So, you’ve invested in a new pair of safety shoes or work boots. These shoes are designed to withstand impact and extreme environments. Unfortunately, they do not last forever. Proper care and maintenance are essential to maximize their lifespan and get the most out of your money. However, ensuring your safety shoes are in the best condition allows them to protect your toes and feet, serving the purpose they are designed for.
Why Cleaning Safety Shoes is Important?
Safety shoes are essential protective gear for workers exposed to hazardous elements. Whether on a construction site or in a warehouse with heavy equipment and tools, safety shoes serve as the first line of defense against foot injuries.
Proper care and maintenance of safety shoes ensures prolonged life for the shoes and gives the wearer peace of mind. If the material is compromised, the protection the shoes can give your feet and toes is compromised, too.
Cleaning your safety shoes and work boots is the first preventive measure to maintain their condition. The shoes are subject to wear and tear, significantly reducing their lifespan. However, cleaning the inside and outside of the shoes prolongs their lifespan by preserving the quality of the materials and overall construction.
Don’t waste your money by replacing your shoes more frequently. Instead, give your current pair the care they deserve so you can keep using them for a few more months. It’s also a good idea to buy another pair so you can rotate them, and be less likely to prematurely damage the other pair.
How Long Do Safety Shoes Last?
There is no universal response to this question. The lifespan of safety shoes differs greatly based on many variables, such as the working conditions they are exposed to, the amount of care given to them, and their quality and durability.
Safety shoes are resilient and durable. But wearing them daily on an active role, exposed to hazardous conditions, can take its toll on the materials and construction. Therefore, the recommended lifespan for work shoes is 6 to 12 months. Safety shoes in more extreme conditions should be replaced more often than this.
Look for signs of damage indicating it’s time to replace your safety shoes. These signs include but are not limited to the following:
- Cracks and holes
- Leather breaking
- Exposed toe caps
- Loose soles
- Broken heels
Even if you cannot see visible signs of damage, regularly inspect your safety shoes. Look for any of the above signs of damage. Check the soles, the heels, and the materials around the shoe. Test the sole to determine if it’s loose or not.
What Causes Damage to Safety Shoes and Work Boots?
Several factors contribute to damage to safety shoes and work boots. Understanding what causes damage enables you to better care for them and keep them in the best condition.
- Exposure to high temperatures can damage the material over time, especially when it is extremely hot or cold.
- Incorrect specifications or using the wrong safety shoes for the work environment can cause more damage. Therefore, you should continually assess your environment and its unique challenges first to find the right pair that fits those hazardous conditions.
- Abuse or misuse of safety shoes can lead to a shortened lifespan. Be gentle with their use and avoid kicking on heavy or hard objects and walking over sharp debris (unless you have to).
- Failure to clean or maintain your safety shoes can also contribute to premature damage. Always clean your safety shoes after work to eliminate any debris that could damage the material.
Caring and Maintenance Tips for Safety Shoes
Follow these tips to care for your safety shoes and work boots properly.
Unfasten Boots
When taking off your shoes, always unfasten or unlace them; putting your shoes on with the laces still tied is not recommended. This practice pushes the shoes off the heel, causing the soles to come away from the upper material and causes cracks around the upper material, exposing it to more damage.
Cleaning Your Safety Shoes
Always wipe dust or debris off your work shoes after every use. Eliminating dust and debris allows the leather material to breathe naturally, especially when there are clumps of mud. Use a dry boot brush to clean or remove any visible debris.
If you own fabric work boots, clean them with warm water and soap to remove dust or debris. Use a sponge to gently remove dirt.
Use polish on leather work boots. It helps to keep dust particles away, keeping your work boots looking pristine for longer.
Another way to clean your safety shoes and work boots is to air them out. After you clean your work boots, let them dry naturally for up to 12 hours. Ensure you untie the laces and release the tongue so they can dry completely.
Airing is also a method for cleaning and drying insoles. Avoid drying them near a heat source, as this can change the shape of the insole and affect its comfort and fit.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to invest in a shoehorn. This accessory makes it easier to put your boots on without causing them to bend out of shape.
Bonus tip: The best storage for your safety shoes and work boots is somewhere cool and well-ventilated. This allows any smell or moisture to be released into the air and prevents damage to your shoes. However, you should not store your shoes in an area with direct sunlight, as this can speed up the aging of the materials.
What to Avoid When Caring for Safety Shoes
Taking care of your safety shoes and work boots is vital to keeping them in top condition and maximizing their lifespan. When cleaning your shoes, never use chemicals or strong detergents, especially when removing dirt. Instead, use a warm water and soap solution and apply it with a soft brush. Too many chemicals can damage the material and compromise its integrity.
Another obvious tip is to give your work boots time to rest. Refrain from wearing them when you are off-site. It will give your shoes a chance to rest and recover. It’s a good idea to get another pair so you can rotate them so one pair does not wear out too quickly.
