Get the right gear for rainy weather
Your FAQ guide to water-resistant work boots
The rainy months are here, but work doesn’t stop for Australian tradies. With most of the country experiencing the heaviest rainfall between April and August, now is the best time to consider investing in more comfortable work boots for winter.
Women and men who work in wet environments like oil rigs, docks and farms already know the value of a solid, water-resistant work boot.
Now we’re letting other tradies in on the secret
The benefits of Steel Blue water-resistant work boots
- Keep you comfortable in all conditions
- Prevent bacteria build-up and odours
- Non-slip sole keeps you on your feet
- Added protection against oils and chemicals
- Lightweight and breathable
- Certified to Australian and New Zealand Safety Footwear Standard AS 2210.3
FAQ on waterproof and water-resistant work boots
What’s the difference between “water-resistant” and “waterproof”?
Water-resistant work boots keep your feet dry when faced with light exposure to rain, water and wet working conditions.
On the other hand, waterproof boots have an added special membrane to the manufacturing process that creates a barrier against water penetrating the leather. Waterproof boots are also coated with a seem sealing tape that prevents water from getting through the stitching holes.
Do I need waterproof or water-resistant boots?
Most construction, mining, transport and warehousing tradies will be comfortable with water-resistant work boots. A little light rain is no match for Steel Blue engineering.
Waterproof boots are designed for seriously tough jobs, including underground mining, wet and muddy excavation, SES and plumbing.
Are there water-resistant work boots for women?
All Steel Blue women’s work boots meet the same high standards as our men’s work boots, including water and chemical resistance, non-slip boot soles and superior support.
The only difference is that we build our women’s work boots on a female last for better support and a more comfortable fit.
Are all work boots water-resistant?
Most work boots certified to AS 2210.3 will have some water resistance. However, it’s the minimum standard in most cases. We take extra steps for the wearer’s comfort, like using waterproof TPU or Nitrile outsoles on all Steel Blue boots.
Some materials also hold up better in wet conditions. For example, waxy Full-Grain leather is naturally more water-resistant than Nubuck.
How are work boots made to be water-resistant?
Water resistance comes from a combination of design features and manufacturing methods. Steel Blue uses high-quality materials and construction methods to make our boots more water-resistant than other brands:
- Premium leather or microfibre vegan alternative
- Precision stitching
- Waterproof TPU or Nitrile sole standard on all boots
- Injection moulding method
Do Steel Blue boots require pre-treatment to achieve water resistance?
No, all Steel Blue water-resistant boots are pre-treated throughout the manufacturing process. You can wear them straight out of the box to work and be comfortable in any weather.
How long will my work boots remain water-resistant?
With the right care and cleaning, Steel Blue boots can stay water-resistant beyond the 6-month manufacturer’s warranty.
Can I waterproof my regular work boots at home?
Some tradespeople and outdoor adventurers swear by waterproofing treatments. However, the only way to ensure your boots are waterproof to AS 2210.3 is to buy waterproof work boots. Third-party treatments are not guaranteed to work with all materials and can ruin the surface of your work boots.
Are water-resistant work boots comfortable?
Water-resistant materials should be breathable and comfortable in light rain and slightly wet conditions. In addition to water resistance, our non-slip soles keep you comfortable on slick surfaces.
We’ve taken comfort a step further, offering a 30-day 100% comfort guarantee on all Steel Blue water-resistant work boots.
Get the best protection for rainy weather with Steel Blue water-resistant work boots
Visit a Steel Blue stockist to try on a pair of Australia’s most comfortable work boots. Rain or shine, Steel Blue boots help you do your best work.
