REDBACK BOOTS, OTWAY BOOTS OR ROCKY BOOTS - HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BOOT FOR YOU
When you're working with heavy machinery, on a construction site or just doing some repairs around the house, you need to have the right footwear. Not all work boots are created equal - some are designed for specific trades or environments. So, if you're looking for the best work boots for your needs, it's important to know what to look for. In this article, we'll discuss the different brands of work boots available and help you choose the right pair for your job!
REDBACK BOOTS
Redback Boots are 100% authentic leather work boots made right here in Australia. They are created with full-grain leather and feature a safe and comfortable design. Redback Boots were designed with hardworking Australians in mind so they are built to be durable, long-lasting and slip-resistant so they are perfect for any landscape. Come rain, hail or shine.
OTWAY BOOTS
Otway Footwear is 100% Australian owned, this means they understand the harsh Aussie conditions and create a boots line for hard-working Australians of any age. They source the best quality materials to ensure that their boots are durable and are perfect for any condition. From working hard around the farm to pottering around the garden and even simply jumping around in puddles with the kids.
Their gumboot range is made with natural rubber and generously lined with 5mm of neoprene, so they are splashproof and stay dry for longer.
ROCKY BOOTS
Rocky boots are known to be tough, perfect for the rough Australian outdoors. Founded in 1932 in Nelsonville Ohio Brothers F.M and Williams Brooks set up their boot factory and journey into the American hiking and hunting boot industry. Rocky soon became a world leader in premium-quality outdoor, work, western, public service and military footwear. To this day, Innovation, quality and durability are hallmarks of the Rocky brand.
So now you know more about the brands, let's talk about the qualities and features you should be looking for in a work boot.
General Quality and Features of Work Boots
As the name implies, work boots are made for working. They need to be strong and durable. Key factors to look for are:
- - Waterproof uppers – not necessarily leather, there are some excellent synthetic materials on the market including neoprene which is used for much of the Otway Range.
- - Good nonslip tread
- - Chemical and oil resistant soles (if you work in a Hazchem environment)
- - Comfortable fit – work boots come in different ankle heights that are more comfortable for some people than others. Whether a boot is elastic-sided, zip or lace-up can affect your comfort too.
Choosing Between Steel Cap and Composite Toe Work Boots
As well as the traditional steel toe boots, safety boots are also available with a composite toe. Composite toe safety boots pass AS/NZS 2210.3 Standard. They are suitable for many trade environments, but most industrial worksites will require a steel cap work boot. A steel cap boot will protect you against injury from objects falling at a drop force of up to 200 joules. They are also cut and puncture-resistant to saws, nail guns and other power tools.
Where you don’t need this level of safety, a composite toe safety boot offers a lighter alternative. Composite toe boots have the added advantage of passing easily through airport metal detectors and can be X-rayed. No metal also means they don’t send electricity and will protect you against spark ignition.
Choosing a Soft Toe Work Boot
A soft toe work boot is even lighter again. Some workplaces require you to wear close-toed shoes but do not need to be to a safety protection standard. Soft toe work boots are lightweight and flexible.