FAQ – Frequently asked questions

We answer the most frequently asked questions about safety shoes.

Where can I buy Lupriflex safety shoes?
We work with a network of retailers where you can purchase Lupriflex safety shoes. You can find the reference addresses here: Retailers


My Lupriflex safety shoe is defective and I’m not sure if it is a legitimate complaint.
Please show all defects first to your specialist dealer, where you bought your Lupriflex safety shoes (Do not forget your purchase note!). The specialist is your contact for such questions. He can best assess what to do or whether your shoes should be returned for repair.


What does the labelling mean at the tongue?
The marking refers to the categories of safety shoes according to the International Standard EN ISO 20345 for safety shoes.

SB: Basic requirements according to standard (incl. toe cap)
S2: Toe cap + Waterproof
S3: Toe cap + Waterproof + Protective cover + Profile sole
S1P: Toe protection cap + protection
S1: Toe cap
P: Puncture-resistance
E: Energy absorption capacity in the heel area
A: Antistatic shoes
C: Conductive shoes
I: Electrically insulating shoes
HI: Heat insulation of the sole

CI: Cold insulation of the sole
WR: Waterproofness of the shoes
WRU: Water resistance of the boot top
HRO: Resistance of the soles against contact heat
FO: Fuel resistance of the sole
CR: Cutting resistance of the upper material
AN: Ankle protection
M: Metatarsal foot protection
SRA: Slip resistance on floors of ceramic tiles with NaLS
SRB: Slip resistance on steel base with glycerol
SRC: Fulfills the slip resistance according to SRA and SRB


How do safety shoes differ with regard to electrical properties?

Electrically conductive shoes (symbol: C) are required when an electrostatic charge is to be reduced and dissipated as quickly as possible. The prerequisite is that the risk of electric shock can be completely excluded by an electrical device or parts carrying out the machining.

Antistatic shoes (symbol: A) are required when an electrostatic charge is to be reduced and dissipated, and the risk of electric shock caused by an electrical device or parts carrying out the process cannot be completely excluded.

Electrically insulated shoes (symbol: I) must be worn when there is a risk of electric shock, for example by damaged, live electrical equipment.


What does ESD mean?
In the case of the protection of workpieces and equipment by controlled dissipation, the standard DIN EN 61340-5-1 ( “Protection of electronic components against electrostatic phenomena”) applies. It deals with electrostatic discharge (ESD). The ESD range defined in this standard is, ultimately, a confinement of the antistatic range from the EN ISO 20345 safety guards. The lower limit of the continuity resistor is here 100 kilohms, and the upper limit is 35 megohms (3.5 x 107 ohms).

A shoe which is ESD-capable is at the same time also antistatic.

esd_piktogramm_miniConversely, however, not every antistatic shoe is capable of ESD. For example, when a continuity resistance of 100 megohms is measured, the shoe is antistatic, but outside the ESD limits. If the shoe has a through-resistance of only 1 megohm, it is both antistatic and ESD-capable. Safety shoes which meet this standard bear the yellow ESD mark.


What is the difference between safety shoes, protective shoes and professional shoes?
The difference between safety footwear (marking S, EN 20345) and protective footwear (marking P, EN 20346) lies with a lower protection level for the toes (protective caps). Protective shoes are practically no longer used today. Professional shoes (marking O, EN 20347) do not have toe protection. However, they have at least one other protective component (e.g. puncture-resistance).


When are which kind of safety shoes necessary at work?
Which safety shoe is required depends on the hazards that can occur in a workplace. Accordingly, there are a variety of protective components on shoes or safety-relevant requirements, such as puncture-resistance or cut protection which are coded in the marking of the models.


Who has to pay the safety shoes?
The law stipulates that the employer must provide the necessary protective equipment. (Germany) If safety shoes are required due to the risks involved, the costs are always borne by the employer.


How many safety shoes does the employer have to provide each year?
This depends on the use, the wear and the hygiene. If the safety is no longer ensured, the shoes must be replaced. If the shoes are defective, they must be replaced in any case. Where safety shoes are permanently exposed to a wet environment a second pair should be provided.


Is it also possible to wear private rugged shoes at work? What about sandals or flip-flops?
As long as the workplace does not require safety shoes, private shoes can be worn. In principle however the employer decides which shoes can or must be worn at work.