Tool Box Buzz

Oliver Safety Boots 45 Series

A good day’s work on the job site always starts from the ground up, and for us that means our work boots. We recently took a pair of Oliver 45 Series Work Boots to our job-site for some real on the job testing. We assigned them to our foreman and solicited feedback after a month of wearing them daily.

4 Key features that we look for in a work boot

1. Safety Features
2. Boot Construction
3. Weatherproofing
4. Comfort

Safety

Slips and falls on the job site continue to lead job site injuries.  For that reason we always look at safety as our most important feature in a work boot.

The Oliver 45 Series work boot, were designed with chemical-resistant sole to resist mineral oils, acids, alkali, animal fats and oils. It also has an EH rated out-sole. The boots sole works well in rugged terrains and provides maximum traction on both wet and dry surfaces. The boots outer sole is heat-resistant to temperatures up to 266ºF.

We found these boots has outstanding traction.

Boot Construction

The Oliver 45 Series work boot is constructed with liquid resistant leather and features nonmetallic eyelets making this a 100% nonmetallic boot.  The boot has double and triple stitching.

A high impact, composite toe protects to toes and offers a 40 percent less weight than steel toe caps.  The reduced weight pays off in dividends at the end of the day by reducing wearer fatigue.

Composite toes are typically comprised of carbon fiber, plastic or Kevlar. This boot complies with ASTM  F2413-11  M I/75 C/75  EH ANSI/ASTM safety requirements and are lighter than steel.

We like boots with composite toes because they do not transfer cold or heat and are non-metallic, which offers a greater safety options.

We also liked the enclosed lace loops, which we feel will eliminate the frayed and eventually failed laces that usually result from open boot lacehooks.

 Weatherproofing

The boot is an all leather upper material and can be treated for water repellency. It is a thick, solid cut of leather, making it a heavy duty work boot, but not waterproof.

Comfort

Our foreman’s first comment was that the boots were lightweight and flexible.  He noted that the boot is flexible enough to provide comfort in a myriad of working; bending and flexing their feet on the job site.

He noted that the cushioning in the boot absorbs the impact from walking – “almost like a shock absorber.” His last comment was that he can wear these boots all day with no noticeable lower back, leg and foot fatigue. In the end, we decided that the boots are definitely a keeper!

Improvements

These work boots have a direct attachment of the upper leather and rubber sole. They do not offer the ability to resole.

Work boots are constructed in several ways. Boots with stitch-down construction, in which the upper part is sewn to the out-sole, are the only type that can be resoled. For a less expensive option, choose cement construction boots, in which the upper is glued to the out-sole. In direct attach boots, which tend to last longer and have the strongest bond between out-sole and upper, the two portions are molded together.

We love boots that allow use to resole.

Key Features

• Non-metallic construction
• Fully lined padded comfort collar and tongue
• NATUREform® wide profile  hi-impact  composite safety toe cap
• Chemical-resistant sole resists mineral oils, acids, alkali, animal  fats and oils
• Light weight dual density Thermo Plastic  Urethane  (TPU) out-sole
• Outer sole is heat-resistant to temperatures up to 266ºF
• EH Rated Outsole
• Meets ASTM F2413-11   M I /75  C/75  EH

Cost

The Oliver 45 Series Work Boot is available in Men’s  sizes : 6-14  an 7.5-11.5.  There are three options available:

1. 6-inch Lace-Up available in Wheat,  Brown  and Black SRP:$170
2. 8-inch Lace-Up available in Black SRP: $265
3. 10-inc h Lace-Up available in Black with Thinsulate  SRP: $285

Conclusion

The Oliver 45 Series work boot was designed for people who work outdoors or on slick surfaces.  It is a heavy duty but lightweight and comfortable work boot.  Check them out!

1 Comment

1. Dale Volk

   April 22, 2018 at 11:13 am

   Great work boots my new favorite. I’m a Farmhand on dairy farm in WI and wear em 14 to 16 hours a day right out of the box

   Reply

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