PRODUCT FEATURE
BACK TO WORK LIKE A BOSS
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD IN 2022
32 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022
When it comes to those on the tools, dressing the part for work is more than just looking good—it’s also about comfort and protection. The new year is the perfect time to review your gear and make sure it’s fit for the job. To encourage hard-working Australians to replace their boots in the new year, iconic boot brand Blundstone is offering the chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 Finke Desert Race. The winners will enjoy a VIP pit pass, getting into the nuts and bolts of the race with Toby Price, the 2021 Finke Desert Race winner and Blundstone ambassador. Prize also includes flights, accommodation and meals. The competition runs from 10 January - 20 February 2022. “I’m stoked to be partnering with Blundstone for their 2022 Back to Work Like a Boss promotion—the only bad thing about it is I can’t enter myself!” Toby Price said. “I’m proud to be a long-time Blundstone ambassador— I like to do my preparation and race with top-of-the-range gear, so I know a bit about the value of the original and best work boots. There is no race quite like Finke and I can’t wait to get out in the Red Centre to go racing again,” he said. The right fit for your purpose is essential when updating your safety footwear. With so many options out there, quality, protection and comfort are key to protecting your health as well as reducing time lost to injury. Blundstone continues to lead the way in product and innovation, with seven new boot styles (#984, #989, #325, #322, #243 #883 and #887) released in the last 12 months that are perfect for starting the new year fresh. The key things to consider when choosing your next pair of safety boots are: • Fit: Make sure the boots are not overly tight as your feet can swell during the day and check they flex at the ball of your feet. Walk a few steps to test if the boots are comfortable. • Upper material: Make sure the material of the boots you choose are made for your work environment—water-resistant, durable, flexible. • Outsole: Select the right outsole for your requirements. What level of heat resistance do you need? Other key features include slip resistance and oil, acid and organic fat resistance. • Support: Select a boot that has highquality footbeds, strong and supportive heel counters and a shank to ensure torsional stability. • Safety features: Check the safety features of the boot are relevant to your workplace, keeping in mind key elements such as toe cap requirements (steel or composite) and electrical hazard resistance.