These boots are made for working!

[p38arover]

My Hard Yakka steel-cap work boots have given up - the soles have split right through in a number of places so I get wet feet in this weather.

I went to KMart and looked at replacements. Yakka are made in China and cost $90. Jackeroo brand are also made in China and cost $70.

I was a bit put off by the price and the quality so I stopped at Bunnings and had a look at their boots - all Rossi.

The Rossi boots are made in Oz and appear to be a better quality boot. I thought the extra $15 over the Chinese Yakka boots was well worth it so I now have new Rossi boots.

I know Rossi will repair defects. I have a pair of Rossi hiking boots which I bought (certainly no less than) 10 years ago. About 2 years ago, the soles came adrift on them when the glue or something broke down. Rossi said to return them to their factory. They repaired them at no cost and returned them.

[DeeJay]

Are soles really a problem with your boots Ron? :angel:

(Sublety hat off)

[Chucaro]

How did you manage to get a pair of defective Rossi boots ? :angel:
They last for yonks :eek:

[p38arover]

How did you manage to get a pair of defective Rossi boots ? :angel:
They last for yonks :eek:

Should I add it to my list of faulty goods?

I also know that Rivers stand behind their products. I have a pair of Rivers shoes that were defective (the soles came adrift on them, too). I took them back to a Rivers store and they shipped them off for free repair. Those shoes had only been worn a few times.

[Tank]

Should I add it to my list of faulty goods?

I also know that Rivers stand behind their products. I have a pair of Rivers shoes that were defective (the soles came adrift on them, too). I took them back to a Rivers store and they shipped them off for free repair. Those shoes had only been worn a few times.
Good on ya mate for buying Australian, I do at every opportunity and so should we all, Regards Frank.

[dobbo]

Hiking boots?

Great Ron never knew you were interested when are we going for a hike?

[p38arover]

I hike to the coffee shop for my daily latte!

[p38arover]

Good on ya mate for buying Australian, I do at every opportunity and so should we all, Regards Frank.

Exactly, Frank. That's why I reckon it was worth the extra $15 for Aussie boots which, as a bonus, are better made.

Some years back, Woolies had the map of Oz on shelf price labels so that one knew what was Australian. Not any more.

It annoys me that, now, one has to search the label to find out what is locally made. On a number of the house brand labels, it can be very hard to find or read that info. It appears they deliberately have it in a very small typesize and colour to make it hard to read.

[The ho har's]

I have never tried Rossi boots.........I have always worn Redback steel caps which are 100% Australian just ordered another pair as mine after 5 years they are starting to get loose on my feet from stretching around the ankles:D mine are around $85.00 from the local landscape business;)



Mrs ho har:angel:

[p38arover]

I have never tried Rossi boots.........I have always worn Redback steel caps which are 100% Australian just ordered another pair as mine after 5 years they are starting to get loose on my feet from stretching around the ankles:D mine are around $85.00 from the local landscape business;)

My pair-before-last steelcaps were Redbacks but I couldn't find them locally last time. I never thought about them this time. :(

[malleefowl]

i'm a Redbacks fan too.Get mine at RAY"S
Cheers,
mary

[Bigbjorn]

I get R.M.Williams made to order. Standard sizes do not fit me. My oldest pair at present were bought in 1987, have been repaired a few times and are just about stuffed. Santa Fe style, flat heels, desert kip suede.

[alien]

Just picked up a set of Mongrel Boots. Look more like a hiking boot.
Aust. made:D, meets all the std's..Low cut at rear for max. foot articulation, good in the truck and 4x4ing.
Steel caps handy if you drop a shackle hooking up a Jap. type truck to the rear of the Landy:tease::imwithstupid:. Picked up at RESA.

[ramblingboy42]

are soles cheap today?

[vnx205]

Is Blundstone still Australian owned?

The steel cap Blundstones I bought 6 years ago are about to disintegrate. They were worn 5 days a week for the first 3 years.

