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. Colour options
Today’s workwear shows form and function go well together and footwear is no exception. The boots you wear during the day can be comfortable and fashionable enough to step on to any after work activities you have planned.
With the new Southern Cross Zip Slate safety boot, you choose premium quality, durability and excellence in design.
Who it’s for
The new Slate boot expands our selection of safety boots giving even more colour options to tradespeople so they can be both fashionable as well as safe and comfortable.
Based on feedback we found young, fashion-conscious tradespeople prefer trendy, neutral tone colours in their work boots to complement their work apparel, a growing trend from leading workwear brands. The new offering includes key stylistic features to make a fresh work boot for tradespeople.
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® chemical-resistant 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 boot feature heat-resistant Nitrile Outsoles and our standard slip and oil-resistant tread.
3. Women in construction
Female representation in trades, mining and agriculture has been too low for too long. Now the number of women in the trades workforce is rising, which is good for women, the workforce overall, and the economy.
Unfortunately, too many women working in trades are still working in ill-fitting safety gear, either because the options aren’t available locally or simply don’t exist. Without the proper safety equipment, women looking to take up a trade face very real barriers, not least of which is on-site safety.
Thankfully, the days of women resorting to “unisex” boots are behind us. Steel Blue is continuing to grow its ladies boot range offering boot styles to suit most industries.
Who it’s for
Steel Blue ladies’ work boots are engineered for comfort and safety, with a range of technical features specific to a woman’s stride!
As more women step into traditionally male-dominated careers, Steel Blue is here to support them. Our ladies’ fit safety boots are specially designed to be comfortable, safe and stylish for every woman – just like our men’s safety boots are for the blokes.
4. Fastening systems
Fastening choices for safety boots have moved far beyond lace-up and pull-on.
The classics are joined by hybrid lace-and-zip fastenings, fast and secure fastening innovations in work boot technology.
Who it’s for
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 odours, fungi, mould and bacteria.
Lightweight work boots for today’s trades
Whether you’re a Plumber, 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.
