If you’re someone who regularly wears work boots, you get it. They’re an essential part of your day – providing protection, support, and comfort throughout long hours on the job. But if you don’t show them a little love, aka proper maintenance, that’s when you start to see premature wear and the need for frequent replacements.
Even the smallest amount of cleaning and care can do wonders for keeping them in use longer – and the right care not only helps extend the life of your safety boots but also helps ensure they remain comfortable and effective.
Here’s some tips to keep your work boots properly maintained.
Proper storage makes a big difference
Whether you use your safety boots daily or have an unused pair, storing your treads the right way – especially for extended periods – is important. If stored incorrectly, protective properties can deteriorate, especially in the outsole, affecting cushioning, bond strength, and slip resistance.
More specifically, improper conditions can cause materials to harden, crack, or lose effectiveness. Factors like exposure to heat, humidity, and improper positioning can weaken the rubber, polyurethane, or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) compounds commonly used in work boot outsoles.
How to store safety boots correctly:
- Avoid long-term storage: Over time, even unused boots degrade, causing the outsole material to become brittle and lose flexibility, which impacts traction and protection.
- Use a cardboard box, not plastic bags: Plastic can trap moisture, leading to material breakdown, mold, or mildew buildup. A cardboard box allows for better airflow while still providing protection from dirt and dust.
- Keep them in a controlled environment: Store in temperatures below 77°F with humidity no higher than 70% to prevent material breakdown. Extreme hot or cold can cause cracking or stiffening of the outsole, reducing durability and slip resistance.
- Position boots properly: Store them upright on a flat surface rather than stacked or folded, which can cause deformities in the toe box and midsole. Boot trees or inserts can help maintain their shape.
Best ways to clean and care for your work boots
It doesn’t take much. A little extra effort into proper work boot cleaning and care will help extend their lifespan all while keeping them comfortable for daily wear. From how to remove odor to waterproofing work boots, these daily care tips are easy and ready to help.
Daily care tips:
- Air them out: Moisture buildup from sweat or wet environments can weaken materials over time. Always allow your boots to dry completely after use. Leather takes 24 to 48 hours to fully dry, so it’s wise to rotate between two pairs.
- Dry them naturally: Never use heaters, fan dryers, or radiators, as these can cause leather to harden and crack, significantly shortening the shoe’s life. Instead, dry them in a well-ventilated area.
- For wet boots: Fully undo the laces and stuff them with paper. Replace the paper as needed until the boots are completely dry.
- Remove heavy dirt: Use a soft brush and lukewarm water to clean dirt and debris before drying. Dirt buildup can affect breathability, making the shoe uncomfortable.
- Use care products: You may want to treat your work boots with leather conditioners and waterproofing sprays to maintain durability
While daily care helps maintain the integrity of your work boots, exposure to water and harsh conditions can still take a toll over time. The next section covers when it’s time to replace your work boots.
How long do safety boots last?
Many workers overestimate the lifespan of their safety boots, with the assumption that if they still feel comfortable, they must still provide full protection.
However, prolonged wear, environmental exposure, and material fatigue can all weaken impact resistance, slip protection, and durability – even if there are no obvious signs of damage.
General lifespan guidelines:
- 5 to 8 years from production date: This varies depending on usage, exposure to extreme conditions, and wear and tear. However, even if unworn, materials like rubber, polyurethane, and adhesives degrade over time, reducing their protective effectiveness
- 12 to 24 months for daily use in high-impact environments: If you work in construction, oil & gas, manufacturing, or other extreme conditions, expect boots to wear out faster due to heavy use.
Signs it’s time to replace your boots
Even if your safety boots look fine at a glance, their protective features can wear down over time. Regularly checking for signs of damage ensures your safety footwear continues to provide the essential protection you need on the job.
- Check for visible damage before each use: Look for cracks, worn-out soles, loose fasteners, or thinning tread.
- Find the production date: Check the label under the tongue of your boot. The production date should be listed as month/year .
If your work boots have reached their limit, replace them immediately to ensure continued protection and performance.
Investing in quality safety boots is the first step, with proper care and maintenance a close second.
HexArmor® can help
Our safety boots were made to solve problems. We’ve created specialized safety footwear – the first ever by a safety manufacturer – with field-inspired design, out-of-the-box comfort, and our signature Wearability® in every pair – because we know the pros need the best.
Step into our cutting-edge technologies:
- Unmatched durability with MACSOLE™ rubber outsole
- Max shock absorption with i-PUREnrj™ technology
- Temperature control with climazone™
- Natural comfort with bionomx™
Learn more about our safety boot technology here.
Let us know if you have questions or want to start a trial – our Solution Specialists are ready to work with you. Call 1.877.MY ARMOR or send us a message.
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