Dunlop Purofort vs Bekina Steplite: Which Safety Boots Are Best for Abattoir Work?

When Safety Starts from the Ground Up

In a fast-paced, hazard-heavy abattoir environment, safety boots aren’t just footwear — they’re functional PPE engineered to protect against impact, slips, fatigue, and chemical exposure. Whether you’re manoeuvring through blood-slick processing floors or stabilising your stance while wielding handsaw blades, butchers’ knives, or operating slaughterhouse equipment, the right pair of boots influences everything from posture to performance.

The UK meat processing industry demands PPE that meets rigorous standards, endures harsh sanitisation regimes, and complements full-body protection — including cut-resistant gloves, chain gloves, and steel gloves. And at the top of the safety footwear hierarchy stand two contenders: Dunlop Purofort UK and Bekina Steplite UK. These aren’t just popular choices — they’re industry benchmarks.

Both brands offer advanced construction, steel-toe protection, and thermal insulation, but their subtle differences in outsole grip, shaft width, material resilience, and integration with wider abattoir equipment setups make for an important comparison — especially when the health of your workforce and the reputation of your operation are at stake.

Get informed on Multiple Factors

This guide dissects their features, field performance, and ergonomics, offering in-depth analysis to help buyers, safety managers, and operations leads choose the best option for their specific needs. From comfort and chemical resistance to cost-effectiveness and industry use cases, we leave no stone unturned.

Material Technology & Build Quality 

Both brands use proprietary polyurethane blends that outperform traditional rubber or PVC boots.

• Dunlop Purofort UK: Purofort® is engineered with millions of air pockets for thermal insulation and shock absorption. Its cross-linked molecular structure offers flexibility and cut resistance, making it ideal for rugged abattoir floors and exposure to sharp tools like butchers’ knives and handsaw blades.
• Bekina Steplite UK: NEOTANE® is Bekina’s answer to Purofort — a lightweight, oil-resistant material that resists deformation and chemical breakdown. It’s particularly effective in environments with blood, fat, and cleaning agents.

Takeaway: Both materials are purpose-built for meat processing, but Bekina’s NEOTANE shows superior resistance to abattoir-specific contaminants.

Comfort & Thermal Performance

Comfort is critical for long shifts in cold, wet environments.

• Dunlop Purofort: Offers insulation down to -50°C in Thermo+ models. The boots remain flexible in freezing conditions and include heel energy absorption zones to reduce fatigue.
• Bekina Steplite: Insulates to -20°C and features a wider shaft for easier movement. The ergonomic footbed and removable insole allow for a custom fit — especially useful when wearing steel gloves or thick cut-resistant gloves.

Takeaway: Dunlop excels in extreme cold, while Bekina prioritises ergonomic comfort and breathability.

Hygiene & Slip Resistance

Both boots are designed for easy cleaning and superior grip.

• Dunlop Purofort: Seamless shaft and smooth surface reduce bacterial build-up. SRC-rated outsole provides excellent traction on wet concrete and steel grates.
• Bekina Steplite: SRA-rated self-cleaning tread pattern actively sheds debris and fat. NEOTANE’s non-porous surface resists grime and is easy to disinfect — ideal for slaughterhouse equipment zones.

Takeaway: Bekina’s outsole design and chemical resistance make it a standout in hygiene-critical environments.

Safety Features 

Both boots meet EN ISO 20345:2011 S5 SRC standards, but differ in nuance.

• Dunlop Purofort: Steel toe cap and midsole, anti-static sole, and tear-resistant shaft. Ideal for general abattoir use and cold storage.
• Bekina Steplite: Steel toe and midsole, oil and acid resistance, and wider fit for PPE integration. Designed for high-risk zones with exposure to sharp tools and corrosive fluids.

Takeaway: Bekina offers enhanced chemical resistance and PPE compatibility, while Dunlop provides a broader model variety.

Integration with Other PPE

Both boots work seamlessly with standard abattoir PPE:

• Chain gloves and steel gloves: Fit comfortably under both brands, though Bekina’s wider shaft offers easier integration.
• Cut-resistant gloves: Pair well with both, especially when worn with reinforced trousers.
• Oil stones and butchers’ knives: Boots provide stable footing during sharpening and cutting tasks.

Takeaway: Bekina’s ergonomic design supports layered PPE setups, while Dunlop’s flexibility aids movement during precision tasks.

Price & Value

Pricing varies by model and retailer:

• Dunlop Purofort: Ranges from £50 to £110. Offers Thermo+, RigPro, and MultiGrip variants for different environments.
• Bekina Steplite: Typically £60 to £90. Models include SolidGrip, Thermolite, and EasyGrip — each tailored for specific roles.

Takeaway: Dunlop offers more model diversity, while Bekina delivers consistent value for heavy-duty use.

Boot Maintenance & Lifespan

Proper care extends boot life and maintains safety standards.

• Cleaning: Rinse with warm water and disinfectant after each shift. Avoid harsh solvents that degrade polyurethane.
• Drying: Use the Dunlop Ring or hang loops to air dry upside down — prevents bacterial growth and shaft collapse.
• Inspection: Check soles for wear, steel toe integrity, and shaft flexibility monthly. Replace if cracks or punctures appear.

Takeaway: Both boots are low-maintenance, but regular checks ensure compliance and comfort.

Industry-Specific Recommendations

Different roles demand different boot features:

Takeaway: Match boot features to job function for optimal performance and safety.

User Feedback & Field-Tested Performance

Real-world reviews highlight key strengths:

• Dunlop Purofort: Praised for durability and cold protection. Users report reduced foot fatigue during long shifts.
• Bekina Steplite: Celebrated for comfort and grip. Butcher’s note improved balance on greasy floors and easier PPE layering.

Takeaway: Both boots earn high marks, but Bekina edges ahead in comfort and hygiene-critical roles.

The Final Footing — Which Boot Leads the Pack?

When the shift runs long, the floors get greasy, and your PPE is stacked to the elbows, your safety boots quietly become the most relied-upon tool in your kit. Choosing between Dunlop Purofort UK and Bekina Steplite UK is less about branding and more about practical fit — both physically and operationally.

Dunlop Purofort stands out for its cold insulation, range variety, and legacy reliability across cold storage and multi-role environments. It’s Purofort® material, combined with options like the Thermo+ and MultiGrip, makes it ideal for facilities that value modularity and long-term durability.

Meanwhile, Bekina Steplite champions performance in high-risk meat processing zones. With a focus on chemical resistance, all-day comfort, and hygienic features like self-cleaning soles and wider shafts for PPE integration, it’s the boot built for the daily grind of blood, fat, and disinfectants.

Both Giants of the Industry

Both integrate smoothly with abattoir-specific PPE — from cut-resistant gloves and chain gloves, to tasks involving oil stones and precision work with handsaw blades. And both meet or exceed UK compliance benchmarks.

Ultimately, your choice should reflect your role, your workflow, and the demands of your environment. Choose wisely — because when your boots are built for the job, every step forward is safer, steadier, and stronger.