The Best Safety Boots For 2024

At Everything Australian, we have been fitting Aussie feet in safety boots for quite a few years, so we know a thing or two when it comes to choosing the right boot. With so many choices on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is going to meet your requirements on the job, and which boot is going to be the most comfortable for you. 
 
But don’t stress! We have put together this convenient list of the best work boots available this year to make selecting the right boot a little easier. 

Firstly, how do you know when to get a new pair of boots? Here are a few signs that your current boots are ready for retirement:  

• • - Safety boots come with several protective components built inside the shoe. But that’s where they are meant to stay, on the inside! If you see a steel toe-cap rearing its head through the boot, it’s time to look for new boots.
  • - If the toe is dented it will threaten the structural integrity of the steel cap. A dented toe means it’s time to chuck them in.
  • - Just like with the tyres on your truck, if the tread is gone, your boots will no longer be slip-resistant. Your safety boots are no longer safe!
  • - If your boots are coming apart at the seams or are leaking it’s pretty obvious, they’re no longer protecting your foot. Time to get a new pair.

Next, check with your employer for any safety specific requirements that you might need, such as height specs and toe guard requirements. There are specific protection options for risks like Electrical shock hazards or exposure to heat or welding spray could mean you need a high heat resistant boot. Working on uneven ground could mean you need extra support in the ankle. 
  
Lastly, think about your feet. You’re going to need to be wearing your work boots for extended periods. If you have a wide or narrow foot, wearing a boot that doesn’t fit comfortably is going to get very sore over time. If you have a high foot arch, look for a boot to accommodate this or perhaps opt for a specialised innersole. If you have trouble with foot perspiration you need to be looking for a boot lined with a moisture-wicking material. If you have ankle troubles a higher lace-up option may be what you need to get a little extra support. 
 
Little things can make or break your feet after a long hot day. Here’s a look at our best safety boot styles for 2023:

Steel Blue Southern Cross Safety Boot

The Southern Cross is an extremely popular safety boot for all kinds of workers where safety is paramount. From miners working in Western Australia to the construction workers of Melbourne’s CBD, everyone loves their Steel Blue boots. Expect all the classic features in modern safety footwear including quality full-grain leather, padded cushion lining, an antistatic sole and of course a handy side-zip for convivence. But the unique feature of this style is its low-cut scalloped collar at the rear, providing more comfortable movement, while still offering exceptional ankle support with its 150mm height. One of the sturdiest boots on the market, these boots are tested to extremely high standards and are heat, oil and slip-resistant. 

The Southern Cross has styles dedicated to fitting both men and women and are available in a wide range of colours. And as a bonus there are certain colour styles that Steel Blue donate a percentage of sales to charities including Breast Cancer Research and Beyond Blue.

If you have a bigger budget and like the idea of supporting Australian Made, we recommend the Southern Cross GraphTEC safety boot. Proudly made down under, these boots also feature graphene in the outer sole and scuff cap, enhancing safety and durability. You can also shop the full Steel Blue range here.

Mongrel 561060 High Zip Vibram Rubber

Few brands have a cult following like Mongrel Boots, their customers are the most loyal we have come across. This is a true testament of the quality and reliability, their reputation well and truly precedes them. 

Manufactured in Australia, the Mongrel 561060 High Zip Safety Boot, is fast becoming one of our most popular work boots. Fitted with a premium Vibram sole, made from vulcanised rubber often referred to as “tank tread”, these soles have been a staple of high-quality mountaineering boots for almost 80 years. Recently they have been turning up in the work boot industry, and when paired with Mongrel's anatomical arch support innersole, produce an extremely comfortable and long-lasting work boot. 

These boots also feature a pull tab at the rear along with a trusted YKK side zip, so pulling these boots on will feel natural and will impress from the first wear. 

You can shop the full range of Mongrel work and safety boots here.

Redback Safety Boot Bobcat USBOK

The Redback Safety Boot Bobcat USBOK is the Aussie made classic that everyone loves. It has been our top seller for years, and there is a reason why. Redback’s famous air cushion midsole is so comfortable; it has gained a worldwide following. Redbacks are recommended by leading podiatrists to anyone who experiences sore feet, ankles, and knees. The secret is the shock absorbing air bubbles that have been injected into every sole that support weight and provide excellent rebound. Add to this all of the high-quality industry standards expected in Australia, and the ease of a pull-on, elastic sided boot, it's not hard to see why the Bobcat USBOK is such a little ripper.

There’s a general approach followed by most workwear brands to constantly evolve and improve the technology of their products. However, Redback don’t follow trends, they are traditionalists and believe that ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Their products might look a bit old-school, but trust me sometimes simplicity is best.

You can shop the full range of Redback work and safety boots here.

Hard Yakka 3056 Series Lace Zip Boot

Hard Yakka have taken style inspiration from skate sneakers with their 3056 Lace Zip Safety Boots. A popular feature of these boots is the wider profile steel toe cap, which gives extra space to those who need it most. The sports shoe theme continues with the addition of the EVA midsole, constructed from a high-quality foam that creates support and rebound, the EVA midsole is used by most leading sports shoe brands like Adidas and Nike. With the addition of memory foam insoles and energy rebound heel pads, it's clear these boots tick the boxes for comfort and performance as well as style.

Unlike the other boots on this list, this style is designed with a flatter outer sole, making these more suited for warehouse work, transport, or other indoor work environments. Although these boots are exceptionally lightweight, they're still made ‘Hard Yakka’ tough, with a dual rubber outsole and abrasion resistant scuff cap.

Available in range of both classic and unique colours such as Oak, Wheat and Olive, these aren’t some old dad work boots. Shop the full range of Hard Yakka Safety Boots here.

Blundstone 8002 Rotoflex Safety Boot

Blundstone in conjunction with the University of Tasmania, has invested years of research and development into creating world-leading safety footwear. And the result is the Rotoflex range. The extensive range includes different sole varieties, such as TPU, Rubber and Vibram. As well as different safety toe protection including both composite and steel toe.  
 
The Blundstone 8002 boot in rustic brown, is just a taste of what their Rotoflex range has to offer. First let’s talk about that rustic brown leather, the colour might look familiar, seen on Blundstone’s popular 585 lifestyle boot. It’s made with a water resistant nubuck leather and it looks bloody cool. But this boot isn’t just stylish, it’s also tough as nails. Built on a durable TPU outer sole featuring Blundstone’s GripTek technology, it’s oil, acid and slip resistant. There’s a broad-fitting steel-toe cap and an abrasion resistant toe guard. 
 
Made with a single piece of leather across the top, these boots will mould to your foot over time, making this boot comfortable and durable. This excellent all-round boot may just be the one you need. 

Shop the entire Blundstone Safety boot range here.

Here are a few honourable mentions for your consideration: 

• • - FXD WB-1 High Cut Safety Boot
  • - Mongrel 261050 ZipSider Safety Boot
  • - Blundstone 8560 Rotoflex Composite Safety Boot