ATOM Blog

Steel Blue: Leaders in Work Safety Boots

Written by ATOM | Aug 19, 2022 4:12:48 AM

 

Steel Blue is an Australian owned and designed safety footwear company that has grown to become Australia’s leading manufacturer of work and safety boots. Steel Blue work boots are constructed with premium materials to ensure workers always perform at their best. Their Trisole® Comfort Technology soiling system is a foundation for the whole body and are the only boots endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). This endorsement recognises the technological advancements of Steel Blue's boots as they are designed to protect workers from stress-related injuries to their ankles, knees, hips and spines. 

 

Steel Blue boots are leading the way in technology, developing a world-first GraphTEC® range which features a Graphene enhanced scuff cap and outsole for unmatched protection. Partnering with West Australian based company, First Graphene, Steel Blue was able to create a range of safety boots that offer increased durability and additional strength without sacrificing the look or feel of their ever-popular Southern Cross® range. First Graphene, produces a pure Graphene powder, PureGRAPH®. Graphene is one of the most impermeable semi metals discovered to date. It is a million times thinner than a piece of paper, superior in strength compared to that of diamonds and 200 times stronger than steel with solid carbon-carbon bonds. When added to the TPU outsole and scuff cap of Steel Blue boots, it’s able to provide a 200% increase in abrasion resistance. While TPU has abrasion resistance on its own, PureGRAPH® also improves mechanical properties such as thermal heat transfer, chemical resistance and permeability. Originally, First Graphene faced a challenge in how the graphene would disperse into the TPU but utilising innovative technological advancements were able to successfully achieve this goal and partner with Steel Blue to create a footwear range offering world-first protection.

 

 

The range is suitable for mining, mining services, civil construction, heavy industry, and oil and gas as these boots were designed with these workers in mind who need boots that are able to withstand the extreme, tough conditions on-site. The challenge Steel Blue faced was how to incorporate the strength of Graphene into their boots without sacrificing their 100% comfort guarantee. After rigorous testing, they were able to achieve this goal and present a range offering unrivalled protection and comfort. The GraphTEC® range feels identical to other Steel Blue boots but provides a much greater level of strength and protection. Steel Blue has a strong focus on comfort and durability, knowing that true skill requires great equipment.

Thanks to the strength of the graphene in these boots, the GraphTEC® range offers twice the durability of regular safety boots making them a more environmentally conscious choice. This aligns with Steel Blue’s ethos as not only are they committed to developing comfortable, high-performing safety boots, but they are also dedicated to behaving ethically and contributing to society at large. With their ‘In Our Stride’ initiative Steel Blue are committed to stepping up their sustainability measures with a focus on eliminating modern slavery from their supply chain, achieving Carbon Neutral status, sourcing leather responsibly, increasing their number of female employees and so far, have raised over $2 million for their community partners.

Steel Blue has received an FDRA Responsible Factory accreditation, one of only 20 worldwide. They generate 71% of power from renewable energy at their WA head office and manufacturing facility during peak operation, and 100% during off-peak operation periods. They source leather from members of the Leather Working Group and have eliminated solvent-based chemicals from their production process. Their Restricted Substance Policy ensures no restricted substances that can harm health or the environment are being used in their production process and they are members of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation with an aim to reduce the environmental impact of packaging.
 

To date, Steel Blue has raised over $2 million dollars for charity with $10 being donated from every pair of pink, purple and blue boots sold. This includes $1.6 million dollars going to support Breast Cancer Care WA. With over 160,000 pink and purple charity boots having been sold, this means the total combined capacity of the MCG and Optus Stadium is walking around in a pair of pink or purple Steel Blue boots in support of breast cancer care. Steel Blue's men's and women's blue boots range also help raise awareness and funds for the Beyond Blue 24/7 Support Service. So far, the sale of these blue boots has raised almost $350K for Beyond Blue.

True skill is easy to see, if you know where to look. See Steel Blue to get the boots made in support of the best there can be.