[rick130]

Been through Blundie's, Rossi's, Redback's and settled on Mongrel's (made by Victor) a number of years ago now. (Currently on my third pair)

BTW Ron, used to be able to be able to buy Redback's at Workin' Gear in Penriff, but that was quite a few years ago now. ;)

The steel cap Mongrel's aren't quite as comfy as the non steel cap's, thanks to my wide hoof, but they last well and the non steel cap ones need virtually no break in, unlike Blundies, etc in my experience. I need the steel caps for the amount of chainsawing I do these days. The Mongrel's also outlast the other brands in our experience. SWMBO gives hers a caning wearing them around the stables and horses all day, so they get wet every day, etc, etc.

[p38arover]

Mongrels are a good boot, too. My work-supplied, lace-up, ankle-height boots are Mongrels and were comfortable from day one. I like them. I wonder if I can get another pair before I retire? :angel:

If nothing else, I've opened a discussion on where to buy Aussie-made work boots! :D

[waynep]

Pretty sure Blunnies are now made overseas - I read the Tassie plant is closed.

I think Rivers boots are still made here ( about the only products of their's that are ).

Had Blunnies, Rivers and Hard Yakka elastic sided work boots. The longest lasting and most comfy are the Blundstone 500s ( not a safety boot however ).
Don't like the soles on the Rivers- they clog up with mud.

Might look at Rossis next time.

[isuzurover]

I get R.M.Williams made to order. Standard sizes do not fit me. My oldest pair at present were bought in 1987, have been repaired a few times and are just about stuffed. Santa Fe style, flat heels, desert kip suede.

A guy I know went to an RM Williams storein Perth and ordered some custom boots. A week later they told him the leather he asked for was no longer available, and he would have to choose another. They wouldn't give him his deposit back :mad:

My hiking boots are Loewa - bought while living in Europe. For serious alpine hiking the only considerations are Loewa, Meindl and Scarpa (and a few others). I have never tried an Aussie boot that even comes close in terms of comfort and design.

[rick130]

<snip>
My hiking boots are Loewa - bought while living in Europe. For serious alpine hiking the only considerations are Loewa, Meindl and Scarpa (and a few others). I have never tried an Aussie boot that even comes close in terms of comfort and design.

ooh, now you're talking serious boots.

my old hiking/bush boots are a very heavy pair of US made Danner boots.
Bought so long ago I can't remember, Vibram Kleterlift sole that is fully stitched/welted so is repairable/replaceable, sown in Gore-Tex bootie (one of, if not the first boots so equipped in the late eighties, when I bought mine). Removable heel cup/orthotic and unbelievably comfy, if bloody heavy.

Did I mention that my Danner's are heavy ? :D

[Bigbjorn]

A guy I know went to an RM Williams storein Perth and ordered some custom boots. A week later they told him the leather he asked for was no longer available, and he would have to choose another. They wouldn't give him his deposit back :mad:

My hiking boots are Loewa - bought while living in Europe. For serious alpine hiking the only considerations are Loewa, Meindl and Scarpa (and a few others). I have never tried an Aussie boot that even comes close in terms of comfort and design.

Read my second sentence again. I need made to measure boots. Standard sizes do not fit. Few shoe stores carry big sizes. Even fewer carry half sizes in widest fittings.

[Scouse]

Hello - is this AULRO?

Why isn't everyone wearing Land Rover boots?

Land Rover Footwear Online Australia (http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/displayproduct.asp?id=50&cat=land%20rover)

[rick130]

Hello - is this AULRO?

Why isn't everyone wearing Land Rover boots?

Land Rover Footwear Online Australia (http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/displayproduct.asp?id=50&cat=land%20rover)

Hmm, can't see any safety work boots there Scouse :p

and are any of them made in Oz? ;)

[The ho har's]

Hello - is this AULRO?

Why isn't everyone wearing Land Rover boots?

Land Rover Footwear Online Australia (http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/displayproduct.asp?id=50&cat=land%20rover)


I didn't see an steel cap work boots there:( otherwise I may have bought some:D


Mrs ho har:angel:

[Scouse]

Now you're just being picky !!
:p:p:p

[abaddonxi]

Hello - is this AULRO?

Why isn't everyone wearing Land Rover boots?

Land Rover Footwear Online Australia (http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/displayproduct.asp?id=50&cat=land%20rover)

Spent all my ugly on a Defender, I want a pair of boots that don't give me a fright when I look down at them.

