When is it Time to Get a New Pair of Work Boots?

Worn Eyelets and sharp edged hooks Old damaged footwear is unsafe.

There is a point where your footwear loses the integrity and support it once had. The eyelets can also be a source for failure. Badly worn they become very sharp and cut through your laces or significantly reduce the life of your laces. The steel toe shining through the toe cap is the most common visual issue. Is the heel plate rubbed bare? Is your metatarsal guard showing?  Could be time for a new pair. Check the condition of your laces and replace with Ironlaces if necessary.

 Significantly worn down, or cracked tread isn’t doing its job anymore.

You don’t want to be driving on bald tires, so why walk in shoes that don’t have traction anymore? Check where materials meet, if the tread is separating from the leather, it’s time to repair or buy new. 

 Safety footwear by definition, footwear worn to protect your feet from injury and to reduce slipping and falling incidents.

 Boots not performing as intended, or maybe just plain ugly? Consider a new pair. 

 Mileage and Comfort.

 How much walking and standing do you do? Sore feet are no joke. Try replacing either your insole, or repairing your footwear. Ultimately, you may need to buy new boots. There’s no set mileage set for replacing safety footwear. Signs of wear and tear, show around the 900 mile mark. This is about one year of daily wear.   

 Damaged, footwear don’t do their job.

 Steel toed boots typically dent inwards causing discomfort and loss of function. Composite toe materials can be damaged without any outward signs. Boots or shoes should be replaced after a puncture or after a damaging blow. You decide, when it’s time to pick up a new pair of safety shoes. While there isn’t a best before date on safety footwear, there are several signs such as wear and tear, comfort, and functionality. You owe it to yourself, stay safe.