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FAQ

1. Standards & Safety

1.1: What standards must firefighter boots meet?

Firefighter boots must comply with the European standard DIN EN 15090:2012 to be approved for use. All EWS firefighter boots are certified to this standard and bear the CE mark.

When purchasing, look for the CE mark and the standard number on the shoe—only then is it officially approved for use.

1.2: What do the boot types F1, F2, and F3 mean in EN 15090?

The EN 15090:2012 standard distinguishes between three types of operations:
- Type F1 (F1A/F1B): Technical rescue and firefighting outdoors
- Type F2 (F2A/F2B): Indoor operations – the standard type for German fire departments
- Type F3: Hazardous materials operations with increased chemical requirements
The suffix A stands for lace-up boots, B for slip-on boots. Most EWS models are certified as Type F2A.

1.3: What do the abbreviations HI3, CI, M, AN, CR, and SRC stand for?

- HI3: Heat resistance of the sole (contact heat up to 300 °C)
- CI: Cold insulation of the sole
- M: Metatarsal protection (top of the foot)
- AN: Ankle protection
- CR: Cut resistance of the upper material
- SRC: Highest slip resistance on wet concrete and oil

1.4: What are Cut Protection Levels 1, 2, and 3?

Cut protection in accordance with EN ISO 17249 protects against chainsaw cuts:
- Level 1: up to 20 m/s chain speed
- Level 2: up to 24 m/s
- Level 3: up to 28 m/s – highest class
EWS offers models with Level 3 cut protection (e.g., DYNAMIC FIRE 21209, HYBRID 21429, PROFI PREMIUM 9899).

Cut protection level 3 is recommended for wildfire and forestry operations.

1.5: Are firefighter boots also S3 safety shoes?

Firefighter boots compliant with EN 15090 meet all essential requirements of the S3 standard: toe cap (200 joules), puncture resistance, antistatic properties, energy absorption in the heel area, and shaft height—and exceed these requirements in many respects (flame resistance, radiant heat resistance, cut resistance).

Nevertheless, they cannot be designated as S3 at the same time, as both certifications are based on different standards and are issued by separate testing bodies. For firefighting service, EN 15090:2012 is the sole applicable requirement.

1.6: What has changed with the new standard EN ISO 20345:2022 + A1:2024—what do S3 and S7 mean now?

The new standard EN ISO 20345:2022 + A1:2024 has replaced the previous EN ISO 20345:2011 and introduces an important change to the protection classes:

Old standard (2011) - S3: Puncture resistance + Water resistance (upper side)

New standard (2022/2024) - S3: Puncture resistance WITHOUT waterproofing
New standard (2022/2024) - S7: Puncture resistance WITH waterproofing (corresponds to the previous S3)

Practical implications: Anyone purchasing or procuring waterproof safety shoes with puncture protection in the future should look for the S7 marking. Under the new standard, an S3 rating no longer automatically means the shoe is waterproof.
When making a purchase, check the certification date or the standard version on the shoe or in the product data sheet.

Existing S3 shoes will not lose their certification—the change applies only to newly certified products. If you are unsure about the version of the standard that applies to your model, please feel free to contact us.

1.7: What standard applies to emergency medical services footwear?

EWS emergency medical service shoes are certified according to EN ISO 20345 (safety footwear). Depending on the model and certification date, either the 2011 standard or the new 2022/2024 version applies. Relevant features include a steel toe cap (200 J), puncture resistance, antistatic properties, and, if required, waterproofing (S7 according to the new standard).

2. Models & Selection

2.1: What lines of firefighter boots does EWS offer?

- DYNAMIC FIRE Series: Modern lace-up boots with hybrid construction, membrane, and optional Level 3 cut protection (models 2120, 2122, 2140, HYBRID 2142/21429, 21209)
- PROFI Entry-Level Series: Classic leather boots (PROFI 9210, PROFI MEMBRANE 9220, PROFI XL 9215/9225
- PROFI EXCLUSIV 9205-1, 9205-2, 9205-99, PROFI PREMIUM 9820/9899)
- JuniorFIRE 2007: Specifically for youth fire departments
- PINK FIRE: Models in pink for female firefighters (21203, 21223)

2.2: What is the difference between DYNAMIC FIRE and PROFI boots?

