Work boots have a tough life, whether they're used in factories or outdoors. What are the care instructions to keep them looking good longer?
Let's take a quick tour to help you extend their lifespan.
How long should a work boot last?
It's true that taking care of your work shoes and boots will help them last longer. However, don't skimp on replacing them, as they are personal protective equipment.
As such, they must always be in good condition to fully fulfill their role. Therefore, after 8 to 14 months*, it is normal for you to have to replace them. Even if you buy Royer, Timberland, Terra, Keen, or other brand boots , and these are the models with the best ratings on the market, consider replacing them after a year.
Inevitably, with the conditions to which this equipment is subjected, mainly on construction sites or in factories, even the most resistant leather and the best soles have a breaking point.
* If your job involves daily work with corrosive products, such as mud, cement, manure or acid, the duration could even be reduced to 4 to 6 months.
What are the causes of premature wear of work boots?
Work shoes and boots spend their days in factories, wading through puddles and various chemicals and abrasives. Other times, they're outdoors, exposed to extreme cold and calcium, or the persistent sun during a heatwave.
This is the case for construction trades, including plumbers, welders, electricians, laborers and carpenters who work in environments in contact with many products and materials such as welding spatter, concrete, gravel, salt, water and mud.
These are conditions that affect the construction of safety boots and accelerate wear if you don't take care of them. Leather dries out with heat, sun exposure, and calcium. The sole's effectiveness decreases if it isn't cleaned of embedded particles, and the sole will peel off more quickly due to being soaked in moisture if you don't take care of it regularly.
How to protect your work boots and extend their lifespan?
To extend the lifespan of your boots and avoid replacing them every 8 months, the only key is regular maintenance. Each material (leather, synthetic canvas, nubuck) must be cleaned differently, but always daily.
Caring for leather shoes and boots
Leather must be moisturized. This is the best way to preserve its properties. For construction sites, a wax, paste, or grease is recommended. These products can also waterproof your boots.
Apply the wax regularly after cleaning the surface by lightly brushing and wiping with a damp cloth. Use as little water as possible and avoid soap.
Caring for nubuck shoes and boots
Suede (nubuck) leather is more fragile and delicate than leather and synthetic materials. Brushing with the wrong tool, applying too much force, or brushing on a wet boot is a no-no.
However, this material tolerates soapy water very well, applied with a soft cloth. Then, a solution suitable for nubuck, such as liquid silicone, is applied.
Maintenance of synthetic canvas (nylon) shoes
Synthetic materials do not require any special care products. Soap and water are sufficient. Washing them regularly will prevent stains from setting in.
Interior maintenance instructions
For the inside of work boots, the instructions remain the same, regardless of the material the outside is made of.
- Any moisture should be dried daily to avoid not only discomfort, but also premature detachment of the sole and the appearance of fungus. In fact, cushioned merino wool socks are designed to prevent excessive perspiration.
- Avoid direct heat sources: sun, electric baseboard heaters or wood stoves.
- We prefer airy rooms and covered terraces for outdoors.
- Also consider putting newspaper inside to absorb excess water after a day in the rain or to remove moisture from perspiration.
About sole wear
As the soles sag over time, you can also consider changing your soles after 4 months depending on use and profession to regain your comfort.
When to replace work boots or shoes?
In short, no matter what conditions you spend your days in with your work boots or shoes, if you want to stretch their replacement to at least 14 months and not every 8 months, you have to treat them with care every day.
Signs that it's time for you to replace them include:
- Cracks or breaks in the material
- The sole that comes off
- Persistent odors that you can't seem to deal with and could be a sign of fungus
- Increased discomfort due to lack of support
TIPS
- Although the initial cost may be higher, consider purchasing two pairs of boots. This way, you'll always have time for each pair to dry and absorb the treatment you're applying. Ultimately, you'll be sure to maximize the lifespan of both pairs of boots.
- If the extra cost raises your eyebrows, consider buying two insoles and wearing them alternately .
- Buy cushioned, merino wool socks to stay cool and dry.
