The comfort and performance of your safety boots is essential when you’re spending as much as 10-12 hours working on your feet everyday. Once you’ve found a good pair of boots that you find comfortable, it can be tricky to decide when it’s time to invest in a new pair. So how often should safety boots be replaced?
There’s no black and white answer to this question. The need for a replacement will depend on the original quality and manufacturing of the boots, how you care for them, and the conditions that you wear them in. Durable boots that have been made using considered and robust production methods, like LOWA safety boots can last you a number of years. However, cheaper boots may only last between 6 to12 months.
In order to help you determine when you need a replacement pair, it’s important to look out for the following signs:
Damaged Or Worn Down Outsoles
Noticed any cracks or holes in the outsoles? This is a definite sign that your work boots are in need of a replacement, or that the sole needs replacing at least. As the outsole is the part of the boot that comes into direct contact with terrain, it is often the part of the boot that can get worn down first. If you notice that the outsole has changed form or that the treads are cracked or separating, then this is a clear indicator that the soles have lost their initial quality.
Discomfort
When discussing ‘how often should safety boots be replaced’, the importance of monitoring comfort levels can’t be stressed enough. The boot should support and protect your feet, so if you’re noticing aches, pains, rubbing or soreness then your boots are either ill-fitting, or damaged and need replacing. If your feet feel tired and sore this can indicate that the soles are worn down, or that the insoles are pressed. If this is the case, it’s crucial to find a supportive replacement to ensure that you don’t cause injury to your feet.
Uppers Separating
One of the most obvious signs of damage in a safety boot is the uppers separating from the sole and the rest of the boot. The soles of LOWA boots are cemented onto the upper using a pneumatic press to ensure maximum durability, however with less robust safety boots from other brands, the uppers may peel away more easily over time. If this happens, it may be possible for the sole to be replaced, however in most cases the whole boot will need to be replaced to ensure comfort and protection in working conditions.
Leaking
If you notice that your feet are getting wet, this indicates that your waterproof membrane is leaking and as such have lost their waterproofing properties. This can be a real safety concern if you work in a wet environment or somewhere exposed to chemicals. If your feet are getting particularly cold, this can also indicate that there are leaks or holes somewhere in the boot.
Decaying Midsole
If the midsoles are crumbling or starting to fall apart then this is another sign that your safety boots have come to the end of their useful life. If the soles are crumbling, this could be a sign of hydrolysis. As we mentioned earlier, when discussing ‘how often should safety boots be replaced’, cleaning and care plays a huge role. If you store leather boots in a dry, well, ventilated space and clean them regularly they are less prone to damage like hydrolysis.
Steel Toe Cap Exposed
Many safety boots have steel toe caps in order to prevent injury from falling objects or compression. If you think your boots may need replacing soon then one sign of damage that you may notice is the steel cap being exposed underneath the boot material. This is a sign of wear and tear that you’re especially likely to notice if you’ve owned the boots for a number of years or they have done a lot of mileage.
How To Choose A Replacement
We couldn’t discuss the question of ‘how often should safety boots be replaced’ without providing guidance on how to choose the best replacement. The perfect safety boot should be durable, protective and comfortable. Key features to look out for include:
Reliable Construction Methods: Choosing your boots from a reputable manufacturer ensures they won’t break after a few months. LOWA have perfected their robust construction methods to ensure their boots are unrivalled in durability and comfort. This includes an exclusive spray-on glueing method as well as board lasting and slip lasting production methods. All LOWA boots come with a minimum 6 month warranty.
Waterproofing/Insulation: Most workers will require a boot that protects against water, cold or hot temperatures. That’s why LOWA safety boots use Gore-Tex ® technology. The Leandro Work Pro Gore-Tex ® Mid S3 CI benefits from cold insulation, heat insulation and heat resistance outsoles.
Slip-Resistance: This is crucial for safety in any work environment. All LOWA sole units are designed to feature an exceptional level of slip resistance. This includes the use of an exclusive Vibram® sole unit with Monowrap technology which is used on safety boot models including the Boreas Work Gore-Tex ® Mid S3 and the Renegade Work Gore-Tex ® Mid S3 CI.
Comfort: It goes without saying that any boot you choose needs to be just as comfortable as it is protective. Features like shock-absorbing soles, collar padding, and the use of breathable materials, like Gore-Tex ® are all crucial to bear in mind.
Durability: When answering the question of ‘how often should safety boots be replaced’ we emphasised the fact that this will vary between different manufacturers. That’s why choosing a durable boot is key. Production methods play one part in this, however material choice is also key. Durable materials like full grain leather, nubuck or hydrophobized suede will do the job of being long lasting and protective in harsh environments.
For further guidance on replacing your safety boots, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling +44 (0)1752 344355 or emailing [email protected].
