From the cattle farm to the apple orchard, Blundstone’s work boots have long been a popular choice for workers in agricultural industries – offering robust comfort for long days on the job. Recent reports, however, highlight the increased need for safety in several rural environments, to ensure maximum foot health and protection.

The agricultural industry has been identified as a national priority group by the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy for more than 10 years, says Blundstone’s global work and safety range manager, Adrian Blandford.

Between 2019 and 2020 there were a total of 3893 serious claims and 46 fatalities reported in the industry (Safe Work Australia, 2021).

The rising work-related injuries attained in the agriculture, forestry and fishing category can be attributed to incidents with vehicles, falls from heights and handling of animals.

Mr Blandford said Blundstone is committed to supporting a safe and healthy working environment from the ground up, all-year around – so when it comes time to choose fit-for-purpose boots, the safety footwear specialists recommend considering the following:

- Safety toe cap – does the work undertaken require steel or composite safety? Does it require impact resistance, or both cut and impact resistance?

- Quality uppers – are the boots designed using materials that are breathable, protective, and supportive to maintain excellent foot health?

- Sole design and material – is the tread pattern and outsole material appropriate for the work conditions? Do they offer slip-resistance and optimum grip?

- Over-arching design – do you require a personalised fit through a zip and laces function to provide increased ankle and calf protection? Is the convenience of a zip or elastic side a priority for easy on, easy off?

In February 2023, Blundstone launched their latest safety range, RotoFlex, into rural retailers. This world-leading, biomechanical design is a result of years of customer driven research and development into the needs of workers in several industries.

RotoFlex is fit for a range of agricultural jobs, offering stability with the freedom to move, water-resistant uppers, a slip-resistant sole and a convenient zip side for easy on, easy off.

Mr Blandford said RotoFlex is built with four technical features ; GripTek HD, Fortalite, AirCell, and SoftCell – each working together to provide outstanding levels of comfort and safety for the wearer.

“Every single component used in the construction of the RotoFlex range has been researched, tested and trialled to ensure we deliver truly innovative, better performing safety footwear.

“Our design team and technicians looked at multiple options for each element and selected the best performing, most appropriate product, and if they couldn’t find the perfect piece, they went and created it so we could deliver best-in-market safety footwear,” Mr Blandford said.

These features incorporate:

- Toe protection: the Fortalite composite toe cap holds strong under immense pressure. It provides lightweight, compression-resistant protection tested to 200 joule impact – ideal for working with animals

- Slip resistance: the biomechanically conforming sole design, GripTek is designed with a unique TPU tread pattern and super cushioned midsole, offering optimum grip, all-day stability and maximum comfort. The innovative design reduces slip hazard risk, fatigue, and ankle injury – ideal for rural workers faced with mud and slippery surfaces

- Fit: the overarching comfort system, SoftCell utilises a combination of specialist materials and a unique biomechanical foot-cradling design. This increases stability, balance, and manoeuvrability – providing all-encompassing comfort from day one. SoftCell also incorporates Infinergy e-TPU, a super elastic foam from BASF that provides superior cushioning

- Comfort: the AirCell footbed has been uniquely constructed with specialised zoning designed to activate ventilation. This allows air to be pumped through channels to the heel, arch of the foot and between the toes, offering moisture control and cushioning comfort as the wearer walks and moves.

The RotoFlex range boasts six different styles – four unisex available in 5-inch and 6-inch and two women’s specific styles in 6-inch. With durable, heavy-duty zips and streamlined TPU toe guards, Mr Blandford said RotoFlex is the benchmark for the safety footwear market.

“Put Blundstone’s innovation to work – available at participating rural retailers in February 2023.”