DYNAMIC FIRE: Modern, lightweight construction (leather), optimized mobility, modern quick-release fastener. Ideal for comfort and flexibility in the field.
PROFI Boots: Profi is the entry-level series, and Profi Exklusiv / Premium are the higher-quality versions. Classic full-leather design—robust, durable, easy to maintain. Proven by German fire departments. Models with the MEMBRANE option are additionally waterproof.

2.3: Which EWS boot is suitable for wildland firefighting?

Recommended with Cut Protection Level 3:
- DYNAMIC FIRE 21209 - Lace-up boots, Cut Protection Level 3
- PROFI EXCLUSIV MEMBRAN 9205-99 - With membrane, Cut Protection Level 3

2.4: Are there EWS boots for the youth fire department?

Yes: JuniorFIRE 2007 and Youth Firefighter Boots 9207—for smaller shoe sizes from size 34 to 53, meeting all necessary safety requirements.

2.5: Are EWS boots made in Germany?

EWS - The Shoe Factory is based in Lutherstadt Eisleben, Saxony-Anhalt, and has been manufacturing shoes for over 80 years (since 1945). Production and quality control are carried out in accordance with German standards.

3. Fit & Sizes

3.1: How do I find my correct boot size?

EWS offers a foot measurement chart for download. Alternatively, check out our new Fit Guide. Measure your foot length in the evening (feet are at their largest in the evening).
- EWS Fit Guide (extra width system) as a PDF download

Measure both feet - many people have feet of different sizes. Use the larger foot as a guide.

3.2: Are there EWS boots for wide feet?

Yes, some models are designed for wider feet. EWS also offers custom-made boots for individual adjustments. Please use our Fit Guide for this. All membrane boots in the online store are available in width 12.

3.3: Do new firefighter boots need to be broken in?

New leather boots should be broken in gradually. DYNAMIC FIRE boots are more flexible right from the start and require less break-in time.

3.4: What kind of socks should I wear with firefighter boots?

We recommend firefighter performance socks for use in the field. These socks regulate temperature, wick away moisture, and protect against heat transfer. You can find them under "Accessories."

4. Care & Durability

4.1: How do I properly clean my EWS firefighter boots?

- Remove coarse dirt with a brush and clean water
- Treat stubborn stains with a soft brush and leather shampoo
- Air dry—never on a radiator or in a dryer
- After drying, treat with a suitable leather care product or waterproofing agent
- You can find the right shoe care set in the accessories section

Contaminated boots (chemicals, bodily fluids) must be decontaminated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

4.2: Can I wash firefighter boots in the washing machine?

No. Firefighter boots should not be washed in a standard washing machine. Heat, mechanical action, and detergents can damage the leather, membranes, adhesives, and certifications.
Some models can be washed in industrial machines using the appropriate program. Please contact us by email for more information.

4.3: How do I care for leather boots over the long term?

- After each cleaning, rub in colorless leather grease or leather balm
- For membrane constructions, use only waterproofing agents that are compatible with the membrane
- Store boots in a cool, dry place—away from direct sunlight
- Check laces and zippers regularly for wear and tear.
- Zippers can be lubricated with silicone spray

Wooden shoe trees help maintain the shoe's shape and prevent the insole from shrinking.

4.4: How long do EWS firefighter boots last?

With regular care and proper use, EWS leather boots can last between 5 and 10 years. There is no general expiration date, as nitrile soles do not age in the same way as PU soles.

4.5: Can damaged boots be repaired?

Minor repairs (laces) can easily be done on your own. For more significant damage (sole, membrane, seams), please contact EWS Customer Service.
Boots with safety-related damage must not be used any further—the protective effect of the PPE is no longer guaranteed.

5. Ordering & Service

5.1: Can I order EWS boots as an individual?

Yes. EWS boots can be ordered directly from ewsshop.de - both by individuals and by fire departments, organizations, and businesses. EWS also offers small and very small production runs as well as bulk orders.

5.2: What is the delivery time for EWS?

Items in stock are typically shipped within 1-3 business days. For custom-made items or sizes that are out of stock, delivery may take an additional 10-14 days. Please check the information displayed in the shop under the item size for details.

5.3: Does EWS offer custom-made products?

- Custom-made products (non-standard sizes, widths, materials)
- Small batches for fire departments and organizations
- On-site consultation with the EWS sales team
Contact: +49 3475 9263-0 or contact form at ews-schuhfabrik.de

5.4: Is there a factory outlet?

