Steel Blue boots on our site come in four closures: lace-up only, zip-sided boots that also lace, elastic-sided pull-ons and square-toe pull-ons. On top of that, many models add a scuff cap or bump cap over the toe, and a handful swap the steel toe cap for a composite one. Here's how the families sort out, so you can find the right model number before you order.
Families by closure
| Closure | Families on our site | Height, where listed |
|---|---|---|
| Lace-up only | Argyle 312102, Ladies Argyle 512702, Whyalla 312108, Wagga 312207 | Argyle 150mm; Whyalla 95mm; Wagga 110mm |
| Zip and lace | Argyle Zip, Southern Cross, Parkes, Torquay, plus the ladies Southern Cross, Argyle Zip Scuff and Parkes Zip Scuff | Argyle Zip, Southern Cross and Torquay 150mm; Parkes 312658 95mm |
| Elastic side | Hobart 312101, Hobart soft toe 310101, Ladies Hobart 512701 | Hobart 145mm; Ladies Hobart 120mm |
| Square-toe pull-on | Blue Heeler 813945 (steel toe), 810945 (soft toe) | Not listed |
Steel Blue describes the Argyle as a "derby style" boot and the Parkes, Whyalla and Wagga as "hiker style". In practice the choice is mostly about how you like to get in and out of your boots. Lace-ups give you the most control over fit. A zip-sider lets you set the laces once and zip in and out, and our New Balance Calibre guide has tips for living with a side zip. Elastic sides are the quickest on and off, with less adjustment around the ankle.
The Hobart 310101 and Blue Heeler 810945 are soft-toe, non-safety boots. The 310101 listing quotes AS/NZS 2210.5 rather than 2210.3, so don't confuse them with their safety-toe twins if your site requires safety footwear.
What a scuff cap is
Steel Blue's listings name the feature but don't describe it. In general, a scuff cap or bump cap is an extra cover over the outside of the toe. It takes the wear when you kneel, crouch or drag the toe of your boot, instead of the leather underneath. It isn't the safety toe cap. Steel Blue lists the "200J" toe cap as a separate feature on the same boots, and the listings don't claim any extra protection from the scuff cap.
Where the listings mention it:
- "scuff cap" on the Southern Cross Zip 312661, the Parkes Zip Scuff Cap 312658 and the Argyle Zip Scuff Cap 312652;
- "bump cap" on the Argyle Zip Bump Cap 332152 and its nitrile-soled twin 342152;
- "Scuff" in the product name on the newer composite and waterproof models, such as the 318591, 318592, 312639, 512739, 518578 and 518579;
- a "mako toe guard" on the Torquay 617539.
If you spend much of the day on your knees, such as tiling, plumbing under sinks or working on vehicles, a scuff cap is worth considering. Our scuff and bump cap collection brings these boots together with other brands.
Steel or composite toe
Most Steel Blue safety boots on our site list a 200J steel toe cap. These list a 200J composite toe cap instead:
- Argyle Zip Scuff Composite 318592 (Black, Sand, Wheat)
- Southern Cross Zip Scuff Composite 318591 (Sand, Wheat)
- Parkes Zip Composite 317538 (Black, Wheat) and 318598 (Black, Sand, Wheat)
- Ladies Argyle Zip Scuff Composite 518579 (Black, Sand, Wheat) and Ladies Parkes Zip Scuff Composite 518578 (Sand)
- Torquay 617539 (Wheat, Black)
If you're looking for the 318592, it's the composite-toe version of the Argyle zip-sider with a scuff cap. If you want the same family with a steel toe cap, look at the Argyle Zip Scuff Cap 312652. Our guide to metal-free and composite-toe boots explains why some people choose a composite toe.
A note on standards: many of the older listings end with "Australian/NZ Standard AS/NZS 2210.3". That's the safety footwear part of the standard, whose current edition is AS 2210.3:2019. The listings don't say which edition a boot was tested to, and the newer composite and waterproof listings don't quote a standard on our site. If your site specifies a standard or edition, check with us before you order.
Where the 300°C soles are
Most Steel Blue soles on our site are listed as TPU, heat resistant to 130°C. The exceptions have an "Oil and acid resistant nitrile rubber outsole. Heat resistant to 300°C": the Argyle Zip Bump Cap Nitrile 342152 and the Ladies Southern Cross 512761 and 522761. Our guide to heat-resistant boot soles explains what those ratings mean.
The ladies range
The ladies models are sized 4 to 11, with half sizes from 5.5. Our listings show sizes as plain numbers, so ask us if you're not sure which size system applies. The Ladies Southern Cross 512761 comes in Blue, Pink, Purple, Vegan Black and Khaki Green, and the 522761 in Sand and Jungle. There are also ladies versions of the Argyle lace-up (512702), the Hobart (512701), the Argyle Zip Scuff Waterproof (512739, Distressed Brown) and the two composite models above.
Common questions
Is the Steel Blue 318592 a steel toe boot?
No. Its listing states a "200J Composite Toe Cap".
Are Steel Blue boots waterproof?
Most listings describe "water-resistant" leather. The Argyle Zip Scuff Waterproof 312639 and Ladies 512739 describe a "waterproof leather upper" and "a rear zip gusset with a waterproof clearing outlet". The Blue Heeler listings also describe a "waterproof leather upper".
Does a scuff cap make the toe stronger?
Steel Blue's listings don't say so. The toe protection they describe comes from the 200J toe cap.
Browse the full Steel Blue range. If you're fitting out a crew and want boots alongside branded workwear, send us sizes and models through our custom workwear enquiry form.
