat insulation (HI) and cold insulation (CI)
Thermal insulation requirements relate to the complete footwear assembly's ability to limit the transfer of heat or cold to its interior, according to applicable test methods.
The code HI identifies heat insulation, while CI corresponds to cold insulation.
These features can be relevant in environments with extreme temperatures, such as certain industrial operations and tasks performed in refrigerated facilities.
Selection should consider actual exposure conditions and the product's proven properties.
Water resistance
Water resistance is an important feature for footwear used in damp environments or subject to frequent contact with liquids.
WRU (Water Resistant Upper) refers to water penetration and absorption resistance of the upper material. This requirement exclusively evaluates the performance of the upper material when exposed to water, without covering the product as a whole.
WR (Water Resistance) refers to the water resistance of the complete footwear, considering its construction, including upper, stitching, closure system, and upper-to-sole bonding. The requirement is verified through tests conducted on the finished product.
Therefore, selection should consider the level of moisture exposure and the technical properties of the model.
Resistance to fuel oil (FO)
The code FO identifies the requirement for outsole resistance to fuel oil, evaluated through a specific test.
This characteristic should not be confused with slip resistance on floors contaminated by oil or grease.
An outsole can offer resistance to contact with a specific chemical agent without necessarily providing adequate traction across all floor conditions.
Resistance also depends on material formulation and the requirements verified during testing.
Selection criteria and comparison between certified footwear
Two pairs of footwear that meet the same standard can exhibit significant differences during the daily work routine.
The standard sets minimum protection and performance requirements, but factors like perceived comfort, weight, materials, and adaptability to operating conditions must also be considered in the specification.
It is on these points that technical selection can contribute to footwear acceptance by workers.
What the label doesn't show
Choosing between metallic and non-metallic penetration-resistant insoles requires evaluating their construction characteristics, flexibility, weight, and performance under applicable test methods.
In environments with oil and grease, it is necessary to assess both the compatibility of the outsole material with the present agents and its slip resistance under actual conditions of use.
Polyurethane (PU) is widely used in footwear designed for industrial environments exposed to oils and greases. Nitrile rubber, on the other hand, stands out mainly in applications requiring resistance to elevated temperatures, such as specific tasks in foundries and steel mills.
Outsole selection must account for actual working conditions and required technical criteria.
What to check before placing a volume purchase order
Valid CA matching the quoted model; learn how to identify safety footwear before signing the order.
Protection requirements suitable for the hazards identified in the Risk Management Program (PGR).
Size range compatible with worker needs.
Replacement availability for selected models.
Practical evaluation of comfort and footwear suitability for real working conditions, whenever possible.
The most common mistake is specifying out of habit, repeating the previous model without reviewing if workplace hazards or operating conditions have changed.
Where to start reviewing footwear for your operation
Understanding ABNT NBR ISO 20345:2025 requirements enables safety footwear buyers to make more informed decisions, tailored to the protection needs of each activity.
Three points support this analysis:
The 200 J impact and 15 kN compression-resistant toe cap is one of the main requirements defining safety footwear under ABNT NBR ISO 20345.
Additional requirements must be selected based on identified hazards. Wet environments, slippery surfaces, heat exposure, and sharp objects may demand different protective features.
In Brazil, using footwear as PPE depends on compliance with applicable regulations and holding a valid Certificate of Approval.
The next step is to review the models currently used in your operation, check their respective certificates, and compare their protective features with the hazards identified in each department.
When there is a discrepancy between hazards and the protection offered by the product, the technical specification must be revised.
Safetline manufactures safety footwear for various industrial applications, including models with steel and composite toe caps, as well as options with specific protective features.
When planning your next purchase, explore Safetline's footwear lines and check the technical features and Certificate of Approval for each model.
Proper specification begins with hazard identification and choosing footwear that delivers the required protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ABNT NBR ISO 20345:2025 standard?
ABNT NBR ISO 20345:2025 is the technical standard that establishes basic and additional requirements for safety footwear. Its main criterion is the presence of a toe cap capable of withstanding 200 joules impact and 15 kN compression.
The standard also covers requirements related to slip resistance, heel energy absorption, penetration resistance, and other protective properties.
What is the difference between ABNT NBR ISO 20345 and ABNT NBR ISO 20347?
ABNT NBR ISO 20345 establishes requirements for safety footwear featuring a toe cap resistant to 200 J impact and 15 kN compression.
ABNT NBR ISO 20347 applies to occupational footwear, which does not require this type of toe protection.
ABNT NBR ISO 20346, in turn, establishes requirements for protective footwear with toe caps resistant to 100 J impact and 10 kN compression.
Selection must be based on the hazards identified in the workplace.
What are the main protective requirements of safety footwear?
Beyond the safety toe cap, footwear can feature additional requirements such as heel energy absorption (E), antistatic property (A), penetration resistance (P), metatarsal protection (M), contact heat resistance (HRO), and whole-footwear water resistance (WR).
The presence of these features depends on the model and must be confirmed in the technical documentation and applicable certification.
Does footwear tested under ABNT NBR ISO 20345:2025 waive the Certificate of Approval?
No. In Brazil, safety footwear used as PPE must hold a Certificate of Approval issued by the Ministry of Labor and Employment, in accordance with applicable regulations.
The buyer must verify that the CA is valid and corresponds to the selected product.
How do I know which standard requirements to specify for my operation?
Selection should begin by identifying the hazards present in the work environment.
Material handling tasks require attention to impact and compression protection. Environments with sharp objects may require penetration resistance.
On smooth or wet floors, slip resistance should be evaluated based on surface conditions.
Additional risks, such as heat exposure, fuel oil presence, or specific electrical property needs, should be analyzed individually.
Correct specification aligns each hazard with a proven protective feature.
Are two footwear models with the same certification equivalent?
Not necessarily.
Two models meeting the same standard requirements can differ in comfort, weight, materials, construction, and durability.
Therefore, beyond certification, it is important to evaluate the product's suitability for real working conditions.
Where can I check certification information for safety footwear?
Identification and compliance information can be verified on the product marking and in technical documentation provided by the manufacturer.
In Brazil, the Certificate of Approval can be checked through the Ministry of Labor and Employment's official system.
The check should confirm the match between the purchased model, the stated CA, and the approved protection features.