Safety boot ratings can be confusing, especially when product labels include codes such as SB, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, SRC, WR, HRO or CI. Each code tells you something important about the protection the footwear provides, from toe protection and slip resistance to water resistance, penetration protection and heat-resistant soles.
Choosing the right safety boots is not just about comfort or style. The rating should match the risks of the job, whether you work indoors, outdoors, around sharp objects, on wet floors, in cold conditions or on demanding construction and industrial sites.
In this guide, we explain the main safety boot ratings, what the common footwear codes mean, and how to choose the right safety boots or safety shoes for your working environment.
What Do Safety Boot Ratings Mean?
Safety boot ratings are codes that show what protection a boot or shoe offers. Common ratings include SB, S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5, with each code covering features such as toe protection, antistatic properties, water resistance, penetration resistance and outsole grip.
The right rating depends on the job. For example, indoor work may only need a lighter safety shoe, while outdoor, wet or high-risk environments may require stronger protection such as S3, S4 or S5 footwear.
Safety Boot Ratings Explained
Safety boot ratings help show what level of protection a boot or shoe provides. The main ratings include SB, S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5, with each one adding different protective features.