I cheaped out and bought myself a pair of Kathmandu hiking boots (half price sale), just wouldn't spring for Scarpas, fifteen years later they're falling apart, reckon I should go again?

[V8Ian]

Hello - is this AULRO?

Why isn't everyone wearing Land Rover boots?

Land Rover Footwear Online Australia (http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/displayproduct.asp?id=50&cat=land%20rover)
I don't see any slip on or elastic sided items, so no thanks.

[The ho har's]

who's being picky me or rick???....orr maybe both of us:D


Mrs ho har:angel:

[p38arover]

Hello - is this AULRO?

Why isn't everyone wearing Land Rover boots?

Land Rover Footwear Online Australia (http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/displayproduct.asp?id=50&cat=land%20rover)

I had a pair. A bloke in the USA took a shine to them. I no longer have a pair.

[rovercare]

Hmm, can't see any safety work boots there Scouse :p

and are any of them made in Oz? ;)

So you have an Austalian made car rick?;)

[rovercare]

You mean you people PAY for work boots:eek:

I have worn Oliver sports, I like them, comfy and reasonably light, wear them day in, day out, I only have them a pair of 10 yo Colorados to wear out and some thong thingos for summer, that's it

http://www.workingear.com.au/site/files/ul/data_text06/633.jpg

[rick130]

So you have an Austalian made car rick?;)

Ron's original post was about Oz made work boots :p

[p38arover]

You mean you people PAY for work boots:eek:

I have worn Oliver sports, I like them, comfy and reasonably light, wear them day in, day out, I only have them a pair of 10 yo Colorados to wear out and some thong thingos for summer, that's it



I had a pair of Colorados - I gave them away as they were too bloody heavy.

Paying for work-boots happens - we aren't allowed elastic sided boots for work. The company provides lace-up boots. I want elastic-sided for home as I can slip them on and off quickly when I go into the house. They are also essential at the workshop.

Thongs? Never wear 'em. Too dangerous.

[rovercare]

You mean you people PAY for work boots:eek:

I have worn Oliver sports, I like them, comfy and reasonably light, wear them day in, day out, I only have them a pair of 10 yo Colorados to wear out and some thong thingos for summer, that's it



I had a pair of Colorados - I gave them away as they were too bloody heavy.

Paying for work-boots happens - we aren't allowed elastic sided boots for work. The company provides lace-up boots. I want elastic-sided for home as I can slip them on and off quickly when I go into the house. They are also essential at the workshop.

Thongs? Never wear 'em. Too dangerous.

Yea, they're to heavy, hence they're only worn out and If I can get away with the Olivers I do:angel:

My Olivers are slip on;)Just don't use the laces:eek:

Meh, everything I do is dangerous at home so I'm told, but I figure if your going to do the wrong thing, better do it right:D

[numpty]

I have Rossi boots supplied by work for general wear. They looked like new after 5 years but the cushioned heel collapsed, and they are not repairable. At least I could just order a new pair. Our Fire boots are Taipans and are the best most comfortable firefighting boots I've had.

Scarpa walking boots for me. The home Blunnies are looking a tad tatty but dont know what I will replace them with.

[rick130]

You mean you people PAY for work boots:eek:



Yep, those of us silly enough to work for ourselves :(

[V8Ian]

It's worth spending the extra money for safety thongs.:)

[rovercare]

Yep, those of us silly enough to work for ourselves :(

I have a stash, just incase that ends up being the case:angel:

Would actually love to go back to wearing Nike sneakers everyday, like in my house basher days:D so much comfier:cool:

[p38arover]

It's worth spending the extra money for safety thongs.:)

The only thongs you'll see me in..... hang on, you probably don't want to see me in them.

[MickS]

Picked up these steel cappers at Parklea Markets....:Rolling::Rolling:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/07/1157.jpg

[Bushie]

hang on, you probably don't want to see me in them.


Too right :D:D:D


Martyn

[abaddonxi]

The only thongs you'll see me in..... hang on, you probably don't want to see me in them.

You wear two?

[rovercare]

The only thongs you'll see me in..... hang on, you probably don't want to see me in them.

