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Australia has a rich history of bootmaking, with several companies manufacturing boots in the classic Australian style. This style, known as the elastic-sided boot, was originally invented in England in 1837 but adapted for stockmen's boots in 1932. Today, popular Australian boot brands include Blundstone, Rossi Boots, R. M. Williams, Baxter Boots, Redback Boots, Mongrel Boots, and Steel Blue. These boots are known for their durability, comfort, and style, and are often worn as safety boots, work boots, riding boots, or even for their aesthetic value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boot Type | Work boots, hiking boots, dress boots, riding boots, safety boots, steel toe boots |
| Brands | Mongrel Boots, Redback Boots, Blundstone, Rossi Boots, R. M. Williams, Baxter Boots, Steel Blue, Jo Mercer |
| Features | Waterproof, air-injected sole, slip-resistant sole, arch support, OrthoTec Air footbed, durable, repairable |
| Materials | Leather, suede, steel, rubber, polyurethane |
| Manufacturing | Handmade, family-owned businesses, made in Sydney, Adelaide |
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What You'll Learn
Popular Australian boot brands
Australia has a strong boot-making tradition, with several popular brands manufacturing their footwear in the country. Here are some of the most well-known Australian boot brands:
Redback Boots
Redback Boots is an Australian favourite, with a factory in Sydney, NSW. The family-owned company has been making boots for four generations, and their craftsmanship has earned them a global reputation. Redback boots feature an air-injected sole for extreme comfort and a slip-resistant design to provide anatomical support and reduce foot problems like fatigue and aches. The Redback Bobcat, available in various colours and styles, is a beloved choice for many Australians.
Mongrel Boots
Mongrel Boots is an iconic Australian brand that has been manufacturing footwear in the country since 1930. With an emphasis on workmanship, they offer a range of options, including work boots, riding boots, and dress boots. Their Zipsider Safety Boot is a bestseller, and they are known for their loyal customer base that values reliable and comfortable footwear. Mongrel Boots are crafted with attention to detail and are designed to provide comfort and durability.
Blundstone
Blundstone is a popular Australian boot brand known for its classic style and functionality. Their boots are constructed with a leather upper, elastic sides, pull tabs, and often feature a steel toe cap for safety. Blundstones are versatile, serving as work boots, formal dress boots, riding boots, and even favoured for their aesthetic appeal. The brand has become synonymous with this style of boot, and they are a go-to choice for many Australians.
R. M. Williams
R. M. Williams is another renowned Australian boot brand that adapted the Chelsea Boot design for stockmen's boots in 1932. Their boots are crafted with attention to detail and feature a leather upper, elastic sides, and the distinctive lack of a tongue, making them waterproof. R. M. Williams boots are known for their durability and style, making them a popular choice for those who work in hazardous environments as well as those seeking a fashionable option.
Jo Mercer
Jo Mercer is a leader in premium leather shoes and fashion-forward footwear for women. Since 1998, the brand has epitomised sophisticated style and modern luxury. Their range includes seasonal ladies' boots, combining fashion with function to inspire confidence and enhance the quality of life for their wearers. Jo Mercer offers a variety of styles, from high heel boots to leather loafers, ensuring that their customers can find the perfect pair to complement their wardrobe.
These brands showcase the diversity and quality of Australian boot-making, offering options for various purposes, from work to fashion, and prioritising comfort, durability, and style.
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The history of the Australian work boot
The Australian work boot, also known as the elastic-sided boot, is a style of work shoe constructed with a leather upper bound together with elastic sides and pull tabs at the front and back. The shoe lacks a tongue and laces and often contains a steel toe cap for safety reasons.
The design was originally invented in England by Joseph Sparkes Hall in 1837. The elasticated side design allowed for ease of wear without the hassle of laces, while still providing a firm fit. In 1932, R.M. Williams adapted this design for stockmen's boots, and several Australian companies continue to manufacture boots in this classic style today. Popular brands include Blundstone, Rossi Boots, R.M. Williams, Baxter Boots, Redback Boots, Mongrel Boots, and Steel Blue.
The Redback Bobcat is considered Australia's favourite boot. Handcrafted since 1932 at the Percy Street factory in Adelaide, the Craftsman boot is made from a single piece of leather and features a Goodyear welted sole, ensuring durability and longevity. Redback Boots are known for their air-injected soles, providing both comfort and slip resistance, and are worn as work boots and hiking boots.
Mongrel Boots is another iconic Australian brand, manufacturing footwear in Australia since 1930. The family-owned business is known for its comfortable and reliable boots, with the Riding Boot being a popular option for dress and everyday wear. Mongrel also offers a range of steel toe boots, including the best-selling Zipsider Safety Boot, which they proudly invented.
Another notable boot style originating from Australia is the Ugg boot, which rose to popularity in the 1970s thanks to the Australian surfing community. The sheepskin boots were initially worn by shepherds and sheep shearers in rural Australia during the 1920s due to their resistance to lanolin, which would rot ordinary boots. The earliest known commercial manufacturing of Ugg boots was in 1933 in New South Wales by the Blue Mountains Ugg Boot Company. The term "Ugg" is believed to have originated from Australian and United Kingdom war pilots, who laced sheepskin around their feet to ward off frostbite during unpressurised flights, referring to the makeshift boots as "flying Uggs", short for "ugly".
