SRC footwear: what does it mean and why should you pay attention to it?

Every day in Poland, millions of people go to work without even thinking about what exactly stands between their safety and wet, slippery, unpredictable surfaces. The answer is actually simple, it’s footwear. But not just any shoes. But one that can withstand the toughest conditions and protect its owner at every step. One of the most reliable and recognised standards in Europe is the SRC marking. What it means, for whom such footwear is intended and why TALAN, one of the leading manufacturers of safety footwear in Europe, pays special attention to this standard we will answer in this article.

Safety starts with the sole

Work shoes are no longer a means of protection against dirt or impact. Today it is a technological product in which every detail is responsible for safety. The sole protects the toes, the insole protects against punctures, the materials of the upper are responsible for resistance to liquids. But it is the sole that plays the main role in preventing falls and slip injuries. This is relevant in warehouses, restaurants, workshops, car washes, construction sites and logistics from Warsaw to Wroclaw.

That is why SRC shoes have become the gold standard in anti-slip today.

What does the SRC marking mean?

SRC is the highest category of anti-slip properties of footwear. It is established within the framework of the European standard EN ISO 20345 (and the related standards 20346 and 20347). The SRC marking is only awarded to shoes that have successfully passed two independent tests:

• SRA – grip test on ceramic tiles coated with a solution of water and detergent.
• SRB – grip test on a metal surface lubricated with glycerine.

Only shoes that pass both of these tests are labelled SRC! This means that they are truly able to hold their stability on the most treacherous types of surfaces, no matter how wet or dirty they are.

Where is SRC labelled footwear particularly important?

In the conditions of the modern Polish market, protective equipment is increasingly demanded not just comfortable, but truly reliable footwear capable of coping with increased risks. The industrial, logistics, construction and food industries are actively developing and placing ever more stringent demands on the equipment of personnel. Slips are still the most frequent cause of workplace injuries. And here’s why:

• Manufacturing plants and factories. Oil, water, technical fluids on the floor, quite a common standard situation.
• Warehouses and logistics. Fast travelling, narrow aisles, rushing. The slightest slip can cause injury.
• Food processing industry. Meat processing plants, bakeries, dairies, kitchens, these are all places where there is a lot of water and grease on the floors.
• Car service stations and car washes. The combination of metal, water and chemicals creates extremely slippery conditions that are easy to slip on.
• Construction and Finishing Work. Even on a dry construction site, there are slopes, gradients and unstable surfaces that can lead to sprains and fractures.

SRC labelled footwear is a real guarantee that workers can maintain their balance in the most extreme conditions. These shoes help to avoid falls, injuries and downtime. This means that the health of your employees, your company’s reputation and your production rhythm are safeguarded.

Why are TALAN shoes SRC compliant?

At the TALAN factory, which has been producing safety footwear for over 100 years and is rightly considered one of the most reputable manufacturers in its field, the SRC standard is the fundamental principle behind most of our models. We believe it is a basic requirement, confirmed by laboratory tests, field trials and the trust of thousands of professionals in Poland and beyond.

What exactly distinguishes our SRC footwear:

• A special rubber sole compound developed together with European technicians. It maintains traction even in extreme temperatures.
• Deep and cleverly designed tread, adapted to different types of surfaces – from tile to concrete.
• Abrasion resistance. The sole retains its properties even after months of active use.
• Laboratory and field tests. We test each batch in conditions close to the real environment.

Our Polish partners are already convinced that TALAN products meet not only the SRC standard, but also the requirements of comfort, aesthetics and durability, which is especially important for the European market.

How to recognize genuine SRC footwear?

Unfortunately, there are fakes and products on the market that are not certified but labelled “SRC”. To choose a really safe and quality pair of safety shoes you need to follow such steps as:

• Look for the official labelling on the label or box.
• Ask for certificates of conformity to EN ISO 20345.
• Favour trusted manufacturers such as TALAN.
• Pay attention to reviews and cases of its application.

Therefore, there is only one way out. Choose only certified SRC footwear from trusted manufacturers such as TALAN to ensure that it is reliable and compliant with standards. Safety starts with quality and there are no compromises!

What else is important when choosing?

While anti-slip properties are critical, you should not forget about other parameters such as:

• Weight of the shoe. Our SRC models are weight balanced. Sturdy but lightweight.
• Ventilation. Even the most stable shoes should not overheat the foot. TALAN models have breathable inserts.
• Foot support. Anatomical insole and cushioning inserts are a must for long shifts.
• Waterproof. Our models not only protect against slipping, but also against moisture, which is especially important when working in wet areas.

TALAN shoes you can trust

Choosing safety shoes is an investment in your safety. And choosing SRC footwear is a step towards sustainability, control, and professionalism. Especially if they are designed with attention to detail, health, and understanding of the working environment.

In our TALAN factory we create footwear that not only meets standards, but also helps thousands of people to stand confidently on their feet every day. And we are proud that more and more Polish companies trust us.

If you need shoes that endure, grip, protect and last for a long time — you need SRC labelled shoes from TALAN!