Funny you say that, I've only worn shorts, let alone thongs at all for the last 2 summers.........my legs are still a nice shade of Stark white:D

[Mud_Bogger6]

I had myself a pair of steel capped Krusher boots from the local workwear joint, they were a good set of boots, but due to an accident involving the bonfire at Aces BBQ, and my odd walking style, my big toes wore straight thru the soles, leaving 2 giant holes, my rossi boots are lasting a lot longer, and are a helluva lot more comfortable,

[p38arover]

You wear two?

You've met me - you know I have a lot to hold.

[p38arover]

Funny you say that, I've only worn shorts, let alone thongs at all for the last 2 summers.........my legs are still a nice shade of Stark white:D

I wear shorts all year 'round, usually Stubbies.

My wife says I'm a bogan. She's right.

[CraigE]

Blue Steel are my pick for steel capped (though not technically steel capped anymore) general work boots. Australian made and owned I believe. Take no breaking in.
For fire resistant steel capped boots Oliver which I think are still Australian made.
Rossi, Yakka etc have been moved offshore. The Rossi's have been crap for about 10 years now anyway.

[dobbo]

You've met me - you know I have a lot to hold.


Wasn't there an image of you "servicing" your RRC in your thong?


or was it deleted when this forum went all politically correct?

[p38arover]

Rossi, Yakka etc have been moved offshore.

My Rossi boots are marked Made in Australia. Is that incorrect?

Their website says they are Aussie made, too.

[MickS]

I wear shorts all year 'round, usually Stubbies.

My wife says I'm a bogan. She's right.

Don't worry Ron...I'm in shorts and thong(s) now lol...

[p38arover]

Don't worry Ron...I'm in shorts and thong(s) now lol...

You're overdressed!

[isuzurover]

Blue Steel are my pick for steel capped (though not technically steel capped anymore) general work boots. Australian made and owned I believe. Take no breaking in.
For fire resistant steel capped boots Oliver which I think are still Australian made.
Rossi, Yakka etc have been moved offshore. The Rossi's have been crap for about 10 years now anyway.

My wife has a pair of steel blue. Absolutely loves them. Very comfortable, and seem well made. Fortunately she didn't have to pay for them because they cost almost as much as her Loewas.

I have a pair of Oliver elastic sided work boots. Lucky they were free because they are the crappiest boots I have owned. The leather has become as porous as a sponge.

[p38arover]

Rossi, Yakka etc have been moved offshore. The Rossi's have been crap for about 10 years now anyway.

I contacted Rossi and they confirm:


Yes Rossi boots are definitely still made in Australia, our factory is located in Adelaide, South Australia.

Someone has given you a bum steer, Craig.

[3 Lions]

My work boots are Oliver lace ups, generally end up buying them myself coz' firms usually try and fob us off with the cheapest, nastiest pull on boots ($35-$45).Made in Oz.

I have a pair of Redback pull ons that I bum around home/shops/garden in, like them and find they seem to last, also pretty comfy.Made in Oz.

I have a pair of Meindl hiking boots bought in England 10-11 years ago, bloody expensive, but comfy and good quality, still going strong.Made in Germany or Switzerland I beleive.

I previously wore Hi Tec Magnums for 3.5- 4 years, every day for 12+ hours, they lasted pretty well, were comfy and light.Were also lace up and came up high, good ankle support. (Was in a UK Gov security agency.)Not sure where these are made.

Col.

[willem]

Because of my gammy leg I need boots which are non slip, especially on wet smooth surfaces. I have taken a tumble a couple of times in the last few months because of slipping on wet smooth surfaces, and I'd like to avoid that happening again. Does anyone know which brands/ models of boots are good for having non-slip soles?

Willem

[BMKal]

Hello - is this AULRO?

Why isn't everyone wearing Land Rover boots?

Land Rover Footwear Online Australia (http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/displayproduct.asp?id=50&cat=land%20rover)

My hiking boots (not that I do a lot of hiking) are Land Rover boots - have had them for years - very comfortable and seem to be well made. Work boots are Rossi. We're also not allowed to wear elastic sided on the mine sites, and I'm too lazy to be doing up laces too often, so have the ones that are laced up (permanently) on the front, with a big zip down the side. I'm on my second pair of Rossi's now - previous was always Blunnies. Have tried Steel Blue (company stores issue in previous job) and reckon they're crap.

