Work & Safety

In the United States, Blundstone work boots meet ASTM Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear, a certification standard established in 2018. ASTM certification codes indicate specific protection features: M designates men's footwear, I indicates impact safety-toe protection, C denotes compression safety-toe protection, EH signifies electrical hazard resistance, PR marks sole puncture resistance, and MT identifies metatarsal protection standards.

European and United Kingdom markets require CE and UKCA certification, with Blundstone boots conforming to EU Safety Standards and achieving CES3 Certification. In Canada, the boots are tested and proven to meet CSA high standards for safe performance.

Broad fitting Type 1 steel toe caps are tested to resist a 200 joule impact. Electrical hazard (EH) rated footwear can withstand 18,000 volts at 60 hertz for one minute with no current flow or leakage exceeding 1.0 milliampere.

Blundstone Work & Safety boots are crafted from oil-tanned leather. The weatherproof leather measures 2.5 millimeters thick while maintaining breathability for comfort. Twin side elastic gore panels provide the elastic-sided fit characteristic of Chelsea boots.

A molten thermoplastic polyurethane outsole is applied directly to the leather upper with no stitches, screws, or glue. This direct attach construction creates a seamless bond but prevents the boots from being resoled easily. The TPU outsole is flexible and lightweight while offering slip resistance and resistance to oil, acid, and electric shock.

Standard TPU outsoles have heat resistance up to 140°C (284°F). The XFR series models feature enhanced heat resistance up to 300°C (572°F).

A steel shank provides stability and foot support throughout the boot structure.

Inner soles incorporate PORON XRD Technology in the heel and forepart areas for shock absorption. The SPS Max system with XRD Technology provides advanced shock absorption in both the heel and forefoot. Comfort Arch footbeds reduce stress on bones and joints, cushioning heel-strike impact by up to 90 percent.

Injection molded soles join seamlessly to the leather uppers for added weatherproofing and durability.

Model 179 includes a Type 1 broad fitting steel toe cap, non-metallic penetration-resistant insole, electrical hazard resistance, oil-tanned upper leather, twin side elastic gore panels, and an oil and slip resistant TPU outsole.

Model 990 offers resistance to chemicals, heat, and water in addition to standard protective features.

Model 164 includes a steel toe with composite plate and electric shock resistance.

Blundstone received an Australian Design Award for their armour-tread range of safety boots in the 1990s. The company later released the Xfoot range of safety boots featuring enhanced underfoot comfort.

The Work & Safety line is recommended for mechanics, welders, carpenters, warehouse workers, and factory workers. TPU outsoles provide resistance to oil, acid, and slipping, making them suitable for mechanics and food service workers.

Users working 10 to 12 hour shifts have described the boots as very comfortable and soft. A television production worker described using them successfully for climbing truss, scaling set walls, and lugging gear during 12 to 16 hour days. The boots are described as very comfortable right out of the box with little to no break-in period.

Some construction sites do not allow slip-on Chelsea boots and require safety toes or puncture-resistant soles. Pull-on work boots are banned from many large construction sites due to accidents, according to safety officers.

One reviewer experienced sole delamination in less than a month, though Blundstone immediately replaced the boots. The direct attach construction means boots cannot be resoled easily when the sole wears out.