Yes. EWS operates a factory outlet at its production site: Klosterstraße 18, 06295 Lutherstadt Eisleben. Current opening hours are available at ews-schuhfabrik.de. Registration is currently required.

5.5: What payment methods are available in the EWS Shop?

- PayPal
- PayPal - Pay Later
- Credit card
- Purchase on account (via Ratepay, for private customers only, subject to credit approval)
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Prepayment

5.6: Why is my purchase on account being declined?

Possible causes:
- The shipping and billing addresses must match
- Full phone number and date of birth are required
- Too many outstanding BNPL transactions at other stores
- A VPN or unusual IP address may block the verification process

Recommendation: Select "Pay Later" with PayPal - pay only after receiving the merchandise, with a 30 day payment term and no additional address verification.

5.7: Where can I find data sheets, certificates, and the EWS catalog?

- Data Sheets & Certificates: Download Center ews-schuhfabrik.de
- EWS Product Catalog 2026: katalog2026.pdf
- Fit Guide - Sizes & Widths: mehrweitensystem.pdf

6. Shipping & Returns

6.1: How long does delivery take?

Items in stock are typically shipped within 1-3 business days. Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking link.

For urgent orders, please contact us by phone: +49 7572 711036

6.2: How can I track my order?

Once your order has been shipped, you will automatically receive a shipping confirmation via email that includes a tracking link from the shipping carrier. If you don't receive it, please check your spam folder.

6.3: Can I still cancel my order?

You can cancel your order as long as it hasn't been shipped yet. Please contact us as soon as possible by phone (+49 7572 711036) or email.

6.4: How does the return process work?

You have a legal right to cancel your order within 14 days of receiving the merchandise.
- Boots must be returned unworn and in their original packaging
- Worn boots cannot be accepted for hygiene reasons
- The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs - EWS does not provide shipping labels

- Size exchange (same model): Exchange form (PDF)
- Full return / cancellation: Cancellation form (PDF)
- Further information: Exchanges and Returns
Please include the form with your package and send it in advance via email to: info@ews-webshop.com

Returns must be sent to the address listed on the respective form. Please note that the addresses may vary!

6.5: My package is damaged or some items are missing - what should I do?

Please contact us immediately. Document the damage with photos (of the outside of the package and the contents) and keep the original packaging.
Contact Customer Service: kundenservice@ews-schuhfabrik.de

6.6: Can I change the billing address later?

Changes can be made as long as the invoice has not yet been paid. Please contact us as soon as possible with your order number.

6.7: Where can I find my invoice?

The invoice will be automatically sent via email to the address you provided as soon as the merchandise has been shipped. Please also check your spam folder.

6.8: What should I do if I have a complaint?

If you encounter a material defect or manufacturing defect, please contact us with a brief description of the damage and clear photos.
EWS reviews each complaint on a case-by-case basis. kundenservice@ews-schuhfabrik.de

Please keep your receipt and the original packaging - this will make processing much easier.

7. Orthopedics & Insoles

7.1: Can orthopedic insoles be inserted into EWS boots?

All EWS models are approved for use with orthopedic insoles (in accordance with DGUV Rule 112-191 / BGR 191).
EWS has collaborated with Seidl to develop an orthopedic insole designed to fit all EWS firefighting and safety boots.
Your local orthopedic shoemaker can order the necessary blank directly from Seidl.

Further information: Orthopedic foot insert in accordance with DGUV Rule 112-191

7.2: I have a foot deformity - which boot is right for me?

EWS offers custom modifications as needed (e.g., hallux valgus, flat feet, diabetic foot).
Please contact us with your requirements at 03475 / 9263-0 or info@ews-schuhfabrik.de.

7.3: How do I apply for coverage of the cost of orthopedic insoles?

If required for work-related reasons, your employer or the workers’ compensation insurance fund may cover the cost of custom-made orthopedic insoles (DGUV 112-191). EWS does not provide any forms or information regarding this matter. Please consult your orthopedic shoemaker.

7.4: Do I need to order a size larger when buying insoles?

That depends on the thickness of the insoles. Thin comfort insoles generally do not require a size adjustment. Thicker orthopedic insoles (6 mm or more) may require a half to a full size up or a different width. Bring the insoles with you when selecting shoes and try the combination on.
Alternatively, use our Fit Guide.