When you put your feet up at the end of a long day, you want to feel like you accomplished something. Tired, but satisfied. Ready to do it all again tomorrow.
But a long day in the wrong boots can leave you with a sore back and aching legs by knock-off time – if you make it that far.
Not all work boots are made the same. However, finding the best safety footwear for long days on the job is actually straightforward once you know what you’re looking for.
What difference do boots make?
Whether you’re wearing work boots every day as required PPE or only dusting off your steel caps for the occasional site visit, high-quality footwear has a lot of benefits. Your wellbeing tops the list, closely followed by peace of mind that you’re adequately equipped for whatever comes your way.
Safety
Safety footwear in Australia and New Zealand must pass the certification requirements outlined in AS 2210.3, the standard governing PPE on both sides of the ditch.
If your boots aren’t certified, walk away.
You are risking impact and compression injuries or the boots literally falling apart at the seams. Those are the standard tests. In case of additional safety requirements like Anti-Static or Penetration Resistance, you really can’t afford to take any risks.
Read more about safety footwear testing and certification requirements at BSI Benchmark
Comfort
It might not be age making your knees and back ache. Your safety boots absorb up to twice your bodyweight in force with every step. Properly designed work boots are lightweight and cushioned, reducing fatigue and improving productivity.
Steel Blue is the first safety boot manufacturer to earn Australian Physiotherapy Association endorsement. The APA only supports products that offer clear benefits for physiotherapy patients. With Steel Blue’s commitment on comfort and durability, the APA’s endorsement recognises the technological advancements of these work boots that help protect the wearer from stress-related injuries to the ankles, knees, hips and spine.
Longevity
You might be leaning towards steel cap boots because they’re cheaper. But if you’re replacing busted boots every couple of months, then the cost equation starts to tip in the wrong direction. Of course, it’s hard to know which pair of brand new boots will last the longest - composite or steel cap alike. But keep reading, and we’ll tell you what to look for to ensure your footwear keeps you safe with every wear.
Choices, choices: Here’s what to look for when you’re choosing new work boots
Most safety boot manufacturers offer a range of boot styles. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, however, Lace Up boots will generally provide better ankle support.
Pull On and Zip Sided boots are easier to get on and off, making them a popular and convenient option. See our Argyle® Zip Scuff or our Hobart Pull On boots.
No matter your requirements, there's a boot fastening technology to suit. You can even opt for an alternative fastening a high-tech fastening system made from aircraft-grade steel such as the Southern Cross Spin-FX™.
Top tip: Choose the boots you’re most comfortable in, but remember, Lace Up boots generally provide the best ankle support on rugged terrain, whilst zips are a great alternative for extra convenience.
Fit: Mid-Cut, Ankle, High Leg or Shoes
Just like the fastening style, safety boots come in a range of fits. Mid-Cut boots like our derby-style Whyalla boot are ideal for Carpenters and Bricklayers who work on their feet but don’t necessarily require the full support of ankle boots.
Of course, there are a few reasons why the majority of safety boots are ankle-high Lace Up boots:
- Ankle support to prevent injury and strain
- Internal tongue padding and collar on all Lace Up boots for comfort
- Laces to adjust tightness
Most workers find ankle boots provide better overall support for long shifts on job sites. Nowadays, they’re also more accepted in offices, with Tradies and managers spending more time behind a desk.
High Leg boots are becoming more popular among men and women working in environments like docks, oil rigs, or underground mine sites. When uneven ground calls for infallible ankle support, higher leg boots are best.
Top tip: Ankle boots remain the most popular style, although some Tradies prefer lower boots and others find high leg protection essential. Choose the right fit for your environment.
Consistent comfort
Work boots are made to be durable and rugged. But that’s only on the outside; there’s no reason your footwear should be uncomfortable even on the longest days.
Steel Blue boots are crafted from premium cowhide Leather that is ethically and environmentally sourced. The durable, yet supple leather assists with less break-in time, making our work boots comfortable from day one.
Make sure you have the option to return your new work boots if they don’t pass muster. Keep your invoice at hand and return the boots that don't meet your standards. As much as we are happy to help here at Taylor's, it's almost impossible to verify that boots were purchased from us recently without an invoice, or other proof of payment. Be sure to keep those important documents safe, or you might end up getting the boot - out of the store!
