A Guide to the Best Fit Womens Work Boots

Are you on the hunt for a reliable pair of women’s work boots? You’re not alone. The construction industry is one of many fields that’s seen a long overdue gender parity, which means that ladies work boots are in higher demand than ever before; yet despite (or perhaps because of) the influx of safety boots aimed at women, it can still be difficult to find a pair that’s optimal for the wearer…

Growing Numbers of Females Employed in Vic Big Build

Over recent years, there has been a notable rise in women with more and more women taking up jobs in the traditionally male-dominated industry. While the increase has been significant, it is not yet across all roles; in Australia, women make up just 16% of engineering graduates and 13% of the engineering workforce. As such, there has been a concerted effort to attract and retain more women in the construction industry, including in roles related to road and rail projects.

The Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) project in Melbourne aims to increase women's participation in STEM fields such as civil and electrical engineering, project management, and environmental planning. More than 40% of the Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) workers are women, and a remarkable 50% of its senior management positions are held by women. The SRLA is further committed to attracting women into graduate programs and fostering the growth and success of experienced women through leadership and development programs. Increasing women's participation in the construction industry is not only important for promoting gender equality but also for improving productivity and innovation. The Suburban Rail Loop project is set to establish a sustainable stream of work, generating employment for up to 24,000 individuals within the local community. The project will also play a significant role in training the next cohort of skilled workers, with a particular focus on creating more job and training opportunities for women in STEM positions.

Fit-for-Construction Women’s Work Wear

Workwear has evolved over the years; while its sole requirement was to be durable, workers can now also expect their work attire to be comfortable, supportive and protective. Feeling comfy and supportive in what you wear is crucial for optimal performance at work, and an outfit that’s anything less than that can result in an unproductive work environment. To “shrink it and pink it” is a term used to describe the traditional approach to designing workwear for women in construction, whereby a garment is simply made smaller and in a stereotypically feminine colour. It’s a “that’ll do” approach that’s no longer acceptable.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is raising awareness about this issue and advocating for workwear that is designed with women's needs in mind. NAWIC recommends items such as high-visibility vests with adjustable waistbands, gloves designed for smaller hands, and comfortable and durable boots in women's sizes. Workwear should be functional, practical, and comfortable, while still meeting safety requirements. The issue of women's workwear is just one aspect of the broader effort to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. Governments and organisations are taking steps to encourage more women to enter and succeed in the industry, such as creating more opportunities for women-owned businesses to participate in government construction projects. The right workwear can help women feel more comfortable and included on a worksite, as such, efforts to improve women's workwear are vital to promoting gender equality and ensuring that the construction industry is accessible and accommodating to all.

How to Choose the Best Work Boot for Women

Choosing the right work boots is essential in ensuring comfort and safety on the job site, and this is no different for women. Historically, women's work boots were simply smaller versions of men's boots, but that is no longer the case, with companies now producing work boots designed specifically for women. With more options on the market, it means there are certain things to consider while choosing the right boots for you.

Correct Fit

The first is perhaps the most obvious; you need the right size, but you also need the right shape; to ensure work boots are suitable for their intended use, the initial step is to ensure that they fit properly. Inadequately fitted boots can increase the likelihood of foot injuries to the wearer, and in certain cases, these injuries may cause permanent damage. Selecting a boot that’s comfortable may also seem obvious, but you also need to ensure that it’s a boot that’s going to be comfortable for long periods. To prevent foot fatigue, it’s advised that you seek footwear that comes with arch support, cushioned insoles, and breathable lining.

Mens vs Womens Safety Boots

An important thing to remember is that some women have different feet shapes to men. So it is very necessary that you factor in both the length and the width of the foot to find a boot that fits correctly, as work boots now come in different sizes and widths to accommodate the unique shape of a woman's foot. A boot line that’s been designed to accommodate the geometric contrasts between men’s and women’s feet can make the difference between reliable workwear and a boot that’s going to send you straight to a physiotherapist.

Work Boots Safety Features

Durability is also of utmost importance when selecting a work boot, as is protection; you’ll ultimately need a boot made of high-quality materials that meets all the necessary safety standards. If you’re working in construction, you may be required to wear boots that include safety features such as steel or composite toes to protect the feet from falling objects, slip-resistant sole to provide adequate traction, and abrasion-resistant material that is ideally also waterproof. Depending on the specifics of your job, you may also need an ankle boot, or conversely, a high-top that offers extra ankle support. Choosing the right work boots can help prevent injuries and increase productivity on the job. It is important to note that not all women's work boots are the same, and that you should always make sure that the boots you’re purchasing are appropriate for your specific job requirements and in line with any relevant industry health and safety regulations. For example, construction workers typically require a different type of work boot than healthcare workers.

Australian Standards

The Australian Standards are a set of technical standards and guidelines that specify the minimum requirements and procedures for ensuring safety, quality, and reliability across various products, services, and industries in Australia. These tests range from basic impact and compression evaluations of toe caps to detailed examinations of the upper section and soling. The standard allows for customisation of safety features to meet specific job requirements, such as electrical properties or water resistance in construction. As such, it is mandatory for products to be labelled with the corresponding standards they have been tested against, and to provide further assurance, the label should also include a conformance mark that indicates compliance with the referenced standard.

Ladies Work Boots Style

On top of all the aforementioned features, ladies work boots also come in different styles and colours so that you can choose a pair that’s in line with your personal style, providing you an opportunity to add a little personal touch to your workwear. By choosing the right work boot, women can stay safe and comfortable while performing their jobs with ease.

WorkAmour’s Range of Safety Boots for Women

WorkAmour offers a comprehensive range of safety boots designed specifically for women, including Magnum Boots & ladies safety boots. Our collection includes boots that are as durable as they are comfortable, made with high-quality materials that have been tested to ensure they meet safety standards for working environments. These boots are designed to fit the shape of women's feet, providing ample support and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury. Additionally, our boots are made with breathable materials to prevent sweating and keep feet dry throughout the day.

With a range of options to choose from - including the popular Magnum Precision Max and the ever reliable Bata Dakota range - there is a boot for every woman in need of safe and comfortable footwear.