What are the Reebok BB4500 Work shoes?

Products & Appliances
Written By Piotr Czawa

A quick overview:

Why these new safety-sneaker types vs classic safety boots might be better (or worse)

The upsides

  1. Style / Appearance
    These BB4500 Work shoes look a lot more like sneakers or basketball shoes than your heavy, rugged steel-toe work boot. That means for people commuting (on transit, walking downtown, etc.), they blend in with everyday wear more easily. No need to change shoes when going from job site to coffee shop or public transport.

  2. Weight & Mobility
    Composite toe + lighter build means less weight. Easier to walk longer, climb stairs, move more freely. Less fatigue. For many users this is huge.

  3. Comfort
    Features like MemoryTech foam footbeds, moisture-wicking linings, lower bulk, more flexible outsoles make for a more comfortable walking experience. Good for long shifts or long walks.

  4. Safety meets usability
    They still meet many safety standards (CSA Grade 1, slip resistance, electrical hazard, etc.). So you’re not sacrificing protection. You might even get better versatility of use: job site + public settings.

  5. Versatility
    Because of their sneaker-look, they can double as casual footwear if needed. Less “work only” feel. That reduces the need to carry a spare pair, or change shoes all the time.

The downsides / trade-offs

  1. Durability in rugged conditions
    Classic safety boots are usually more rugged, with thicker leather, more aggressive soles, more protection around all sides. In extremely harsh environments (rocky terrain, heavy material, extreme weather), the sneaker versions might wear faster or offer less protection from e.g. punctures from the sides, ankle impact, or foot roll hazards.

  2. Waterproofing and insulation
    Many sneaker-style safety shoes lighter materials may not be waterproof, or insulation for cold weather might be less. If you’re working outdoors in snow, slush, or heavy rain, classic boots are usually better.

  3. Ankle support
    Even though high-top versions offer some ankle collar/padding, classic boots often have rigid ankle support and are built to protect from twisting, rolling, or lateral force. For people who need that (roofers, climbers, etc.), the sneaker version may be insufficient.

  4. Wear over time
    Cushioning and foams degrade; mesh and lighter components may fray. Maintenance might matter more: cleaning, drying, replacing insoles.

  5. Perception and safety code compliance
    Some worksites or safety regulations may mandate certain boot features (steel toe, height, met guards, etc.). Even if something looks safe, it may not be accepted everywhere. Always check with site safety rules.

My Thoughts

I like where this trend is headed. For many people, especially those working in less extreme physical environments, doing mixed work / walking / commuting, these hybrid safety sneakers are a game changer. They reduce the friction around “wearing work boots everywhere” and build in comfort and style without too big of a compromise in safety (if you choose the right model).

That said, I’d still keep a pair of more rugged classic safety boots in rotation for heavy outdoor work or really demanding conditions. But for urban commuting, mixed indoor / outdoor, light to moderate environments, the BB4500 Work line seems to hit a sweet spot.

If I were choosing, I would:

  • Pick the high-top if I’m worried about ankle or side protection, or if I have instability;

  • Pick the low-cut if I want more mobility, lighter weight, and less heat / bulk;

  • Ensure the specific model has the safety features required for my usage (e.g. CSA Grade, ESR, slip etc);

  • Consider weather (water, cold) and maybe combine with waterproofing sprays or extra socks in winter.

Where to buy in Canada

Here are some places that stock the Reebok BB4500 Work shoes or closely related models. Prices and availability may vary, sizes as well. Using product options with current stock is always recommended.

Here are some specifics:

  • Reebok BB4500 Work IB4132 – MisterSafetyShoes (Hi‑top): Composite toe, wide sizes, good colour options. Around CAD $164.95. Great option if you want the full high-top safety style with sneaker comfort.

  • Reebok BB4500 Work – Work Authority (Mid/Composite): Work Authority carries the BB4500 Mid composite toe version. More rugged mid-cut, decent price.

  • Reebok BB4500 Work Hi‑top – Amazon.ca: Often Amazon has competitive prices, fast shipping if available in your region. Good fallback if other retailers are out of stock.

  • Reebok BB4500 Work IB4162 – MisterSafetyShoes: The IB4162 is a different colourway / maybe slight variation but still safety spec.

  • Reebok BB4500 EH Black Canvas – Walmart.ca: If Electric Hazard protection (EH) is important, this one offers that. Also useful for more casual looks.

  • Reebok Composite Toe High‑Top Work Sneaker – OrthoticShop.com: Offers good comfort, possibly extra foot support depending on your orthotic needs.

  • Reebok Men’s BB4500 Work – Magasin Latulippe: Good for Quebec / French-speaking regions; local retailer; shipping might be faster.

  • Reebok BB4500 Work IB4132 French – MisterSafetyShoes: Similar to the first, just French product info; same model.

Also, these specific retailers also have stock:

  • Work Authority Canada has the model “Reebok Work BB4500 MID Men’s Composite Toe Athletic Work Shoe” for about CAD $164.99. Work Authority

  • Mark’s Work Warehouse carries “Reebok Men's High Top Work Sneakers” with blended leather/mesh, MemoryTech foam, CSA Grade 1 composite toe etc. marks.com

  • Elliott’s Boots, Saf-Gard, Mister Safety Shoes are specialty retailers who also list the BB4500s in different variants. Elliott's Boots+2Safgard+2

My Recommendation: Do I Like Them?

Yes — I think these are very promising. They are a strong middle ground between safety and lifestyle. For many people, the convenience, comfort, and lower social cost (i.e. not standing out in public transit) make them worth choosing over classic boots for everyday or mixed use.

However, if your work is heavy duty, outdoors, or in harsh weather, classic boots will still be necessary. So ideal approach: own a pair of these hybrid safety sneakers for most days, and a rugged classic boot for demanding conditions.

If I were advising my readers, I’d say: go try them. See how the fit is, try them on after work clothing, walk hills, test staircases. Comfort in real world use matters a lot.

Sample Links to Products

Here are direct links so you can check stock and styles:

  • Reebok Work BB4500 MID Men’s Composite Toe Athletic Work Shoe – Work Authority Canada (~ CAD $164.99) Work Authority

  • Reebok Men’s High Top Work Sneakers – Mark’s Work Warehouse (High-top, CSA Grade 1 composite toe) marks.com

  • Reebok Work BB4500 Work Men’s Safety Shoes IB4132 – Mister Safety Shoes (Hi-top / composite toe) Mister Safety Shoes Inc

Conclusion

These Reebok BB4500 Work High-Top & Low-Cut safety shoes represent a very modern, hybrid form of work footwear that nearly closes the gap between “boots only suited for job site” and “shoes you don’t mind wearing everywhere else.” For urban commuting, mixed indoor-outdoor work, or for those who dislike the bulk/weight of classic safety boots, they offer much of the protection, while being more wearable in everyday life.

So, yes, I like them — with the caveat that you pick the right specs for your work (toe type, slip resistance, electric hazard, waterproofing, etc.). And potentially combine with a more robust boot for the harsh days or tasks.

Piotr Czawa
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