[p38arover]

We're also not allowed to wear elastic sided on the mine sites, and I'm too lazy to be doing up laces too often, so have the ones that are laced up (permanently) on the front, with a big zip down the side.

Yep, my Chinese-made Baxter work boots (previously reported as Mongrel - I have Mongrel work shoes) are like that but the top three lacing points are hooks so, in conjunction with the zip, they are easy to undo to get on/off.

My Land Rover boots were pigs to put on or get off - especially when in a hurry at US airport security - so I didn't mind them staying in the USA when I came back.

[abaddonxi]

Thanks guys, spent half the night looking at hiking boot sites and price that I really can't afford.:twisted::D

[p38arover]

Because of my gammy leg I need boots which are non slip, especially on wet smooth surfaces. I have taken a tumble a couple of times in the last few months because of slipping on wet smooth surfaces, and I'd like to avoid that happening again. Does anyone know which brands/ models of boots are good for having non-slip soles?

Hi Willem,

I need to check my new Rossis out on the oily painted floor in the local LR mechanic's workshop. I know my sneakers were incredibly, nay, dangerously slippery on that surface whilst my Yakka workboots were not.

I'll test them and let you know. I'll walk around under the hoist - there's usually some oil there.

[Scouse]

I'm sure they'll love that Ron.

"Hi, I'm just ducking in to see if I can slip over on your oil covered floor"

:p:angel::p

[V8Ian]

Because of my gammy leg I need boots which are non slip, especially on wet smooth surfaces. I have taken a tumble a couple of times in the last few months because of slipping on wet smooth surfaces, and I'd like to avoid that happening again. Does anyone know which brands/ models of boots are good for having non-slip soles?

Willem
Look at Dunlop Volleys Willem, they come with or without steelcaps and are the prefered footwear for roofers and SES in slippery conditions.

[p38arover]

I'm sure they'll love that Ron.

"Hi, I'm just ducking in to see if I can slip over on your oil covered floor"

:p:angel::p

I'll sneak in.

[DaveS3]

I've owned Blundstone, Rossi, Mongrel and now on my 3rd set of BlueSteel.

Won't ever change to anything else.

BlueSteel are the go

[willem]

Hi Willem,

I need to check my new Rossis out on the oily painted floor in the local LR mechanic's workshop. I know my sneakers were incredibly, nay, dangerously slippery on that surface whilst my Yakka workboots were not.

I'll test them and let you know. I'll walk around under the hoist - there's usually some oil there.

Thanks Ron,

Just make sure you don't slip over and hurt yourself while you're testing. ;)

Willem

[land864]

Ron

Workshop , oily floor :confused:

That can't be a Land Rover workshop then :p

[stage1slave]

I've given up on Steel Blues and just bought a pair of Oliver At's. Steel Blues are very comfy, but the soles disintergrate the first time the boots get drenched. Three pairs have done this now!
So this time I've gone for the Olivers with the rubber 'bump stops', which should be good for clambering around the acreage gardens with rock walls that I maintain. Should help in the wet as well, something we've had ****loads of, here these last 18mths or so.
cheers
Evelyn

[KEV0044]

I like 'Mack' Boots :)
I'm a Construction Site Manager - So my Boots are worn every day - 5/6 days a week .
They get a hiding in all weather conditions so they have to be comfortable and tough at the same time .
In general - I get around 2/3 years of wear out of a pair of 'Mack' Boots .
I like them because they are comfortable straight out of the box and are built to Australian Standards in the work place Construction Industry .
Just my opinion :D

[abaddonxi]

I'll sneak in.

Below the plimsol line.

[willem]

I checked out the boots at Ray's Outdoors yesterday. The best nonslip sole boots there were the Caterpillar brand. They are made in China by someone else, but they seem to be well made and the soles were very good - tho I haven't tried them in wet conditions yet. But they didn't have any my size! :( They're also pretty heavy, which is a negative.