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The design of the Australian work boot
The Australian work boot, also known as the elastic-sided boot, is a style of work shoe characterised by its distinctive construction and design. Typically, these boots are crafted with a leather upper, bound together with elastic sides, and feature pull tabs at the front and back for easy donning and doffing. Notably, they lack a tongue and laces, and often include a steel toe cap for enhanced protection.
One of the defining features of the Australian work boot is its elasticated side design. This design element, originally invented in England by Joseph Sparkes Hall in 1837, offers several advantages. It allows for a secure and snug fit, similar to that of a lace-up boot, while also providing the convenience of being able to put on and take off the boots without the hassle of lacing them up. Additionally, the absence of laces results in a looser fit, allowing the foot to breathe, which is particularly beneficial in warmer climates.
The leather uppers of Australian work boots undergo special treatment to enhance their durability and resistance to various elements. This treatment makes the leather resilient to hot water, fats, and mild alkaline and acid solutions. As a result, these boots are well-suited for hazardous work environments and provide protection against potential occupational hazards.
The soles of Australian work boots are typically made from polyurethane. This material is known for its durability and ability to withstand wear and tear. In addition, some boots feature a Goodyear welted sole, which further enhances the boot's construction and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, a well-made pair of Australian work boots can last for decades.
One notable brand that embodies the spirit of the Australian work boot is Mongrel Boots. With a rich history dating back to 1930, Mongrel Boots is an Aussie-owned family business that takes pride in manufacturing footwear in Australia. Their commitment to craftsmanship and comfort is evident in their popular Zipsider Safety Boot 261020, which offers both protection and practicality.
Another iconic brand in the Australian boot-making landscape is Redback Boots. The Cloros family, fourth-generation bootmakers, produces these highly-regarded boots in Sydney, NSW. Renowned for their comfortable air-injected soles, Redback Boots are constructed by pouring the sole onto the boot, resulting in exceptional durability. The slip-resistant sole design not only provides anatomical support but also helps reduce foot problems, including foot fatigue and leg and back aches.
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Australian boot manufacturers
Australia has a number of boot manufacturers, some of which have been in the business for decades.
Mongrel Boots
Mongrel Boots has been manufacturing footwear in Australia since 1930. The company is based in Sydney and is an Aussie-owned family business. The brand is known for its comfortable and durable work boots, which feature an OrthoTec Air footbed and arch support. Mongrel also offers a range of dress socks and riding boots.
Redback Boots
Redback is another popular Australian boot brand, with a factory in Sydney run by the Cloros family, who are fourth-generation bootmakers. Redback's signature feature is its air-injected sole, which provides anatomical support and helps reduce foot fatigue and leg and back aches. The brand offers a range of styles, including the Bobcat and the Everest UEPU, a lace-up walking boot made from waterproof leather.
Blundstone, Rossi Boots, Baxter Boots, and Steel Blue
These are some other popular Australian boot brands, manufacturing boots in the classic Australian style. This style typically features a leather upper bound together with elastic sides and pull tabs on the front and back, with no tongue or laces. These boots are often known as "safety boots" or "steel toe boots" when they include a steel cap.
In addition to the above, Jo Mercer is a notable Australian manufacturer of premium leather shoes and fashion-forward footwear for women.
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Australian-made safety boots
If you're looking for Australian-made safety boots, you're in luck! There are several reputable brands that specialise in crafting durable and comfortable footwear for a range of applications, from industrial work to outdoor adventures. Here are some popular options:
Mongrel Boots
Mongrel Boots have been manufacturing footwear in Australia since 1930. Their long history and family-owned business model reflect a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Mongrel Boots are known for their comfortable and durable designs, such as the OrthoTec Air footbed and arch support, which are ideal for long days on your feet. They also offer a range of steel toe boots, including their best-selling Zipsider Safety Boot 261020. You can explore their factory in Sydney and witness the Aussie grit that goes into crafting each pair.
Redback Boots
Redback is another iconic Australian brand, with a global reputation for producing hard-wearing work boots. Their air-injected soles provide exceptional comfort, reducing foot fatigue and aches in the legs and back. The Redback Bobcat is a popular choice, offering both style and durability. The brand also has a soft toe version and a safety toe version, ensuring your feet stay safe and comfortable no matter the terrain.
Steel Blue Boots
Steel Blue Boots are constructed from premium materials, ensuring you can perform at your best. Their work boots feature the Trisole® Comfort Technology soling system, providing a foundation for your whole body. Endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), Steel Blue Boots are designed to keep your feet, knees, hips, and spine protected from stress-related injuries. They offer a 30-Day 100% Comfort Guarantee, so you can trust that your safety and comfort are their top priorities.
R.M. Williams Craftsman Boots
The R.M. Williams Craftsman boots offer a distinctive style and durability. The Comfort Craftsman version features a hard-wearing rubber sole, making it a versatile choice for daily wear. With its unique shape and long-lasting construction, this boot is a popular option for those seeking both fashion and function.
When it comes to Australian-made safety boots, you have a variety of excellent options to choose from. Each brand showcases a dedication to quality, comfort, and durability, ensuring your feet stay protected and supported during any task or adventure.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular Australian boot brands include Blundstone, Rossi Boots, R. M. Williams, Baxter Boots, Redback Boots, Mongrel Boots, and Steel Blue.
Australian work boots are typically constructed with a leather upper bound together with elastic sides and pull tabs on the front and back of the boot. They do not have a tongue or laces and often contain a steel toe cap for safety reasons.
Some popular styles of Australian-made boots include the Redback Bobcat, the Everest UEPU, and the Mongrel Riding Boot.