Top tip: Take your new boots for a spin. Get correctly fitted in-store, don’t forget to discuss your job and work environment to find the most suitable style.
Construction quality
Poorly built boots are, at best, a nuisance. But if they start to slip, are ill-fitted or not suitable for the environment, they quickly become a serious safety risk for yourself and others. Choose work boots that are built to last. That means:
- High-quality materials used inside and out
- Upper and outsole bonding meets AS 2210.3 standards
- Lengthy manufacturer’s warranty
- Specially designed for your trade rather than generic safety footwear
- Laces, zips or Pull On tabs are durable
Just like your everyday tools, work boots are worth investing a little extra. In the long run, that small outlay means longer life, better protection, and all-day comfort – and can you put a price on that?
Top tip: Look for a manufacturer’s warranty. That’s a sign the safety boot maker is confident their product stands up to Tradies’ tests.
Narrowing Down Your Options
There's a lot of different boots out there, many of which are high-quality and worth buying. However, you've only got at most two feet, so you won't buy yourself every pair on the shelf. But narrowing down your options is tough - so which style of boot should you get?
Lace-Up Boots:
The stock-standard option we're all familiar with, laces are the classic fastening style, providing a snug, comfortable fit. Because the laces run all the way up the boot tongue, you can adjust the fit to grip or loosen around certain areas on your foot and ankle.
All in all, Lace-up boots are the most common safety footwear style for good reason. The combination of comfort and versatility means they suit almost all foot styles. Use Steel Blue's Lacing Guide to find lacing techniques which can alter the pressure distribution within the foot and deliver a secure and supportive fit when used correctly.
Pull-On (Slip-On) Boots:
Easier than making a baby laugh, pull-on/slip-on boots are the height of convenience. With elastic sides and grip tabs, these might be the easiest style of safety footwear.
- Easy to get on and off
- Easy to pair with PPE or office attire
- Easy to walk and work in
Pull On boots don’t offer the same ankle protection as Lace Up boots unless you opt for higher boot styles like High Leg boots. The convenience and comfort of Pull On boots – plus the fact they’re very much in fashion, make them popular for agricultural work, general trades and occasional wearers.
Zip-Sided Boots:
Zip-Sided Steel Blue boots are one of the fastest growing styles, and they’re popular with busy Tradies for a few reasons:
- Quick to get on and off for safety purposes and for people on the go
- Convenient for people who need to change in and out of boots often
- Laces provide customisable comfort
- Lab tested industrial grade zip
- Velcro tab stops the zip rattling or getting caught
Side zips offer a useful additional opening for your foot. Fasten the laces to your preferred comfort settings, then use the zip to get your boots on and off quickly. They offer many of the benefits of slip-on boots and boast the advantages of laces too - an excellent option for many occupations (and the writer's preferred style!).
Steel Blue's Spin-FX™ Fastening System
There’s a lot of technology in Steel Blue Spin-FX™ work boots. The innovative fastening system by Boa® features high-strength lightweight laces made from 49 strands of aircraft-grade stainless steel wrapped in abrasion-resistant nylon. With a micro-adjustable fastening dial on the tongue, you can dial in the exact comfort level you require. Then, when you need to release the laces quickly, all you do is tug the dial. They designed the Spin-FX™ system for extreme work environments, and their improved ankle support and 100% Comfort Guarantee makes them one of the toughest boots on the market.
So, what's the best?
It isn’t a case of one-size-fits-all when it comes to your preferred work boot fastening style. The best safety boot style for you will be different to the next person as it can depend on your role, environment and usage. Even workers in the same environment will want different boots sometimes - it's all up to personal preference, at some point! The best way to find your style is to visit our store at 303 Taylor Street and try on our different boots in-person, for the best chance of finding the right boot for you. As great as online shopping can be, we haven't quite figured out the tech to let you wear the boot digitally, so come on in.
Of course, there's more than just Steel Blue boots available - we stock a wide range of boots from many different manufacturers. Whether you think you're better with Bata, stick to Hard Yakka, you're a Mongrel man or a Mack fan, and even if you've gone steady with Oliver or Redback - there's a pair of boots for you, and we're happy to supply them. Not all ranges are available online, but we stock pretty much every popular style in-store and can order all the rest on-demand. Just contact us!
