What should I consider when buying my first work boots?

When buying your first work boots, consider sizing, comfort, breaking-in period, fit for the job, and accessories. Work boots should fit snugly on the sides with a gap of about 1cm between your toes and the end of the boot, allowing for foot flexing. Comfort is also important, with good-quality work boots being comfortable from the start. Breaking-in period should be minimal, with the inner lining staying snug and cushioning footbed molding to your foot. Consider the specific safety requirements of your trade, such as toe protection, non-slip soles, anti-static engineering, etc. Accessories such as moisture-wicking socks, orthopedic insoles, and high-quality laces can also enhance comfort.

Is it better to buy work boots locally or online?

A local retailer is the best place to buy work boots as it allows for proper sizing and fitting. Trying on work boots with the socks you'll wear on the job will confirm the right fit, and taking a test run to ensure you can move comfortably is also important. Your feet naturally swell during the day, so it's best to try work boots in the afternoon. Steel Blue boots are available in half-sizes with a range of fastening styles for a tailored fit and come with a 30-day 100% comfort guarantee.

What should I look for in a good pair of work boots?

A good pair of work boots should have proper safety features such as toe protection, non-slip soles, anti-static engineering, water-resistant leather, and Trisole Comfort Technology to reduce injury risk. Consider the specific requirements of your trade, such as oil and gas, electrical work, or construction, and choose work boots that offer the proper protection.

What accessories should I consider for my work boots?

Consider accessories such as moisture-wicking socks, orthopedic insoles, and high-quality laces to enhance comfort. Steel Blue Ortho Rebound insoles provide enhanced arch support, weight distribution, and alignment.

What tips can you offer for adjusting to work boots?

Try work boots in person at a local retailer, wear work socks when trying them on, take a test run to ensure you can move comfortably, and allow for swelling by trying them on in the afternoon. Start your career with Steel Blue boots, the most comfortable work boots for hardworking tradies and apprentices, available at all the best workwear

Wear | February 2023

Buying your first tradie work boots

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A guide for apprentices and new tradies

One of the first lessons new tradies and apprentices learn is also among the most important:

The right equipment keeps you safe and enables you to excel.

Like any tradie’s tool, high-quality trades work boots are made of tougher stuff than the cheap alternatives. The investment is well worth it.

From your first day on the job, you’ll notice the difference a comfortable pair of work boots can make:

Better mobility
More stability
Sturdier ankle support
Less fatigue after a long day
Heightened safety
Reduced slip risk

A few months down the road, your mates will be replacing busted boots and complaining about lower back pain. Meanwhile, you’ll be energised and excelling because you chose the most comfortable work boots from the start.

What to expect when buying your first work boots

So, how do you know you’re getting the right gear? And where is the best place to buy work boots, locally or online?

It’s easy to get bamboozled by boots and branding. Use this guide to make an informed decision and buy the best boots for you.

Sizing

Work boots should be snug on the sides with a ~1cm gap between your toes and the end of the boot (or inbuilt toe protection), leaving room for your foot to flex.

You’ll notice the signs of poorly fitted work boots straight away:

Slipping
Pinching
Pressure points
Heel rubbing

Getting a true fit is an essential first step, which is why a local retailer is the best place to buy work boots. Steel Blue boots are available in half-sizes with a range of fastening styles for a tailored fit.

Comfort

The most comfortable work boots are the pair that fit your feet snugly, cushion your steps, and flex in the right places so you can move freely.

Steel Blue’s 30-day 100% comfort guarantee means that if your new boots don’t meet your expectations, you can bring them back to the point of purchase for a replacement or refund.

Breaking-in period

Good-quality work boots should be comfortable when you buy them. Don’t buy tight boots assuming they’ll stretch over time.

The upper leather might give a little as you work. However, the inner lining should stay snug while the cushioning footbed moulds to your foot.

Fit for the job

Most tradies need toe protection at a minimum. Steel caps are the industry standard, although composite toe protection is becoming more popular.

Beyond toe protection, Steel Blue boots have a range of built-in safety features:

Non-slip soles
Anti-static engineering
TPU or heat-resistant Nitrile outsoles
Water-resistant leather
Trisole® Comfort Technology to reduce injury risk

And if you’re going into a trade with specific PPE requirements – like oil and gas, electrical work or construction – choose work boots that offer the proper protection.

Accessories

The right accessories can make adjusting to life in boots that little bit easier, especially if you have podiatric requirements like arch support, pronation or supination.

Socks: We recommend a moisture-wicking material like bamboo boot socks to stay comfortable year-round
Insoles: Steel Blue Ortho Rebound® insoles provide enhanced arch support, weight distribution and alignment

Laces: High-quality work boot laces should keep your foot from sliding without being too tight

Tips for adjusting to work boots

Try in person: Sizing, fastening, fit and comfort can vary between brands and styles, so it’s best to try and buy work boots locally
Wear work socks: Trying on boots with the same socks you’ll wear on the job will confirm the right fit
Take a test run: With your boots on, walk, bend, step up and stoop down to ensure you can move comfortably
Allow for swelling: Your feet naturally swell during the day, so it’s best to try work boots in the afternoon

Start your career on the right foot with Steel Blue boots, the most comfortable work boots for hardworking tradies and apprentices. You’ll find our boots and accessories in all the best workwear stores, or you can use our store finder to locate your nearest local stockist.