Portwest FD04 Apex Composite Toe Zip Safety Boot – S3S Metal-Free Mid Boot

Portwest FD04 Apex Composite Zip Safety Boot

Metal-free protection, a quick-release zip, and a sole that handles heat, oil and slippery floors. It's one of the most versatile safety boots in the Portwest range, in stock at TAS Safety in three colours and sizes 3 to 15.

The Portwest FD04 Apex is a mid-cut safety boot from Portwest's CompositeLite™ range. The toe cap and puncture-resistant midsole are both non-metallic, so the boot is lighter than a steel-cap equivalent, won't conduct heat or cold through the toe, and won't set off metal detectors. The nubuck leather upper takes a beating on site, and the zip is quick-release, so you can have the boot on in seconds and off at smoko without touching the laces.

Why tradies and site workers choose the FD04

• 100% metal-free. Composite toe cap and composite puncture-resistant midsole. It's ideal for security-screened sites, mining and processing plants, airports, and anyone working near electrical hazards or in cold conditions.
• Quick-release zip. Lace the boot once to your fit, then zip in and out all day. There's a back pull-tab for easy entry.
• Heat-resistant outsole to 300°C (HRO). It's rated for contact with hot surfaces such as bitumen, hot work areas and foundry floors.
• SR slip resistance. It's tested to the latest EN ISO 20345:2022 slip method on ceramic tile with glycerine, which is the toughest standard slip test.
• Fuel and oil resistant (FO). The outsole won't swell or break down in workshops, on mine sites or on the farm.
• Dual-density PU/rubber sole. A cushioned PU midsole gives comfort, and the hard-wearing rubber outer gives grip. The engineered tread handles uneven terrain.
• Scuff cap (SC). A protective toe overlay stops the leather wearing through when you kneel, crawl or work on your knees.
• Ladder grip (LG). The shaped instep grips ladder rungs securely.
• Energy-absorbing heel and antistatic. This reduces fatigue and static build-up over a long shift.
• Water-resistant nubuck upper with a padded collar and mesh lining.

What the rating codes mean

Most retailers just list the letters. Here's what each one actually means for you:

Certified by Intertek Italia (Notified Body 2575), cert no. ITASLNB24005805.

Who it's for

Construction and civil crews, electricians and data/comms techs (metal-free), mining and processing, warehousing and logistics, mechanics and workshops, road and bitumen crews (HRO), agriculture, council and maintenance teams, and airport and security-screened workers.

Three colours, fifteen sizes

• Black: clean site-to-office look, hides grime
• Stone: light grey-tan, cooler in the Aussie sun
• Wheat: the classic tan work-boot look

Available in EU 36 to 50, one of the widest size runs of any composite zip boot in Australia. That covers smaller feet (many women wear 36–39) right up to hard-to-find big sizes 48, 49 and 50.

Why buy from Tasmanian Safety Supplies

We're a specialist safety supplier, not a generic online clothing store. We stock the full FD04 range, ship Australia-wide, and can supply bulk and company orders for crews. Not sure of your size? Message us your usual boot size and we'll match it to Portwest's EU sizing before you order.

Is the Portwest FD04 steel cap? No. The FD04 uses a composite toe cap and a composite puncture-resistant midsole, so it contains no steel. It gives the same 200-joule toe protection required of steel-cap boots, but it's lighter, doesn't conduct cold or heat, and won't set off metal detectors.

Is the FD04 metal free? Yes. The toe cap and midsole are non-metallic, which is why the boot is rated S3S. It's part of Portwest's CompositeLite™ metal-free range.

Does the FD04 have a zip? Yes, a quick-release zip. Lace the boot once to your preferred fit, then use the zip to get in and out. There's also a rear pull-tab.

What does S3S HRO SR FO SC LG mean? S3S = full safety boot with a non-metallic puncture-resistant midsole. HRO = heat-resistant outsole (300°C). SR = slip-resistant (ceramic tile + glycerine test). FO = fuel/oil-resistant. SC = scuff cap. LG = ladder grip. See the table above for full details.

Is the FD04 waterproof? The nubuck upper is water resistant. It's tested as part of the S3 rating to resist water penetration and absorption, so it copes with wet grass, puddles and hose-downs. It isn't a fully waterproof membrane boot, so for standing water all day, choose a gumboot or a membrane-lined boot.

Does the FD04 meet Australian standards? The official Portwest datasheet certifies the FD04 to EN ISO 20345:2022 (S3S) and ASTM F2413-18. Australian retailers also list AS 2210.3:2019 S3. (Verify with your Portwest AU rep and keep the certificate on file.) Most Australian workplaces accept EN ISO 20345-rated safety footwear, but check your site's PPE policy.

What sizes does the FD04 come in? EU 36 to 50 in Black, Stone and Wheat. Portwest uses EU sizing; message us your usual AU/UK size and we'll confirm the right EU size.

Is the FD04 good for women? Yes. It's a unisex boot, and sizes from EU 36 suit many women's feet. Its light composite construction is also popular with anyone who finds steel-caps heavy.

Is the FD04 heat resistant? Yes. The outsole is HRO rated for contact with surfaces up to 300°C, which suits road crews, hot work and industrial floors.

Which colour should I choose? Black for a clean look that hides dirt, Wheat for the classic tan boot, and Stone for a lighter tone that stays cooler in the sun. All three have identical protection.

Can I buy FD04 boots in bulk for my team? Yes. We supply companies and crews Australia-wide. Contact us for a bulk or account quote.

How fast is shipping? We ship Australia-wide from Tasmania.