Ever wondered what the labels waterproof and water-resistant really mean on a job site, and why they’re not the same? These terms might sound similar, but they offer completely different levels of water protection.
Under the latest EN ISO 20345:2022 standards, these terms represent different levels of protection. Let's dive in (without getting our feet wet) to clear up the confusion so you can choose the right safety footwear for your job.
In short: Waterproof safety shoes are built to keep water out of the whole shoe, even during long exposure to wet conditions. They carry the WR marking, which shows the complete shoe passed a water resistance test in the lab
WR stands for water resistance of the whole shoe. It tests the complete shoe in water, including the seams and the joint between upper and sole. That's why WR is the marking to look for when you need waterproof footwear.
WR is included in four classifications:
| Classification | Footwear type | Standard | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S6 | Safety footwear | EN ISO 20345:2022 | S2 + WR |
| S7 | Safety footwear | EN ISO 20345:2022 | S3 + WR |
| O6 | Occupational footwear | EN ISO 20347:2022 | O2 + WR |
| O7 | Occupational footwear | EN ISO 20347:2022 | O3 + WR |
The standard tests the result, not the construction. Common ways to keep water out include:
Non-wicking uppers actively repel moisture. Rather than drawing water into the shoe, the outer material forces liquid to stay on the surface where it can bead up and roll off. This ensures your feet stay entirely dry, even in wet environments.
WR shows that a shoe keeps out water, whether that's rain, puddles, snow or meltwater. It doesn't certify resistance to oils, chemicals or acids. For those risks, check the shoe's other markings, such as FO for a fuel oil-resistant outsole, or certification to a chemical-protection standard such as EN 13832.
Bottom line: If your job involves long shifts in wet or humid environments, such as road work, cleaning, or delivery, waterproof shoes are your best friend.
In short: Water-resistant safety shoes have an upper that resists water for a limited time. They carry the WPA marking, which is included in the S2, S3, O2 and O3 classifications.
WPA stands for water penetration and water absorption of the upper. It replaced the WRU marking from EN ISO 20345:2011. Only the upper material is tested, not the whole shoe. So with longer exposure, water will eventually get in.
They’re perfect for:
If you work primarily indoors, in dry warehouses, or in trade environments where water makes a brief cameo rather than playing a main character, water-resistant shoes will do the job.
In short: Waterproof (WR) shoes are tested as a complete shoe and keep water out during long exposure. Water-resistant (WPA) shoes are tested on the upper only and keep water out for a limited time.
| Waterproof safety shoes | Water-resistant safety shoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Marking | WR | WPA |
| Classifications | S6, S7, O6, O7 | S2, S3, O2, O3 |
| What's tested | The complete shoe | The upper material only |
| Protection | Keeps water out during long exposure | Resists water for a limited time |
| Best for | Long shifts in rain, mud, snow or wet environments | Light rain, splashes and occasional contact with water |
If you only work in light rain or walk through the odd splash, water-resistant shoes will usually do the job. If your workday involves hours in rain, mud or wet environments, choose waterproof shoes.
Yes. Safety shoes marked WR have been tested as a complete shoe according to EN ISO 20345:2022 and are designed to prevent water penetration during prolonged exposure to wet conditions.
WR means the entire shoe is waterproof. WPA means only the upper material has been tested for resistance to water penetration and absorption.
Not necessarily. S3 safety shoes are generally water-resistant but are not automatically waterproof. Look for the WR marking or S6/S7 classification for waterproof protection.
Waterproof safety footwear with WR certification provides the best protection for workers who spend long periods outdoors in rain, mud, snow or wet environments.