We're tradies helping tradies find the right boots for the job
Work Boots AU was born on a construction site in Western Sydney back in 2024. After watching yet another apprentice hobble through his first week with blisters the size of fifty-cent pieces, our founder Mike Thompson knew there had to be a better way to help workers choose the right safety footwear from the start.
What began as a simple spreadsheet comparing steel cap options turned into something much bigger. Mike started sharing his notes with mates on site, who shared them with their crews, and before long, tradies across New South Wales were asking for boot recommendations. Work Boots AU was officially launched to bring that same honest, practical advice to every Australian worker.
We're not a faceless corporation or a marketing team pretending to know about work boots. We're actual tradies, site supervisors, and safety officers who have worn through countless pairs of boots across decades of combined experience. We've experienced the agony of ill-fitting steel caps on a twelve-hour shift. We've dealt with the frustration of waterproof boots that weren't actually waterproof. And we've felt the relief of finally finding that perfect pair that gets you through the day without complaint.
Our mission is simple: provide independent, honest information that helps Australian workers make informed decisions about their safety footwear. We don't get paid by boot manufacturers to say nice things about their products. When we recommend a boot, it's because we genuinely believe it delivers value for your hard-earned money.
Every boot we feature goes through our hands-on testing process. We assess comfort during extended wear, examine build quality and materials, test protection features against Australian safety standards, and evaluate durability over time. We also collect feedback from workers across different industries to ensure our recommendations work in real-world conditions.
Beyond product recommendations, we create comprehensive guides on work boot safety, care, and maintenance. Whether you're trying to understand the difference between AS/NZS 2210.3 protection levels, learning how to properly break in a new pair of boots, or figuring out how to waterproof your leather work boots, we've got you covered.
We also believe in transparency. When you click through to purchase a product on Amazon, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the lights on and continue producing quality content. However, this never influences our recommendations—we only feature products we would genuinely wear ourselves.
Founder & Lead Reviewer
25 years in construction, from apprentice chippy to site foreman. Mike has worn more work boots than he can count and has strong opinions about orthopaedic insoles.
Safety Standards Editor
Former WHS inspector with expertise in Australian safety regulations. Sarah ensures our content accurately reflects current standards and compliance requirements.
Testing & Reviews
Electrician turned boot enthusiast. James handles our testing protocols and brings a keen eye for the details that matter on the job.
We understand that work boots are more than just footwear—they're personal protective equipment that can prevent serious injuries. A good pair of boots can mean the difference between going home safe and ending up in the emergency room. That responsibility drives everything we do.
If you ever have questions about work boots, safety requirements, or need personalised recommendations, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always happy to help a fellow worker find the right boots for their needs.
Stay safe out there,
The Work Boots AU Team