The UK’s Most Comfortable Work Boots
If you’re working on your feet all day, comfortable work boots are essential. As an Australian living in the UK, you may call me bias, but I believe Aussie work boots are the best in the world. With such extreme weather to contend with, safety boots need to be able to handle relentless sun, bitter cold and the rain… not to mention everyday hazards you find on site. And with harsher weather conditions hitting the UK and Europe, and demand for trade skills increasing, it’s not surprising that more British workers are investing in better boots.
Whilst your working conditions will guide your choice of work boots (e.g. steel toe cap boots for construction and zip sided for… well everyone), keeping your feet protected from injury is the greatest way to remain productive. Which is why I’m sharing some of the most comfortable work boots available in the UK – from an Aussie perspective.
1. STEEL BLUE MENS WORK BOOTS SOUTHERN CROSS ZIP S3 – SAND / BLACK
RRP £128.99
Backed by Steel Blue’s 30 day comfort guarantee, the Southern Cross Zip S3 are probably the most comfortable work boots on the market – and with 30 days to change your mind, there’s no reason not to give them a try. With fantastic reviews online from real tradesmen, and a ladies fit version available, this boot is a real all-rounder. S3 rated for safety, and 5 stars for comfort, these come highly recommended by tradies.
Check out an unboxing video on the boots here
Top Comfort Features
- 150mm ankle boot with a scalloped, padded collar offers maximum ankle support
- Industrial grade zip means you can tie your laces for the perfect fit, but use the zipper for easy access – so handy!
- Trisole® Comfort Technology (strategically placed pads made of high-tech PORON® placed in the sole and under your foot’s peak stress areas) is specially designed to cushion, cradle and support the entire foot – much more effective in cushioning and absorbing shock than a standard footbed
- At the time of writing, over 150 x 5 star reviews on this exact boot!
2. Munka Taurus Side Zip Work Boots BLACK/WHEAT
RRP £110.00
We are very lucky to have these boots in the UK. Exclusive to BIG Boots UK, the Munka Taurus boot has proven to be really popular, and is making a real name for itself here. The Taurus in Black looks as mean as any boot on the market and with their water resistant leather, shock resistant midsole and the best feature ever... Antimicrobial lining within the boot, it's like wearing a bamboo sock! Perfect for comfort even when your feet are sweating as the lining of your boots won't be stained with sweat!
Top Comfort Features
- The best feature - Antimicrobial sock lining. It's like having a bamboo sock within the boot!
- 200J Steel Toe Cap
- Thick Bump Cap
- Located in the UK, no paying £29 for postage from Australia
- Poron Industrial grade footbed
- YKK industrial zip
- Ankle support
Check out the technical details here
3. STEEL BLUE MENS WORK BOOTS PARKES ZIP SCUFF S3 – SAND / BLACK
RRP £118.99
Hard to argue with the brand offering a 30 day comfort guarantee, Steel Blue also have a lower cut version of their work boots available in the UK called the Parkes Zip Scuff (also S3 rated). Offering the same safety and comfort features as the Southern Cross boot, this style is more of a hiker fit (perfect for drivers or those needing a bit more ankle flexibility).
Check out an unboxing video on the boots here
Top Comfort Features
- 95mm ankle boot with a scalloped, padded collar and industrial grade zip (as above) allows greater flexibility and movement
- Available in UK size 4-14, including half sizes 5.5 and 9.5 for the best fit
- Ortho Rebound® footbed and soft Baltico® lining helps reduce foot fatigue and wicks away perspiration to keep your feet cool and dry
4. HARD YAKKA UK MENS 3056 ZIP SAFETY BOOTS WHEAT / BLACK
RRP £105.00
A general all round style of safety boot, the Hard Yakka UK 3056 Boot is a winner for comfort thanks to their memory foam footbed with ‘ERP Pod Comfort Technology’ (ahh marketing lingo). This means Energy Rebound Pods (ERP) cushioning provides softness underfoot with added energy return for all-day comfort. Plus as I’m sure you know from that expensive mattress you bought, the memory foam instantly moulds to the foot. Ideal for light industrial, warehousing, transport, construction and DIY as they are S1 rated.
Top Comfort Features
- Memory foam footbed with energy rebound cushioning adapts to all foot shapes
- The ‘Nano Gravity’ safety toe cap is up to 50% lighter than steel and 40% lighter than composite toe caps, making them more lightweight
- Zip Sided
- Neoprene Hoodie - Zip Hold & Anti-Rub Protection
5. Hard Yakka 'Legend' Work Boots - Wheat & Black
RRP £89.99
A modern take on a more traditional Aussie style of work boot, the new Hard Yakka Legend Safety boot is hardwearing and comfortable with ‘10-Gauge YKK coil side zip’ (the marketing jargon continues) on both the the Black and Wheat coloured boots.
If you have a wide foot, these wide fitting work boots would be great for you as the sizing is generous and we've had a few people with wider than average feet find these more comfortable than your standard work boots. However in saying that, these are still suited for the average foot as the laces can be tightened. They really have thought of everything these days. These are S1 certified and a good option if you prefer the easy option of zipping on and off your boots.
Top Comfort Features
- Removable PU footbed provides arch support and can be replaced over time
- Hard Yakka boots come with Extreme Impact Protection, a lightweight, thin and breathable cushioning material that's engineered for repeated impact and shock
6. Mongrel K9 Non Safety Work Boot
RRP £110.00 ex VAT
Another classic Australian style of work boot, the Mongrel non safety work boot is great for comfort and anatomic support because of their air cushion mid-sole. Millions of tiny bubbles provide excellent shock absorption and superb cradling of the foot, to reduce foot and leg strain. This style of boot doesn’t feature a zip, but instead you pull them on and off. This boot also comes in 4 colours. Vintage Brown, Cloudy Grey, Black and Claret.
Top Comfort Features
- Soft and grippy cushioned sole
- Air cushion mid-sole gives excellent shock absorption
- Cradling of the foot reduces foot and leg strain
- Soft Leather so ready for immediate wear
- Australian made
With so many other options on the market, I hope a look at the most comfortable Australian work boots available in the UK has been useful! Any questions, please get in touch with us.
Please note that RRP were correct when writing this article, however may have since been updated.
This article was written by Ryan Sneddon who has been working with footwear and workwear brands for over 10 years across the UK and Australia. His knowledge started when working in Melbourne at a college where he looked after the trade apprentices. He's worked with all the top brands such as Steel Blue, Hard Yakka, Elwood and Mongrel Boots and has built great relationships with the brands BIG Boots sell today. All which helps him provide above and beyond customer service to his customers.
