How Often Should You Replace Work Boots?

Explaining How often should you replace work boots

Replacing work boots is a must! If you keep wearing worn-out boots, you will likely get slipped and injured. The average lifespan of work boots is up to 12 months and not more than that.
In addition, the lifespan depends on how frequently you wear them, in what environment you are working, and whether shoes have been heavily exposed to harsh weather/working environments.
Overall, the best time to replace your boots is after 6 to 12 months. Below we have written more details on how often you should replace work boots; you can see them:

When is the best time to replace work boots?

After 6 to 12 months, you must get a new pair of work boot sets. It is believed to be the average lifespan, and after that, your boots will show wearing and tearing. Leather and suede boots last about six months. However, cowboy boots last five to ten years, which is an exceptional case.

Which factors determine the lifespan of work boots?

Below you can see which factors determine the work boots lifespan:

• The work environment determines how frequently you should replace your shoes. If you work in harsh weather conditions like extreme heat, too much snow, and rain, get a new pair of shoes every 6 to 12 months.
• Your job nature decides when to get new work shoes. For example, carpenters spend the most time on their knees, which impacts the quality of the boots. They wear down quickly. Working in a chemical plant exposes your boots to lots of chemicals, thus affecting their quality and leading to more rapid damage.
• The quality of work boots also decides when the right time to replace them is. High-quality boots last long than poor-quality boots. Besides, the materials used in them exactly decide how long they can be worn.

Important signs your work boots need a replacement

You can learn the important signs that tell your boots need immediate replacement. Overall, the common signs are damaged toes, rubber separation, worn-out PVC parts, damaged tread design, and the appearance of cuts and cracks.

Damaged insoles and outsoles

Damaged and completely worn-out insoles and outsoles are important sign that pushes us to replace the work boots without delay. Damaged soles lead to discomfort, and you cannot comfortably walk in those boots. Your feet and even legs will feel immense pressure.

Broken treads

A broken tread design is a highly important indication that your boots should be replaced. If the treads have become flat, gone missing, or become super-cracked, you must stop wearing those shoes and get a new pair. Worn-out tread design leads to less traction and almost zero support.

Exposed steel toe and shank

Worn-out boots have an exposed steel toe and shank. It is a crucial visual sign that you must not ignore in any case. You might encounter serious foot injury if your work boots’ steel toe, midsole, and shank are exposed.

The appearance of lots of cracks and cuts

Old boots start getting massive cracks and cuts, which brings up a leakage problem. It gets difficult for you to work comfortably in a wet environment because moisture keeps entering the boots.

How to increase the lifespan of work boots?

You can increase the lifespan of your work shoes by following the below-written tips:

Clean them regularly

Cleaning your work boots regularly lengthens their lifespan. Those who take extreme care and well-maintain their shoes generally last long. Leaving grime, dust, and dirt on your shoes for days and days will only reduce their lifespan and performance. Mud stuck into the boots damages their stitching, making them fall apart rapidly.
It is recommended to regularly and gently clean the boots with a plastic brush. Remove every mud and grime. If you spot a stain, remove it by preparing a soapy water solution. For greasy stains, using cornstarch is recommended. And to keep the boots scratch-free, the application of coconut oil is the expert’s suggested hack.

Insert shoe tree inside your work boots

A shoe tree is the most helpful device that increases and naturally boosts the lifespan of work boots. It is placed inside the shoes and helps the footwear retain its shape and quality, preventing it from developing cuts, cracks, and creases. Just keep them inserted overnight, that is all.

Maintaining quality with a Water and Stain Repellent

You can maintain the quality of your boots with water and stain-repellant. Water stains, creases, and shrinks the material. It ruins the overall quality and pushes it to tear out in less time as well. Thus, cleaning your boots with only water and stain repellent is suggested.

Dry your work boots

Dry your boots before you wear them! Wearing wet and not-so-completely dry boots negatively impacts their quality. Use an ordinary fan to dry them up, or you can also use a hairdryer. Moreover, avoid over-drying your boots; this practice brings cracks to them.

Properly store your boots

You can extend the lifespan of your shoes by storing them properly. Like, you can store them in a spot surrounded by mild and dry temperatures. Air should keep on circulating in that place.
Besides, look for a dust-free storage place. Avoid storing your shoes in stuffy cupboards; this will damage them rapidly. And keep them less exposed to direct sunlight and heaters.

Conclusion

What are you thinking now? It is time to look after your work boots with utmost care. You can lengthen their lifespan easily; it is all in your hands.
Overall, the working environment, job nature, and materials quality determine when to replace the shoes. The average and approximate lifespan are about 6 to 12 months. You can let us know how long you wear a pair of shoes and what hacks and strategies you follow to increase usage time. Stay in touch with us.