AnAustralian work boot (or genericallyelastic-sided boot) is a style of work shoe, typically constructed with aleather upper bound together withelastic sides and pull tabs on the front and back of the boot. The shoe lacks a tongue, andlaces, and often contains a steel toe cap foroccupational health and safety reasons. When the shoe contains a steel cap they are often known as "safety boots" or "steel toe boots". The boots generally lack an inner lining. The sole is generallypolyurethane and the leather uppers are treated to be resistant to hot water, fats and mild alkaline and acid solutions.
The elasticated side design, originally invented in England by Joseph Sparkes Hall in 1837,[1] allows the wearer to put on or remove their boots without the hassle of laces, while enjoying the firm fit of lace-up boots. In addition due to the boot not using laces, the fit is less tight, allowing the foot to breathe, which is beneficial in warm weather. Additionally, the lack of a shoe tongue makeswaterproofing the boot easier. The original English design, for urban use, became known as theChelsea Boot in the 1960s. In 1932R. M. Williams adapted this design for stockmen's boots.[2] There are several Australian companies manufacturing boots in this classic style today. Some of the more popular brands areBlundstone,[a][b][3]Rossi Boots,[c]R. M. Williams,Baxter Boots,[d][4]Redback Boots,Mongrel Boots ,[e] andSteel Blue. InAustralian English, the manufacturer's brand name is often associated generically with this style of boot, leading to the namesBlunnies,RMs orRossis.
The shoes are typically worn as safety boots in occupationally hazardous environments, as ordinary work boots for people whose work is occasionally hazardous and who need to enter hazardous sites, as formal dress boots, as riding boots, or for particular aesthetic purposes. In the last category, theNovocastrian dance ensembleTap Dogs uses modified work boots as tap shoes.
