When buyers search for Australian safety shoes, they often see two similar names: AS/NZS 2210.3:2009 and AS 2210.3:2019.
AS/NZS 2210.3:2009 was the earlier joint Australian and New Zealand specification for safety footwear. Standards Australia now lists that edition as superseded, while AS 2210.3:2019 is the Australian standard used for current safety-footwear certification. The older “AS/NZS 2210.3” wording remains a common search term, so both names may still appear in product enquiries and historical documents.
For distributors, employers and PPE buyers, the important step is to check the exact standard, product model and certificate scope before placing an order.
What Is AS 2210.3:2019?
AS 2210.3:2019 sets basic and additional performance requirements for safety footwear intended for workplace use in Australia.
The standard assesses the complete footwear construction rather than only the toe cap. Depending on the protection claimed, testing may cover impact and compression protection, penetration resistance, slip resistance, water performance, electrical properties, outsole durability and thermal protection.
This gives employers, contractors and distributors a consistent technical reference when comparing safety shoes for Australia. However, certification alone does not make one boot suitable for every workplace. The required protection must still match the jobsite risk assessment and project specification.
Learn more on the Safetoe AS 2210.3:2019 Certification Page.
Why Is AS/NZS Safety Footwear Certification Important?
Workplace protection
Australian construction, mining, utility and industrial workers may face falling objects, sharp debris, wet or oily floors, extreme temperatures and electrical hazards.
Certified footwear helps buyers identify which protective properties have been tested for a particular model.
Employer and project compliance
Under Australia’s work health and safety framework, a person conducting a business or undertaking, or PCBU, must decide whether PPE is required, select equipment that is suitable for the work and provide the necessary information and training.
Government, infrastructure and industrial projects may also specify recognised safety-footwear standards in tenders. Certificates and technical documents should therefore match the exact model, construction and version being supplied.
More reliable PPE procurement
A recognised standard allows purchasing managers to compare products through documented performance instead of relying only on price, appearance or general marketing claims.
It also makes communication easier between manufacturers, distributors, safety managers and project contractors.
Understanding AS 2210.3 Safety Footwear Requirements
Toe protection
A protective toe cap helps reduce injury from impact and compression.
Steel, aluminium and composite toe caps can all be used, but the complete shoe must pass the applicable tests. Material type alone does not prove compliance.
Slip resistance
Slip-resistant performance is important on construction sites, factory floors, mines, refineries and other areas where water, oil or loose material may affect traction.
Buyers should check the product classification and test report rather than assuming every rubber outsole performs equally.
Penetration resistance
A penetration-resistant midsole helps reduce the risk from nails, metal fragments and sharp debris.
It may be made from steel, Kevlar or other composite materials. The required type should be selected according to the work environment and certificate classification.
Electrical properties
Safety footwear may be antistatic, conductive or electrical-hazard rated. These properties serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.
An ASTM F2413 EH rating, for example, should not automatically be described as AS 2210.3 certification.
Upper and outsole performance
Depending on the model, additional properties may include:
● Water resistance
● Fuel-oil resistance
● Outsole abrasion and flex resistance
● Heat-resistant outsole performance
● Cold insulation
● Heel energy absorption
● Upper-to-outsole bond strength
Safetoe integrates proprietary protection, material and comfort technologies into its safety footwear. Explore Safetoe Core Protection Technologies to learn how these solutions support impact protection, penetration resistance, slip resistance, water protection and long-term comfort.
Recommended Safety Shoes for Australian Worksites
The following models provide different combinations of mechanical protection, slip resistance, electrical performance and weather protection.
Before presenting any model as AS 2210.3 certified, confirm that the exact model and construction are covered by the relevant certificate.
M-8552 Waterproof Metal-Free Safety Boots
The M-8552 is designed for hazardous and oily environments.
It combines a full-grain crazy horse cow nubuck leather upper with a Sanvlar-Tex™ waterproof membrane, anti-fatigue memory foam, a VortiGard™ composite toe cap and a Kevlar penetration-resistant midsole.
The oil- and slip-resistant PU/rubber outsole supports work on wet or contaminated surfaces.