They had Rossi, and so did Bunnings, but they are all elastic sided and are pretty hard to get on to an artificial foot, so I had to give them a miss.

I'll keep looking.

Willem

[numpty]

I checked out the boots at Ray's Outdoors yesterday. The best nonslip sole boots there were the Caterpillar brand. They are made in China by someone else, but they seem to be well made and the soles were very good - tho I haven't tried them in wet conditions yet. But they didn't have any my size! :( They're also pretty heavy, which is a negative.

They had Rossi, and so did Bunnings, but they are all elastic sided and are pretty hard to get on to an artificial foot, so I had to give them a miss.

I'll keep looking.Willem

One of our trip members last year had a new pair of Caterpillar boots. After a few weeks away the complete soles were separating from the uppers.
I had a pair of Windsor Smith boots years ago which did the same thing. No good when you are 15k's into a 25k walk.:(

[Ace]

My pair-before-last steelcaps were Redbacks but I couldn't find them locally last time. I never thought about them this time. :(

Redbacks have always been my choice of work boot, i have found them good. Except the last pair when the plastic toe insert (where the steel cap would be if it have been a steel cap) bent out of shape and began to press on the top of my toes, in the end i couldnt wear them. Then i bought a pair of army boots from america and thats all i wear, well worth the $260 i paid to get them here, everything i looked at in australia I didnt like the look of and were a similar price.

[CraigE]

I've given up on Steel Blues and just bought a pair of Oliver At's. Steel Blues are very comfy, but the soles disintergrate the first time the boots get drenched. Three pairs have done this now!
So this time I've gone for the Olivers with the rubber 'bump stops', which should be good for clambering around the acreage gardens with rock walls that I maintain. Should help in the wet as well, something we've had ****loads of, here these last 18mths or so.
cheers
Evelyn
Odd, I have never had a set of Blue Steels wear out. Usually got mine replaced evry year and used to wear them hard and were never more than half worn. Have been wearing the Oliver fire resistant boots for the last 4 odd years, good boot but would generally last 6-8 months and the soles would be worn out, but that was wearing them 12hr shifts in all sorts of conditions.

[CraigE]

I contacted Rossi and they confirm:



Someone has given you a bum steer, Craig.
That is good to hear. Last I heard they were shutting down their last factory. But overall I would not touch them anymore. Were a good work and motor bike 10-15 years ago. Last pair I had lasted barely 2 months before the sole fell apart and were 3/4 worn anyway. Often see them out really cheap these days.

[CraigE]

Yep, my Chinese-made Baxter work boots (previously reported as Mongrel - I have Mongrel work shoes) are like that but the top three lacing points are hooks so, in conjunction with the zip, they are easy to undo to get on/off.

My Land Rover boots were pigs to put on or get off - especially when in a hurry at US airport security - so I didn't mind them staying in the USA when I came back.
Ron,
You may be better off looking at the Oliver AT fire resistant boots, lace up at the sides, but zip up the front for ease of getting on and off. The laces keep them tight and allow adjustment. Also for safety in fire situations to be able to be removed easily.

[MickS]

I had magnum tactical boots for work with laces and the side zips. As stated, laces stay tight and the side zippers make for easy on/off....

[incisor]

my last set were oliver's and i have to say they were the most comfortable boot out of the box i have ever had...

got them on special which is why i bought them, had never heard of them prior...

[Hoges]

"Why isn't everyone wearing Land Rover boots?"


I asked him...Everyone replied that he does not have 4 feet ...:eek: :twisted:

[vnx205]

Remember T-Boots? I think they were made by Dunlop in the 60s.

They were only working boots but I used them for bushwalking and some fairly serious rock climbing when I was at Uni.

On one extended bushwalking trip in the Warrumbungles, including climbing Tonduron, Crater Bluff and Belougery Spire, I had a brand new pair and I was the only one in the groupo who didn't get blisters.

Re: the title of this thread.
Perhaps we should ask Nancy Sinatra for her preference.

[Randylandy]

I currently wear blue steel steel caps. Felt weird to wear to begin with as have an air filled sole felt like u where walking on balloon. 2 years on from daily use they are due to be replaced after walking in some straw ash and melted the soles the other day, otherwise very comfy and well made. Also have some Landrover shoes but only wear them on special occasions

[p38arover]

Why didn't I raise this topic before I bought boots? I didn't realise there were so many Aussie made boots available. :(

9 pages on boots!

