An Australian work boot (or generically elastic-sided boot) is a style of work shoe, typically constructed with a

leather Leather is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hog ...

upper bound together with

elastic Elastic is a word often used to describe or identify certain types of elastomer, elastic used in garments or stretchable fabrics. Elastic may also refer to: Alternative name * Rubber band, ring-shaped band of rubber used to hold objects togeth ...

sides and pull tabs on the front and back of the boot. The shoe lacks a tongue, and

laces Lace is a lightweight fabric patterned with open holes. Lace(s) may also refer to: Arts and media Films * ''Lace'' (1926 film), a German silent crime film * ''Lace'' (1928 film), a Soviet silent film * ''Laces'' (film), a 2018 Israeli film M ...

, and often contains a steel toe cap for

occupational health and safety Occupational safety and health (OSH), also commonly referred to as occupational health and safety (OHS), occupational health, or occupational safety, is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the safety, health, and welfare of people at wor ...

reasons. When the shoe contains a steel cap they are often known as "

safety boots Safety is the state of being "safe", the condition of being protected from harm or other danger. Safety can also refer to the control of recognized hazards in order to achieve an acceptable level of risk. Meanings There are two slightly dif ...

" or " steel toe boots". The boots generally lack an inner lining. The sole is generally

polyurethane Polyurethane (; often abbreviated PUR and PU) refers to a class of polymers composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. In contrast to other common polymers such as polyethylene and polystyrene, polyurethane is produced from ...

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, 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 more airflow, which makes a difference in hot weather. Also the lack of a shoe tongue makes it easier to waterproof the boot. The original English design, for urban use, became known as the Chelsea Boot in the 1960s. In 1932 R.M. Williams adapted this design for stockmen's boots. There are several Australian companies manufacturing boots in this classic style today. Some of the more popular brands are

Blundstone Blundstone Footwear ( ) is an Australian footwear brand, based in Hobart, Tasmania, with most manufacturing being done overseas since 2007. The company's best-known product is its line of laceless, elastic-sided, ankle-length boots. The official ...

(no longer made in Australia) (perhaps the original dating back to 1870),

Rossi Boots Rossi Boots is a South Australian boot manufacturer founded in 1910. The business continues to operate both the factory and headquarters in Kilburn, South Australia. Rossiters Pty Ltd is still owned by the Rossiter family. Over the 110-ye ...

(established in 1910 and still manufactured in Australia), R. M. Williams,

Baxter Boots Baxter Boots is an Australian shoes producer founded in 1850 and headquartered in Goulburn, New South Wales. History In 1850 the company was founded by William Teece in Goulburn, which was bought by Henry Baxter in 1885. Since then has been mana ...

, Redback Boots, and Mongrel Boots (Victor Footwear, manufacturing in Australia since 1930). In Australian English, the manufacturer's brand name is often associated generically with this style of boot, leading to the names ''Blunnies'', ''RMs'' or ''Rossis''. 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, the Novocastrian dance ensemble '' Tap Dogs'' uses modified work boots as tap shoes.

References

{{Footwear Boots Australian clothing Australian inventions Australian fashion Leather clothing

See also

References