Listed classifications include:
● CE EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 S7S SR FO CI HI HRO
● ASTM F2413-24 M I/75 C/75 PR SD
● ASTM E2149-2020 tested antimicrobial lining and insoles
M-8025NB 18kV Electrical Hazard Safety Boots
The M-8025NB uses a full-grain cow nubuck leather upper, breathable BactiVoid™ sandwich-mesh lining and anti-fatigue memory foam insoles.
Its protective construction includes a VortiGard™ composite toe cap, Kevlar penetration-resistant midsole and slip-resistant PU/rubber outsole.
The product information lists:
● ASTM EH 18kV performance
● CE EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 SB PS SR FO CI HI HRO
● ASTM F2413-24 I/C EH PR
It is suitable for underground and open-pit mining, crushing and screening, mineral plants, refineries and smelting operations.
M-8356RB Electrical Hazard Work Boots
The M-8356RB is developed for power facilities, electrical substations and factory electricians.
It features a full-grain smooth cow leather upper, breathable BactiVoid™ lining, memory foam insoles, a VortiGard™ composite toe cap and composite penetration-resistant midsole.
The slip-resistant PU/rubber outsole supports industrial use. Its listed classification is:
● ASTM F2413-24 I/C EH PR
This classification covers impact, compression, electrical-hazard and penetration-resistance properties under the applicable ASTM system.
H-9552 Insulated Cold-Weather Safety Boots
The H-9552 is designed for cold, wet and oily environments.
It combines a full-grain crazy horse cow nubuck leather upper with a Sanvlar-Tex™ water-resistant membrane and 3M Thinsulate insulation for conditions down to -30°C.
The boot also includes a VortiGard™ composite toe cap, Kevlar penetration-resistant midsole, memory foam insoles and an oil- and slip-resistant PU/rubber outsole.
Listed classifications include:
● CE EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 S7S SR FO CI HI HRO
● ASTM F2413-24 M I/75 C/75 PR SD
● ASTM E2149-2020 tested antimicrobial lining and insoles
Safety Footwear Testing Videos
Testing videos can make certification requirements easier to understand.
Applications
Construction
Construction safety boots should address falling objects, sharp debris, uneven terrain and wet surfaces. Toe protection, penetration resistance, slip resistance and cushioning are common priorities.
Explore Construction Safety Boots.
Mining
Mining footwear may require durable uppers, penetration-resistant midsoles, water resistance, reliable traction and support for long shifts.
Explore Mining Safety Boots.
Electrical and utilities
Electrical workers should match EH performance, toe protection, penetration resistance and slip resistance to the exact project and local standard.
Explore Electrical Safety Boots.
Oil and gas
Oil and gas applications often require oil-resistant outsoles, traction, water protection, heat performance and durable leather construction.
Explore Oil and Gas Safety Boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AS/NZS 2210.3:2009 still the current Australian standard?
No. Standards Australia lists AS/NZS 2210.3:2009 as superseded. AS 2210.3:2019 is the current Australian safety-footwear specification, although the older name remains common in searches.
Is EN ISO 20345 the same as AS 2210.3?
No. They are separate certification systems.
A product certified to EN ISO 20345 should not automatically be marketed as AS 2210.3 certified unless the exact model is covered by a valid AS certificate.
Is ASTM EH equivalent to AS 2210.3?
No. ASTM F2413 EH and AS 2210.3 use different certification frameworks.
Buyers should follow the standard required by the destination market and project specification.
How can a buyer verify certification?
Check the:
● Complete product model
● Certificate number
● Standard and classification
● Technical datasheet
● Test reports
● Certificate validity
● Certificate scope
The supplied product should match the construction shown in the certification documents.
Choose the Right Safety Footwear for Australia
Choosing Australian safety footwear involves more than selecting a steel or composite toe cap.
Buyers should identify workplace hazards, confirm the required certification and verify that the exact model is covered by the relevant documents.
Safetoe supports distributors, contractors and industrial buyers with product recommendations, certificates, samples, OEM services and project quotations.
Wholesale and Project Enquiries
WhatsApp: +86 153 7535 4433
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Contact Safetoe to request current AS 2210.3 certificates, product specifications, samples or a quotation for your Australian safety-footwear project.
