FIFO and remote work: The best mining boots
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 are 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 makes mining boots different?
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 we outfit our mining boots 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 the 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
Steel Blue composite toe caps offer the same 200J drop force protection as our steel cap work boot range while shedding weight and saving time at airport security checks.
Lightweight, breathable material
Mining work involves a good deal of moving around in the hot sun. And for obvious reasons, flip-flops and shorts aren’t permitted around heavy equipment.
Innovations in work boot material mean today’s best mining boots are made with breathable, lightweight upper materials that balance safety with comfort.
Steel Blue boots go further, pioneering a moisture-wicking antifungal footbed designed for men and women with a top cover made from breathable high-wicking material, so your foot will stay cool and dry.
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.
- Trisole® Comfort Technology soling system
- Ortho Rebound® Footbed that moulds to your foot
- Shock-absorbing PORON® inserts
- Durable TPU or Nitrile outsole
- 30-day comfort guarantee and a 6-month warranty
Steel Blue mining boots are 30-40% more comfortable than other tested work boots for short shifts and long swings.
Specialised men’s and women’s mining work boots
Steel Blue is the leading manufacturer of lightweight, comfortable safety footwear for the mining and resources industry. From our most popular Southern Cross and Argyle styles, we’ve got the best work boots for every trade in the mining industry.
Browse our men’s and women’s work boots to find the best footwear for FIFO and remote work or visit your local Steel Blue distributor.
