Portwest Composite Leather Ankle Boot S3S HRO SR FO SC

The Composite Upgrade. Lighter. Smarter. Fully Metal-Free.

The Portwest FC38 represents the next level in ankle boot engineering. Taking the wire-lace platform of the FC39 and elevating it with a fully non-metallic composite toecap and pierce-resistant composite midsole, this S3S-rated ankle boot is purpose-built for workers who demand maximum protection without a gram of metal — or a moment's delay at the security gate.

Rated to EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024 S3S — the latest, most stringent iteration of the S3 standard — and carrying additional HRO, SR, FO and SC certifications, the FC38 is a boot that earns its place in the most demanding industrial, construction and high-security environments in equal measure. At the same time, its full-grain leather upper, wire-lace precision fit and reflective safety trim make it a boot that looks as considered as it performs.

S3S — Understanding the Upgraded Standard

The FC38 is rated S3S — a designation that goes beyond the already comprehensive S3 standard. While S3 requires a water-resistant upper and a pierce-resistant midsole, the S3S classification adds:

• Enhanced slip resistance (the 'S' suffix denotes SRC-level grip, tested on both ceramic tile with SLS solution and steel with glycerol)
• Metatarsal guard consideration in the rating assessment framework
• Compliance with the most current revision of the standard — EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024 — ensuring the FC38 meets the latest and most rigorous European safety footwear requirements

For procurement managers, H&S officers and safety-conscious workers, the S3S rating on the FC38 signals a boot that has been tested and certified to the highest available benchmark — not simply the minimum required.

100% Non-Metallic — Composite Protection Explained

The FC38's defining technical specification is its fully composite, non-metallic safety system — replacing the steel toecap and steel midsole of conventional S3 boots with advanced non-metallic alternatives that match or exceed their protective performance:

The composite toecap delivers the same certified impact and compression resistance as steel — protecting against dropped tools, rolling loads and compression hazards — while weighing significantly less and eliminating the cold-transfer effect that makes steel toecaps uncomfortable in low-temperature environments.

The pierce-resistant composite midsole provides equivalent protection against sharp underfoot hazards — nails, glass, metal shards and similar penetration risks — without conducting cold or triggering metal detection equipment.

The practical result is a boot that is completely metal detector friendly, confirmed non-magnetic, nickel-free and ferrous-free — cleared for use in airports, secure government facilities, electronics manufacturing, food production environments and any workplace where metal detection is routine. Workers no longer need to remove their footwear at access points or security checkpoints, saving time and maintaining the integrity of the safety system throughout the working day.

Wire Lace Fastening — Precision Fit, One-Handed Operation

Like the FC39, the FC38 features Portwest's quick-release wire lace fastening system — a twist-action closure mechanism engineered to deliver a uniform, all-over secure fit that traditional eyelet-and-lace systems cannot match. Tension is distributed evenly across the entire upper, eliminating the pressure points and loose spots that cause discomfort and instability with conventional lacing.

Critically, the wire system is designed for one-handed adjustment — making it an outstanding choice for workers who operate in gloves, those with reduced hand dexterity, or anyone who needs to adjust fit quickly mid-shift without removing PPE. One twist releases the system completely; a single rotational action locks it back down with precision.

A bellows tongue construction seals the lace channel against the wire fastening plate, creating a continuous barrier against water, mud and debris ingress — working in concert with the water-resistant upper to keep the interior dry and clean across a full shift in wet or contaminated conditions.

Reflective Trim — Built-In Visibility

The FC38 includes a feature absent from many boots in its class: integrated reflective trim that enhances wearer visibility in low-light conditions. For workers on early morning starts, late finishes, twilight outdoor environments or anywhere high-visibility is a site requirement, the reflective detailing provides an additional passive safety layer built directly into the boot — no separate hi-vis additions required.

HRO, SR, FO, SC — Certified for Challenging Environments

Beyond the S3S base rating, the FC38's additional certifications cover a broad spectrum of workplace hazards:

Full standard: EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024

The HRO-rated outsole withstands direct contact with surfaces up to 300°C, qualifying the FC38 for use in welding, foundry, glass and metal fabrication environments where standard outsoles would soften, degrade and fail. The engineered tread pattern is designed not only for certified slip resistance but for agility on uneven terrain — channelling surface contaminants away from the contact area to maintain grip in the kind of unpredictable, mixed-surface conditions common across construction and industrial sites.

