O4, S4 or S5: what do these codes actually mean? These codes indicate the safety class of the boots. The main difference lies in the protection offered to your feet, specifically whether or not they have a protective toe cap and sole. The safety class you need depends on the risks in your working environment.
| Safety level | Safety toe cap | Anti-perforation sole | When should you choose them? |
|---|---|---|---|
| O4 | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Only a need for comfort, with no specific risk of impact or falling |
| S4 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Need for comfort and risk of impact or falling (sharp) objects |
| S5 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Need for comfort and risk of impact and falling objects + sharp objects on the floor |
An O4 work boot does not have a safety toe cap or anti-perforation protection. This class is suitable when you need a professional work boot, but there is no specific risk of heavy objects falling on your toes or sharp objects piercing the sole. A professional O4 work boot can still help improve your everyday comfort. For example, Bekina Boots’ O4 work boots offer more than comfort, with useful features such as waterproofing, thermal insulation and easy cleaning…
Both S4 and S5 provide toe protection thanks to a safety toe cap. This can be made of steel or composite. Both offer the same level of protection; the main difference lies in their weight and insulation properties. Composite is considerably lighter and prevents cold bridges, helping to keep feet warmer on cold days.
The main difference between S4 and S5? S5 adds anti-perforation protection. This is integrated into the sole and protects your feet from sharp objects on the ground that could penetrate the sole from below.
More protection does not automatically mean it is the best choice for you. Consider what you need.
If you work in an environment where toe protection is required but there is little risk of sharp objects underfoot, S4 may be perfectly adequate. Your workplace risk assessment determines which level of protection is necessary.
It is actually very simple:
No toe or anti-perforation protection needed? → O4
Toe protection needed? → S4
Toe and anti-perforation protection needed? → S5
Also consider other properties that are important for your work, such as comfort, grip, slip resistance and thermal insulation. This way, you are not choosing solely based on the safety class, but selecting a boot that is truly suited to your working environment.
Questions? Let us know.
Need a new pair of boots? Have a look at the Bekina Boots' range