Working in a hazardous area necessitates the use of specialized work boots. They are made to keep your feet comfortable, which is important for vocations that need you to stand and walk for long periods. But, more than ever, their capacity to safeguard employees against injury, shock, and other undesirable situations is critical.
That is why choosing the right work boots is crucial.
Your work boots are a fantastic investment. But, as much as you’d like to keep them for as long as you can, nothing in life is permanent, including your work boots. But how do you know when to replace safety shoes?
How Long Should a Pair of Work Boots Last?
A pair of high-quality boots can be used for a long time. Work boots have a six to twelve-month lifespan on average. When used by a construction worker, leather boots can last up to six months. Cowboy boots, on the other hand, are far more durable and can last anywhere from five to ten years. Engineering and manufacturing jobs require suede boots.
They do not, however, survive as long as the other labour boots described. Their lifespan is usually four to five months.
The figures above are only estimates. It is possible to extend the life of your work boots to 24 months or even longer with correct care and maintenance!
When to Replace Safety Shoes (or Work Boots)?
Now, you may be wondering when to replace safety boots or work shoes because of the complexities around them. However, here are some signals that it is time to get new pair of work boots
Outsoles
The outsole or the section of the shoe that contacts the ground or uneven terrain will appear damaged or worn. Lint-like particles, as well as holes or fissures, begin to emerge on the soles.
Feeling Uncomfortable
The area of your foot that comes into contact with the insoles no longer provides the cushioning you require. It’s pointless to keep your work boots if you don’t feel comfortable wearing them.
Try hanging the boots or work shoes by their laces
Hang your boots by their shoelaces to see how flexible they are. Then try to touch the tip of the boot to the heel. Your shoes need to be replaced if it bends entirely without resistance
Work boots don’t have to be flexible, but they should look and feel that way. If they’ve become too supple, though, it’s time to replace them.
Damaged midsoles
indicate that you should replace your boots or safety shoes, especially if they no longer provide the same level of cushioning as when you first purchased them. A drop in shoe height is visible, indicating that the midsoles are worn.
When the steel cap springs back
Check if the steel cap on your shoes stops springing back, which can happen if a heavy object falls on it. If this is the case, you can search through our steel cap work boots to find a replacement.
Of course, the damages are not obvious right away, but after a few days of use, you will notice them. To be honest, there is no set schedule for getting new pair of work boots. Consider the indicators listed above to see if you require new shoes.
Safety Shoe Inspection Checklist
An excellent boot, on the other hand, should last roughly six months. The shoes can last three to six months if you put a lot of pressure on them and wear them for several hours each day.
Do not wear your work boots if there are any symptoms of damage. Work boots or safety shoes are worn for a reason, and that reason is to protect you. Safety is not something to skimp on.
Damaged or worn-out boots can cause cracking, the soles of your boots popping out while you’re at work, and even blisters and agony. Water can readily seep through the cracks in your shoes if you work in a moist area.
Make sure you’re wearing high-quality shoes that are appropriate for the work. Work boots are not always pleasant to wear, especially the first time. New boots take roughly 80 to 100 hours to break in. That means you will need four days to become adjusted to your new shoes.
Keep a second pair of shoes on hand for a few days to prevent wincing at work because your feet hurt. Repeat the procedure till you are satisfied with your new boots.
How can I make my work boots last longer?
The picture should show boots being repaired or taken care of.
Working boots can be made to last longer. Here are a few tried-and-true ways to prolong the life of your shoes
Have a backup pair on hand.
Your favourite pair of shoes may have gotten wet, but there isn’t enough time to dry them before your next work. Use your second pair of boots instead of those. Two additional pairs of shoes are ideal.
If it isn’t practicable, switch your two pairs of boots every week or so. As a result, they will be exposed to less stress and environmental influences.
At work, wear work boots.
When you’re not at work, have a second pair on hand, especially for everyday use. This helps to keep the boots from becoming exhausted.
Boot care is very crucial.
Cleaning, dusting, and polishing are all included. If any worn-out pieces may be repaired, you should do it as soon as possible.
From our selection of work boot accessories, you may get your boot maintenance basics including wax, polish pad, and coverings.
Clean regularly and store them in a cool, dry place
It is especially crucial to air and dry safety shoes and occupational footwear thoroughly after each use to keep them in good condition – leather shoes will need at least 24 to 48 hours to dry entirely.
As a result, wearing a second pair of safety shoes is recommended. The shoes’ usable life is further extended as a result of the prolonged regeneration periods.
The location where shoes are dried is also significant. Wet shoes must never be dried on a heater, with a fan heater, or with a shoe dryer.
As a result, leather shoes, in particular, will become hard and brittle, causing them to wear out prematurely. As a result, they should be dried in a well-ventilated area.
If your work shoes are wet, completely untie them before stuffing them with paper. Allow them to dry slowly, replacing the damp paper as needed until the shoes are dry.
Heavy soiling should be carefully removed from work shoes before drying with a brush and lukewarm water, as dirt can reduce breathability and change the environment within the shoe.
We propose treating the shoes with standard care items and an impregnating agent after cleaning.
Make sure you have the right type of laces for your boots
When it comes to selecting the best work boots, the laces are frequently disregarded. However, depending on how you use your boots and, of course, personal preference, they can make a significant impact.
The laces are usually the first thing to show symptoms of wear on a pair of well-worn boots, at which point they must be replaced.
The laces that came with your boots were designed to appeal to a wide range of customers. One of the main reasons you might want to replace your shoelaces is to take advantage of the numerous features available on the market. As a result, your boots will be even more tailored to your requirements.
You can discover shoelaces that are resistant to intense stress, heat, fire, chemicals, water, UV exposure, and any combination of these properties, depending on your workplace needs.
Don’t wait for it!
All of these elements combine to make your boots even more comfy and secure. A custom-fit pair of safety boots provides a unique fit that relieves strain on your metatarsal area, allowing you to be on your feet for long periods with less stress.
You could have the nicest work boots in the world, but if you take care of them, they will last much longer and serve you better.
At the end of the day, your work boots are meant to aid rather than hinder. And sometimes that means saying goodbye to a favourite pair who has outlived their usefulness. Allowing your affection for your old boots to lead to an injury on the job place is not a good idea.
Consider investing in high-quality work boots to avoid the majority of degradation difficulties. We have a large range of steel-toe boots for ladies and men at Plymot that will withstand frequent weather exposure, wetness, and severe use. Choose a high-quality pair made of long-lasting materials, and you won’t have to worry about your beloved boots wearing out before their time!
What are the other signs you’re seeing in your safety boots? Let us know in the comment section