If you've been comparing safety boots, you've probably noticed "SRC" printed on the sole or listed in the spec sheet. It's one of the most useful ratings on the label, but it rarely gets explained — here's what it actually means.
SRC Is Two Tests, Not One
Slip-resistance ratings come from testing a sole under two different wet conditions:
- SRA: tested on a ceramic tile floor coated with a soap solution — the kind of slippery surface you'd find in a clean, wet indoor area.
- SRB: tested on a steel floor coated with glycerol — a thicker, oilier surface closer to what you'd find around machinery or workshop floors.
A boot rated SRC has passed both tests. If a boot only carries SRA or SRB, it's only been proven safe on one type of wet surface — SRC is the rating that covers you across both.
Why It's Worth Checking Before You Buy
Two boots can look identical and both carry a slip-resistant sole claim, but only one might be SRC rated. On a site where you're moving between a wet tiled area and an oily workshop floor in the same shift, that difference matters more than tread pattern alone.
It's also worth knowing the testing landscape is shifting: the newer international footwear standard (EN ISO 20345:2022) is moving away from the SRA/SRB/SRC labels toward a single baseline slip-resistance requirement all compliant boots must meet. You'll still see SRC on the market for now, but don't be surprised if it's phased out of newer product listings over the next few years.
Where SRC Fits with AS/NZS 2210.3
Australian safety footwear is certified to AS/NZS 2210.3, which is based on the same international test method the SRA/SRB/SRC ratings come from — which is why you'll see SRC called out on the spec sheet of many AS/NZS 2210.3 compliant boots sold in Australia.
The Short Version
If your job takes you across more than one type of wet or oily surface, look for SRC specifically, not just "slip-resistant" on the listing. It's a one-word check that tells you the sole has actually been tested both ways.
Browse our Safety Boots range and check the spec sheet on each listing for its slip-resistance rating.
1st Safety is based in Auburn, NSW, and supplies AS/NZS-compliant PPE to trades, construction, and industrial businesses across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SRC better than SRA or SRB?
SRC means the sole has passed both tests — the soapy ceramic tile test (SRA) and the glycerol-on-steel test (SRB) — so it covers both types of wet surface.
Do all AS/NZS 2210.3 safety boots have SRC?
No. Slip resistance is marked separately, so check each boot’s listing or spec sheet for its slip-resistance rating.
What replaces SRC in ISO 20345:2022?
Under the 2022 standard, a basic slip-resistance test on tile is required for every safety boot, and an additional SR marking shows the sole has also passed the glycerol test.
When should I replace safety boots for grip?
Replace them when the tread is worn smooth, and keep soles clean of oil and grease, which reduce grip on any surface.