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5 May 2026

Would I be able to deduct the cost of doc Martin shoes as protective clothing. I work in furniture retail with a lot of time spent in the warehouse moving heavy boxes of furniture. The doc Martin boots have a reinforced toe box (not steel but reinforced leather). Steel toes would not work in my environment as I have to walk and change directions quickly and steel would result in bruises on my toes due to the pace I have to keep. Does this satisfy the requirement for protective clothing? I do often drop heavy things on my feet and the shoes do protect me.

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52 views
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YellowPotato(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
5 May 2026

Best to ask a tax agent or ATO's technical advice


Very likely it's a no


"You can’t claim a deduction for buying, hiring, repairing or cleaning conventional clothing you buy for work"


https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/income-deductions-offsets-and-records/deductions-you-can-claim/work-related-deductions/clothes-and-items-you-wear-at-work/clothing-laundry-and-dry-cleaning-expenses


https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/income-deductions-offsets-and-records/guides-for-occupations-and-industries/r-z/retail-industry-workers-income-and-work-related-deductions/deductions-for-work-expenses/retail-industry-expenses-af#ato-Clothinganduniformexpensesincludingfootwear


Similar question

https://community.ato.gov.au/s/question/a0J9s000000TXQK/p00247943

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Are doc martin shoes protective clothing and tax deductible? | ATO Community