Mongrel elastic sided non steel boot

The Mongrel elastic sided non steel boot is a pull-on work boot from Mongrel that skips the steel toe. It runs a non safety toe cap, which means it is built for comfort and wear rather than toe-impact protection. The elastic sided design means there are no laces to deal with, so it is quick to get on and off at the start and end of a shift.

The comfort side of the boot is where Mongrel has put its work. It uses the AirZone Comfort System and an OrthoTec Air footbed, with a TPU/PU ToughSider sole that is rated slip, oil and fat resistant. The boot is held together with Coats NylBond stitching. There is no safety rating in this listing, so treat it as a comfort and grip boot rather than a protective one, and confirm any standards or ratings on the product page or datasheet before you rely on them.

If you want the look and feel of a sturdy work boot without the rigid toe cap, this one is worth a look. You can check the current listing and order it directly through the Done Right Safety product page.

Deciding if a non safety toe suits the job

The first call is whether your site allows a non safety toe boot at all. Many trades and sites require a rated safety toe, and this boot does not have one. If your role has no toe-protection requirement, a non safety boot like this is usually more comfortable and lighter to wear all day. If you are unsure, check your site induction or supervisor before buying.

Getting the fit right

Because this is an elastic sided boot, the side gussets do the work of holding it on, so the fit through the heel and the snugness of the elastic matter more than they would on a lace-up. Try them on with the socks you actually wear at work. There should be a little room at the toe and a firm hold at the heel so the boot does not slip as you walk. The OrthoTec Air footbed can be lifted out if you prefer your own orthotic.

Looking after the sole and stitching

The ToughSider sole is the part that keeps you upright on slick floors, so keep the tread clear of caked-on muck and check it for wear. Once the tread starts smoothing out, the slip, oil and fat resistance drops off and it is time to replace the boot. Give the Coats NylBond stitching a look now and then around the gussets and toe, since that is where flex stress lands first.

The boots below are like-for-like, same-type work boots from the Done Right Safety range. The comparison lines the Mongrel up against two non safety toe options, since that is the closest match to this boot, plus one rated safety boot so you can see what changes if you do need a toe cap.

If you do not need a rated toe, the Mongrel is the easiest of the three to live with day to day because the elastic sides mean no lacing at all. The Steel Blue Enforcer gives you a higher 150mm ankle cut and a zip if you want more support around the ankle, while the Steel Blue Harvey is a derby shoe for when the job calls for a tidier look rather than a boot.

The one to watch is the JBs Steeler. It carries a 200J steel toe cap and lists AS 2210.3:2019, so it sits in a different bracket. If your site requires a safety toe, none of the three non safety boots here will pass, and the Steeler is the option on this list that does.

The listing makes clear that this is a comfort-first boot. The combination of the AirZone Comfort System, the OrthoTec Air footbed and the elastic sided design points at a boot built for easy wear over a long day rather than for protecting your toes. The ToughSider sole being rated slip, oil and fat resistant is a genuine plus if you are on greasy or wet floors.

Verify anything to do with ratings yourself. There is no safety standard listed here, so do not assume it meets any particular Australian standard for footwear. If your site has footwear requirements, check the product page or datasheet for the detail, and confirm sizing and fit before you commit.

For a non safety role where you want a sturdy, grippy boot you can pull on and forget about, this is a sensible pick. For anything that needs a rated toe, look at a safety boot instead.