The safety boot innovations paving the path for tradespeople in 2022
Trades are changing, and work boots are falling in step with the pace of innovation.
Today’s tradespeople need work boots that work in building sites to boardrooms.
As new health risks emerge, safety shoes – being an essential component of PPE – should add a layer of protection for frontline workers. And of course, we can’t forget fashion.
These are the 5 work boot innovations setting the pace in 2022.
1. ErgoDefender™ Toe Cap
The ergonomic steel toe box design allows your toes to sit in a relaxed, natural position. No pinching, burning or rubbing. You’ll only know it’s there when you need it.
The ErgoDefender™ steel toe work boots are capable of resisting a drop force of 200J, 15kN of rolling objects, nail gun puncture and power saw cut.
Who it’s for
Our ErgoDefender™ steel toe cap boots are suitable for environments with nail guns and power saws. Steel Blue safety boots featuring our ErgoDefender™ comply with American Safety Footwear Certification ASTM F2413.
2. Enhanced chemical resistance
Modern safety shoe manufacturers have access to some pretty advanced materials:
- Kevlar fibre that’s five times stronger than steel
- Nitrile, a heat and chemical-resistant organic compound
- TecTuff® abrasion-resistant lightweight leather
Steel Blue chemical-resistant work boots employ these innovations to provide secondary protection against mild chemicals in line with international safety standards.
Who it’s for
Steel Blue chemical-resistant work boots are ideal for use in Oil and Gas, Chemical Engineering, plant work, and anywhere mild chemicals pose a health risk.
As well as using TecTuff® leather and Kevlar stitching, our chemical-resistant Warragul and Jarrah boots feature heat-resistant Nitrile Outsoles and our standard slip and oil-resistant tread.
3. Electrical protection
Steel Blue’s non-conductive footwear is designed as a supplemental form of protection to the wearer from hazardous step potential (the difference in electrical potential between the feet) while standing on the ground.
Keep in mind, Electrical Hazard footwear is to be used in conjunction with primary protective equipment in areas and environments where there is a need to reduce the risk of electric shock due to accidental contact with live electric wires. EH safety shoes should not be used as the primary source of protection. A variety of methods such as maintaining appropriate distances, use of isolation methods, use of grounding methods for step voltage control, etc. should be considered to provide protection.
EH Series: Electric Shock Resistant: 18000 volts at 60 Hz for 1 minute in dry conditions, leakage current of less than 1 milliamperes. Meets requirements for American Standard ASTM F 2413 – EH.
Who it’s for
Steel Blue EH boots are ideal boots for electricians, linemen, HVAC techs and more. The EH range of boots include the Argyle Zip, Southern Cross Zip and Ladies Southern Cross Zip.
4. Side zip and pull-on fastening
Fastening choices for safety boots have moved far beyond lace-up and pull-on. Think of the Steel Blue Zip Sided work boots as offering a useful additional opening for your foot. Lace them up for a secure, comfortable fit, then leave the laces tied and use the side zips for quick, easy access.
Steel Blue offers another quick access style of work boot in our Pull On range. Featuring an elastic side, Pull On work boots provide added convenience and are popular in general trades, as well as rural and agricultural industries.
The classics are joined by hybrid lace-and-zip fastenings.
Who it’s for
Pull-on work boots are back in fashion (not that they ever really left).
That’s great news for modern tradespeople who work between offices and job sites or have client meetings throughout the day.
5. Antibacterial and antifungal treatment
Rounding out our list of work boot innovations is an invisible – but essential – bioscience application.
Thanks to an exclusive agreement with Fresche Bioscience®, all Steel Blue boots are now treated with an antibacterial and antifungal lining.
Who it’s for
We are already applying the Fresche Quatlock™ treatment to our entire work boot range .
The environmentally responsible solution guards against odors, fungi, mold and bacteria.
Lightweight work boots for today’s trades
Whether you’re a Paramedic, Plumber, Mining Engineer or Maintenance worker, the skills you bring to your trade demand quality equipment.
Steel Blue work boots feature layers of innovation so you can excel every day and stay comfortable on the job.
Explore the full range of work boots or visit a Steel Blue stockist to find your fit.
