Thread: Steel Blue Boots

A few years back, I was needing a pair of replacement work boots. got a new pair of steel blues(steel cap lace ups) from the purchasing officer of the company I was working for. Found them extremely uncomfortable. So much so I handed them back within days and asked "you got anything better for my odd feet". Gave me a pair of blundstones(Latest style at the time).I trialled them out for a week,wearing them a couple of hour stints a day.These also were crippling my feet.Took them back to the PO and asked "what else you got".He replied "we're not a fashion store or shoe shop you know,it's steel blues or blunnys that's all we've got".The compromise was I went to a safety wear apparel store,purchased a pair of redbacks and was reimbursed by the co.Had been wearing olivers previously which IMPO are a mighty fine pair of boots.The redbacks were fantastic and ever since I've always worn either of these brands depending on availability.One thing to bare in mind when trying on new workboots,make sure you wear thick socks and do it in the afternoon. This is due to your feet swell a little during the day.
capt'n

As steel toed boots are my everyday workboots (compulsory in my industry) I have tried a few brands. I have been wearing Steel Blues for about 5 years and they are the most comfortable work boots I have worn. I won't be trying anything else when the next pair is due unless they change the design drastically.

Following a couple of decades on blunnies I am on my second pair of Steel Blues. While the SBs have started out more comfortable and supportive than the blunnies I found that they soften/loosen up a bit too quickly. Next time I think I will go back to blunnies even though the break in period seems longer.

I got a new pair of elastic sided steel capped SBs for $40 on special a few years ago, wore them all day most days for 3 years. Very comfortable. Came time to replace them - $150! - but didn't hesitate. A good leather dressing every month or so.

On my second second pair of SB, wear them everyday.

I am on my fourth pair of Steel Blue steel capped. They have all been very comfy with the exception of the last pair which do not appear to be as cushioned. I wear a half size and I wonder if the pair I bought had been in the store for a long time and may have not been the new improved type.

Another +1 here for steel blues. I get issued them from work and find after a week or so break in they are great and really comfy!

Another +1 from me too...

The SB's have been the most comfortable I've ever had. Well worth it

My last pair of boots I got issued before I quit Diesel Fitting about 5 years ago, were Steel Blue's, I liked 'em. Tried just about every brand before them, some were good, some were not so good, and some were just downright terrible.
I would rate the SB's in the top 90%.

After trying many brands, I'm now using Mongrel. They rae the most comfortable for me by far. And they're still made in Austrlalia.

Stewart

I have worn a fair number of different brands of boots over the years, Blundstones were always my favourite untill the day I forked out a little extra for a pair of steel blues to take overseas for work.
first pair lasted 12 months .. seven days a week, 13-18 hour days in the heat and dust followed by the rain and mud of the Iraqi sand pit .
second pair lasted even better. back in Aus doing a normal work week they are by far the most comfortable, lightest, and best performing safety boots I have ever owned. IMHO.

either way , its worth spending a little more on your work boots, as they can easily make your day a misery if they are not comfortable.. good luck whichever way you end up going .

Thanks for all the replies - really useful feedback.


Screwing up in new ways every day

Bit of a dig since it's a few months ago but thought I'd throw in a quck opinion if anyone digs it up.

My first pair of boots were Oliver, got them for only occasional use where steel caps were required and wanted something to wear in other jobs. They fit the bill, fairly low cut, no massive arch, didn't look chunky and looked just like a normal shoe when wearing pants. So something I could use for all jobs and could claim on tax.

Had 3 different pairs, all different revisions. The improvements were a different sole and better colour, from a purplish colour on the tongue to black, but the quality went down. My last pair were shocking. Some stitched on labelling went within a week, the toes had rubbed down to steel in only a few months and they gave me shocking blisters for a week or two until worn in.

Changed to Steel Blue for my latest pair, no blisters, much more comfortable, much more durable so far. Only con really is they are much taller boots, higher cut, which I don't like as much. I need steel caps every day now and they don't need to be as low key, so that's no dramas on that side of things.