Do Men and Women Need Different Work Boots?

Until recently, the choice of women’s work boots has been limited. Women in trades typically wore scaled-down men’s shoes. That is, until Steel Blue designed work boots to support hard-working women.

With more women taking up trades and apprenticeships than ever, there’s an increasing need to develop and discuss women’s work boots.

Why men and women need different work boots?

Like the right tools and appropriate PPE, wearing safety footwear that fits, supports and cushions your feet is crucial.

For people of all genders, that means:

• Cushioning to prevent strains and pains
• Toe protection that meets national safety standards
• Ankle support that enables free movement
• Anti-slip and anti-static sole
• Safety features specific to your environment
• Snug fit with adjustable fastening

However, a few anatomical differences mean women’s and men’s work boots should be designed with care.

Men and women have different foot shapes

Female feet tend to have a narrower heel, shorter toe length, higher arch, and smaller overall size.

These anatomical differences mean that simply scaling down men’s work boots is not a fitting solution. Similarly, wearing women’s work boots in a larger size is not healthy for male tradies.

Wearing the wrong work boots can increase accident risks and lead to long-term injuries. So how can men and women in trades ensure their shoes are designed to support whole-body health?

4 things to look for in high-quality safety footwear

1. Design

The last, the mould we use to build boots, is one of the most important design elements in high quality safety footwear. Steel Blue women’s work boots are engineered using a female last for a more accurate anatomical reference. Look for women’s work boots that are specially designed using a female last.

2. Safety

When designing women’s steel toe boots, it’s essential to consider how anatomical differences influence the toe box. Scaling down a men’s work boot could lead to insufficient toe protection. Although they will meet the relevant safety standard on paper, the poorly designed toe box could create a vulnerability for female tradespeople.

3. Comfort

Designing for the differences in foot length, instep and ankle height means Steel Blue women’s work boots aren’t just safer. They’re also more comfortable than other manufacturers.

All Steel Blue men’s and women’s work boots come with the same 30-day 100% comfort guarantee, so you can be confident that your steel caps support whole-body health while keeping you safe on the job.

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

If you want to know whether your work boots are designed to the highest standards, look at the manufacturer’s diversity and equality practices.

Reputable companies like Steel Blue take actionable steps to support women. For every pink and purple pair of charity boots sold we donate $10 directly to Breast Cancer Care WA and give female tradies an online platform to share their stories and advice.

Exceptional boots to support excellent work

Poor-fitting work boots are a health risk and occupational hazard. Get the best gear for your job with a pair of Steel Blue work boots designed to support whole-body health with every step.