[Narangga]

9 pages on boots!

And not one spelling mistake to boot :o

[disco_mitch]

i only get 6months out of a pair of king gee, next time i think ill spend the coin and get steel blue tried a pair on once and it felt like love

[willem]

And not one spelling mistake to boot :o

:D:D:D he he he! :D:D:D

Willem

[stage1slave]

Ok, we all enjoy pics, so here is the reason I've gone off Steel Blue.


1st pair,lasted 18mths and well worn. Was happy enough with that.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/07/916.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/07/917.jpg



2nd pair, lasted 6 mths only, very little wear [broken leg etc] but the sole has disintergrated:mad:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/07/918.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/07/919.jpg


3rd pair, Steve's this time...less than 10mths, :(

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/07/920.jpg

The sole on the last pair hasn't disintergrated I know, but I still think it is a bit slack for something that costs $140/150.
I've tried gluing them up again but can't find an adhesive strong enough. So far have used contact cement, sikaflex and liqiud nails.
Anyone have any other suggestions?

cheers
Evelyn

[p38arover]

For my sole reattachments, I use Selleys Urethane Bond. It sticks like the proverbial to a blanket. Not cheap for a tube but it is a great adhesive and glues non-porous stuff.

Wear gloves, it is a bitch to get off your hands!


Uncured Product: Urethane Bond is extremely difficult to remove from skin and surfaces if left to cure. To remove, wipe off excess with dry rag then use mineral turps or rubbing alcohol.

See Selleys Urethane Bond (http://www.selleys.com.au/Selleys-Urethane-Bond/default.aspx)

[stage1slave]

For my sole reattachments, I use Selleys Urethane Bond. It sticks like the proverbial to a blanket. Not cheap for a tube but it is a great adhesive and glues non-porous stuff.

Wear gloves, it is a bitch to get off your hands!



See Selleys Urethane Bond (http://www.selleys.com.au/Selleys-Urethane-Bond/default.aspx)


Cheers heaps Ron, I'll give it a go.

[CraigE]

I would give Steel Blue a call and see what they say. I know they are not that old but they do look like they have seen a bit of use. What do you use them for?
Was never any issue for me as they were company supplied.
At least they are only $140 the Olivers I wear for fire fighting are $230 a pair and wear out quicker than Steel Blues.
It happens with the best boots, I have seen soles come off every major brand. A lot depends if you buy the chemical resistant sole type as well.

Ok, we all enjoy pics, so here is the reason I've gone off Steel Blue.


1st pair,lasted 18mths and well worn. Was happy enough with that.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/07/916.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/07/917.jpg



2nd pair, lasted 6 mths only, very little wear [broken leg etc] but the sole has disintergrated:mad:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/07/918.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/07/919.jpg


3rd pair, Steve's this time...less than 10mths, :(

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/07/920.jpg

The sole on the last pair hasn't disintergrated I know, but I still think it is a bit slack for something that costs $140/150.
I've tried gluing them up again but can't find an adhesive strong enough. So far have used contact cement, sikaflex and liqiud nails.
Anyone have any other suggestions?

cheers
Evelyn

[stage1slave]

I would give Steel Blue a call and see what they say. I know they are not that old but they do look like they have seen a bit of use. What do you use them for?
Was never any issue for me as they were company supplied.
At least they are only $140 the Olivers I wear for fire fighting are $230 a pair and wear out quicker than Steel Blues.
It happens with the best boots, I have seen soles come off every major brand. A lot depends if you buy the chemical resistant sole type as well.

Hi CraigE, you're right, I probably should get in touch with them, as they may have had a crook batch go through and give them the opportunitey to provide an explanation if nothing else.
I was happy enough with the 1st pair, but the 2nd pair, I am quite dissappointed with. I am only an acreage gardener/groundsperson, and in the current economic climate, only a part time one at that:(. Steve is a service fitter/mechanic for a transport company.
I can't remember if they are chemical resistant sole or not, but the only chemical I use or come into contact with is glyphosate.
cheers
Evelyn

[numpty]

Glueing the soles is OK per se, but my experience with sole detachment has meant that the under sole is disintergrating and when that happens it makes the boot very uncomfortable. I haven't had a problem with our Taipan fire boots so far, our latest being steel toe capped. They are also a front lace up/ front zip style.

