SAFETY FOOTWEAR
In this cold winter and spring we have used up all the wood I cut last year
and have been out logging and splitting wood to build a stash for next winter. It means clambering up steep slopes, bracing myself with a chainsaw or axe to cut the trees then gingerly carrying the wood down the slopes – you always carry too much because you want to make fewer journeys so the grip is important. These boots are astonishingly light, especially given the steel toe which, when you are traipsing around with logs on you shoulders, is a great recommendation. A small, but significant, advantage of
these boots is the laces. I don’t see any literature or bumpf that mentions they are different from other boots, but I feel they are. When you first put the boots on it is slightly finicky as the laces grip and don’t flow easily. But, the fact that they grip means they don’t slip and leave the wings on either side of
the tongue open, so exposing the foot - and they tie tightly and stay tied – I cannot imagine how many industrial accidents are caused by undone shoe laces. As I say, it seems a small point, but it is an important safety feature. Well, Steel Blue can take comfort – to coin a phrase –
that I won’t be excising the 30-day money back guarantee. I didn’t actually pay for the boots I was given to road test! But if I had bought them the guarantee would be safe. They are the most comfortable work boots I have worn. Fortunately, I did not have to put any of the safety features to the test – I didn’t drop the axe or misjudge a bit of chain sawing, but I was satisfied by the insert in the boot box that told me the toecap was impact resistant to sufficient Newtons and Joules
for my foot to be run over by a felled oak!
Trade Price: £39
Steel Blue™ Safety Boot approved by the Healthy Footwear Guide
The Steel Blue range of safety footwear has become established in the UK, and has now become the first brand of Safety Footwear to be fully approved by Healthy Footwear Guide. After rigorous testing by HFG, Steel Blue has become the first brand of
safety footwear to meet the HFG stringent criteria. The multi-award winning team at Steel Blue designed and manufactured the first premium brand of safety footwear in Western Australia in 1995 with the aim to make the world’s most comfortable safety boot. Since humble beginnings, the company has continued to grow to become one of the leading safety footwear brands across Australia. “We watched the safety footwear industry fight it out for years on the
basis of who could manufacture the cheapest safety boots – but it was the workers who suffered with poor quality footwear often worn for 12 to 15 hour shifts each day,” states Ross Fitzgerald Steel Blue’s Sales Director. “We had to work incredibly hard to change the mind-set of employers to appreciate that quality footwear with sport-shoe like comfort was worth the extra money spent. But we have succeeded and really altered the safety footwear industry in Australia.” All Steel Blues feature the unique Trisole™ Comfort Technology (TCT™)
soling system, an integral component of the design that has made Steel Blue renowned for their comfort, as well as the finest quality leathers and upper materials. Steel Blue styles are also evaluated by the American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) with regard to comfort and foot health, with all styles tested being awarded the associations ‘Seal of Acceptance’. A variety of men’s work boots and shoes are available that suit
construction, industrial, manufacturing, general purpose, chemical resistant, hiking/sport style and executive use. All styles meet European safety footwear standards and are made with water resistant leather, quality linings, and antistatic soling (and available in sizes 3-16).
Contact: Richard Chatterton, European Sales Manager Email:
richardc@steelblue.com.au Web:
www.steelblue.com.au
• Tel: +44 (0) 1536 722298 •
MAY 2010 • FOOTWEAR TODAY
• 27
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