Australia’s resources sector remains an economic powerhouse, employing 280,000 people and accounting for 11% of the country’s GDP.

New Zealand’s resources industry is smaller but still significant, contributing nearly $3bn NZD to the GDP with a focus on coal, gold and iron sands.

Mining, minerals and resources work in both countries is as diverse as it is demanding.

Every day, engineers, electricians, truck drivers, geologists, scaffolders, shot firers, geophysicists, and many more professions work hard to keep ambitious projects moving forward.

Mining work – especially FIFO (fly in, fly out) – demands a lot from tradespeople. So tradespeople demand a lot from mining boots.

When there’s little room for error and high demands on equipment, how do you ensure you’re wearing the best work boots for FIFO, mining and remote work?

 

What do mining boots need?

Heat resistance:

Everyone knows mining work often happens in hot climates.

But many FIFO workers, Fitters and Boilermaker roles require heat-resistant equipment. That’s why many mining boots come with Nitrile Outsoles, dialling up the heat resistance from 130°C to 300°C and adding more abrasion resistance.

 

Airport-friendly composite toe protection:

There was a time when FIFO workers needed to carry their work boots in a separate bag or take them off at the airport on the way to site.

But lightweight composite toe protection is changing that.

Composite toe protection has several benefits for FIFO workers:

  • Non-metallic toe caps
  • Can be x-rayed
  • Resistant to rust
  • Insulating for hot and cold environments
  • Lighter than steel caps

Composite Toe Caps offer the same 200J drop force protection as steel cap work boots while shedding weight and saving time at airport security checks.

 

Durability in remote areas:

FIFO swings last a week, often two, sometimes even longer. During that time, mining professionals work long days (or nights) on their feet.

All that standing and walking takes a toll. Only the best work boots made from durable, high-quality material can stay in good shape for 14 days of 12-hour shifts.

But more importantly, hard work takes its toll on the body. Steel Blue boots are engineered for whole-body health, providing men and women in the mining industry with the comfort and support to reduce the risk of back, knee, leg and ankle injuries. No matter how taxing your work, you're never supposed to come away from it aching and sore, and getting the right pair of boots might just be your solution.

This is especially important for women, who often have differently-shaped feet. Women tend to have a narrower instep with a smaller circumference, shallower first toe, higher arch and shorter foot length overall, which makes for a major difference in the shape of a boot. Getting a pair of boots actually modeled on a woman's foot, rather than a man's, can be vital for staying healthy and safe in the workplace. 

Impressively, Steel Blue is the only safety boot manufacturer endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) - meaning that these boots are uniquely qualified to protect you from the rigors of work.

 

For further information, read about what Steel Blue recommends for FIFO workers here