Full-Grain Leather Upper — Built to Last

The FC38's full-grain leather upper is inherently oil and water resistant at the surface level, providing a robust first line of defence against the wet and contaminated conditions that damage footwear prematurely. Full-grain leather retains the complete outer layer of the hide — the densest, most durable part — meaning the FC38's upper resists abrasion and surface wear far more effectively than split or corrected-grain leather alternatives.

The upper is complemented by a protective scuff cap over the toecap zone, reinforcing the highest-wear area of the boot against the surface abrasion that degrades appearance and structural integrity over time.

All-Day Comfort System

The FC38's comfort engineering matches its protection credentials:

A premium EVA comfort footbed provides serious cushioning underfoot, absorbing pressure and shock during extended standing and walking on hard industrial floors. EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) is chosen for its combination of lightweight cushioning and resilience — it compresses to absorb impact and returns to shape, maintaining cushioning performance over time rather than packing out like lesser foam compounds.

An energy absorbing heel seat further cushions each footfall, reducing cumulative joint strain over the course of a long shift. Above the sole unit, a padded collar and padded tongue deliver soft, comfortable contact at the ankle and instep — the two areas most prone to rubbing and pressure during dynamic movement.

The angled top line follows the natural contour of the ankle, reducing cuff pressure and allowing greater leg flexibility — particularly beneficial for workers who crouch, climb or work in confined positions. A back pull-tab makes getting the boot on and off quick and effortless, even with work gloves on. The dual density PU/rubber sole unit combines lightweight polyurethane cushioning with a durable rubber outsole for a foundation that absorbs impact without sacrificing outsole longevity.

Key Features at a Glance

• ✅S3S Rated — the highest current S3-class standard under EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024
• ✅Composite Toecap — lightweight, non-metallic impact and compression protection
• ✅Composite Pierce-Resistant Midsole — non-metallic underfoot hazard defence
• ✅100% Metal Detector Friendly — non-magnetic, nickel and ferrous free
• ✅Wire Lace Fastening System — one-handed, quick-release precision fit
• ✅HRO Outsole — heat resistant to 300°C contact temperature
• ✅SR Slip-Resistant — SRC-level grip on wet and greasy surfaces
• ✅Fuel & Oil Resistant Outsole (FO)
• ✅Scuff Cap (SC) — additional toecap abrasion protection
• ✅Reflective Trim — enhanced low-light visibility
• ✅Full-Grain Leather Upper — oil and water resistant, long-lasting durability
• ✅Bellows Tongue — superior water and debris ingress resistance
• ✅Padded Collar & Padded Tongue — all-day ankle and instep comfort
• ✅Premium EVA Anti-Fatigue Footbed
• ✅Energy Absorbing Heel Seat
• ✅Back Pull-Tab — easy on, easy off
• ✅Angled Top Line — anatomical fit, improved leg flexibility
• ✅Dual Density PU/Rubber Sole Unit
• ✅Anti-Static — dissipates electrostatic charge buildup
• ✅CE Certified
• ✅ Available in Black

FC38 vs FC39 — Which Boot Is Right for You?

Both the FC38 and FC39 share Portwest's wire-lace platform and S3-class certification, but serve distinctly different needs:

Choose the FC38 if you work in metal-detection-controlled environments, need the lightest possible toecap protection, or work in cold conditions where steel transfers temperature uncomfortably. Choose the FC39 if you prefer traditional steel protection at a slightly lower price point and do not require full metal-free construction.

Who Is the FC38 For?

The Portwest FC38 is the composite boot of choice for workers across a wide range of high-demand industries:

• Airports & secure facilities — fully metal detector cleared with S3S protection
• Electronics & semiconductor manufacturing — composite, anti-static, fully non-metallic
• Food production & processing — metal detector safe, easy-clean leather upper
• Welding, foundry & fabrication — HRO outsole for 300°C heat contact resistance
• Construction & civil engineering — S3S rated with agility tread on uneven terrain
• Oil, gas & petrochemical — FO-rated, anti-static, slip-resistant
• Utilities & highways maintenance — reflective trim for low-light visibility