Steel Blue Southern Cross Zip Boots Provide a Colorful Boot Experience
We first came across Steel Blue back in 2020 when we reviewed their Blue Heeler cowboy boots. When the brand reached out with news that they carry a women’s line of work boots, I knew I wanted to take them for a test ride. There’s a lot to like about the Steel Blue Southern Cross Zip Women’s boots, and they certainly stand out thanks to their bright colorway options. I’ll walk you through my experience and help you determine if they’re worth investing in for your next pair of women’s work boots.
Pros
- Out-of-the-box comfort
- Side-access zipper
- Minimal break-in time required
- Available in various colorways
- Steel toe for added safety
Cons
- A bit on the bulky side for a women’s boot
Steel Blue Southern Cross Women’s Boots: Design Notes
- Weight: 3.7 lb (pair)
- Height: 6 inches
- Heel height: 1.5 inches
- Electrical Hazard (EH) rated
- Steel safety toe
- Slip- and oil-resistant
- Water-resistant
- Women’s fit
The Steel Blue Southern Cross Women’s Boots are constructed of premium nubuck leather, which the brand says is buffed to give it a velvet-like finish. It certainly shows, and stands out from more traditional work boot designs.
They’re fairly lightweight, weighing just 1.85 pounds per boot (or 3.7 pounds for the pair).
One of my favorite aspects of these boots is their heavy-duty side zipper, which lets you quickly put them on or take them off without untying or re-tying the laces. Although the boots have traditional laces, the zipper lets you step in and out in no time. It’s a nice balance between the more expensive BOA Fit System and the slipping you can experience in a laceless pull-on.
A zipper/lace combination is a feature we’ve seen before in work boots. However, I really appreciate it here, considering the laces are fairly heavy-duty and don’t lend themselves to quick reties.
Steel Blue offers several vibrant colorways for these boots, including oak, brown, sand, purple, pink, and blue. I selected the blue ones, and I like how much they stand out in the primarily brown world of work boots.
Safety Features
For safety, Steel Blue Southern Cross Zip boots are equipped with several features we like to see on work boots. An ASTM-rated ErgoDefender steel toe cap protects the tops of your toes while you work. While steel isn’t as lightweight as aluminum or carbon, it’s a classic choice that offers plenty of protection.
These boots are Electrical Hazard (EH) rated, protecting you against accidental contact with live electrical currents. They’re also slip-resistant, oil-resistant, and can withstand temperatures up to 266°F on the outsole.
Fit and Comfort
I normally wear shoes in the 10.5 to 11 size range, and I picked up the Steel Blue Southern Cross boots in a size 11. The fit is spot on, giving me plenty of wiggle room in the toe box and an appropriate amount of ankle and foot support.
Being a women’s specific boot, they’re also designed with female foot anatomy in mind, featuring a slightly shorter ankle length and smaller instep. While they’re not dainty in the slightest, they’re a far cry better than opting for bulky men’s or unisex boots.
The top of the tongue and ankle area also feature plenty of padding, which is not a deal breaker for me but does add a bit of heft to these boots.
Finally, the Southern Cross boots are fitted out with a Trisole cushioning system, which provides an extra layer of comfort for your feet, knees, and lower back. Steel Blue also designed them with a patented Ortho Rebound footbed, which reduces foot fatigue by retaining the footbed’s thickness and shape.
Steel Blue Southern Cross Zip Boots Price
These boots retail for $220 and you can find them at a variety of retailers, including Tractor Supply. They’re available in 5-11 whole sizes and 6.5-9.5 half sizes. Steel Blue backs these boots with a 6-month warranty and a 60-day comfort guarantee.
The Bottom Line
Between their bright, unique design and their women-specific fit, it’s clear that the Steel Blue Southern Cross Zip boots stand out from the normal work boot blueprint. They’re equipped with many of the features we expect in a quality work boot without feeling like a pair of concrete blocks on your feet. Features like a convenient side-zip design and expressive colorway options are the icing on the cake. If you’re looking for a quality pair of women’s boots that are built to last, give these boots a close look.
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