[p38arover]

Glueing the soles is OK per se, but my experience with sole detachment has meant that the under sole is disintergrating and when that happens it makes the boot very uncomfortable.

Agreed, but for my use at home it has worked well. I add a foam insole.

[RobHay]

We are very interested in souls at my place of employment :angel: We are pleasantly surprised when we find one of our ....uhmmmm .....err ......customers has one :D

[numpty]

We are very interested in souls at my place of employment :angel: We are pleasantly surprised when we find one of our ....uhmmmm .....err ......customers has one :D

But they would be r'souls wouldn't they Rob.;)

[lardy]

Hmm, can't see any safety work boots there Scouse :p

and are any of them made in Oz? ;)

was your landy made in Aus ?

[MickS]

My Hard Yakka steel-cap work boots have given up - the soles have split right through in a number of places so I get wet feet in this weather.

I went to KMart and looked at replacements. Yakka are made in China and cost $90.

Saw the Yakkas in K-Mart today - on special for $60...

[d@rk51d3]

Hate to burst the "Rossi" bubble, but................

....although they still do have a factory here in Adelaide, most of their stuff is done in China.

2 "sis in laws" have worked there for longer than I can remember. There have been some big cuts in the Adelaide factory in the last 5 years, and not much comes out of it now.

[Debacle]

I've been wearing Olivers at work for many years and found them to be excellent.

Can anyone confirm if they are still made in Australia.

[p38arover]

I had a look at Steel Blue at my local Working Gear shop - they were made in Indonesia.

[CraigE]

I had a look at Steel Blue at my local Working Gear shop - they were made in Indonesia.
Interesting, they used to tought being Aussie made, but I suppose with economics as everyone else they move off shore. Last pair I got was about 8 months ago and had made in Australia on the box, does not say on the sole. Will be getting some new ones when I start with ARG so will have a look.
My last pair of Olivers (4 months ago) said made in Australia.
Not good for the local manufacturers.

[KEV0044]

G'day :)
Just interested if any of you fellas have actually tried 'Mack Boots' ?
They have been a very popular boot in the construction industry for many years .
The new light weight steel caps are much more comfortable than the old heavy duty steel caps in the past :)

[abaddonxi]

Old shoe, new shoe
Brown shoe, black shoe.

I think I bought the last pair in 1995. The day after this thread was posted I went looking for a new pair. Today my feet got wet and I decided that I wasn't waiting for a Paddy Pallin sale.

I'm expecting them to last at least as long.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/08/676.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/08/677.jpg

[rick130]

can't make them out properly..
Scarpa ??

[abaddonxi]

can't make them out properly..
Scarpa ??

Yeah, thought I'd go for the real thing this time. The old pair are Kathmandu copies - on sale when I bought them, half the price of Scarpas on the day.

I notice that the new ones aren't a single piece of leather tucked under to form the tongue as they used to be.

Fortunately I don't have the Subaru L wagon anymore, so I should be safe from police inspection when I'm driving through dope growing territory.

[numpty]

Yeah, thought I'd go for the real thing this time. The old pair are Kathmandu copies - on sale when I bought them, half the price of Scarpas on the day.

I notice that the new ones aren't a single piece of leather tucked under to form the tongue as they used to be.

Fortunately I don't have the Subaru L wagon anymore, so I should be safe from police inspection when I'm driving through dope growing territory.

Yours look like Scarpa Treks, which I have and am very happy with. You can get the "one piece" leather Scarpas, but they are a different model/design and more expensive.

[Disco_owner]

Is Blundstone still Australian owned?

The steel cap Blundstones I bought 6 years ago are about to disintegrate. They were worn 5 days a week for the first 3 years.

yep possibly , Howver I've just bought a pair of Blundstones the other week when i visited rangier_rover , the Tag inside the shows "made in thailand";)