How To Maintain Safety Footwear

According to a survey by Supertouch®, 49% of workers only look to replace boots once they are ‘worn out’. Worryingly, this could be dramatically reducing the protective qualities of the safety shoes, making them unfit for use and increasing the risk of injury.

We therefore recommend replacing boots if there is any damage to toe caps, fastening systems or once the sole grips have worn away by 50%. In order to ensure they are in tip-top condition during this time, it’s important to also store and maintain them correctly.

#1 Check Them! Conduct regular checks. Everyone wears shoes and boots differently, which can result in uneven wear. Over time, this can affect the sturdiness of the shoe, its slip resistance, electrical shock resistance and crucially the comfort. Look for tell-tale signs of deterioration such as dents, wear patterns on the sole, rips, or tears.	#2 Dry Storage Avoid storing boots and shoes in damp areas. This can cause the boots to develop mould and under these conditions, the material in the shoes can breakdown, which can in turn damage the protective properties, such as water-resistant performance. Keep them in a cool, dry area that is well-ventilated instead.

#3 Water Damage If wet, remember to dry boots out thoroughly far from direct heat and remove laces individually so they don't become brittle.	#4 Avoid Sunlight Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, as this can cause materials to deteriorate. Leaving them on the dashboard of a car or van can compromise safety performance.

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You can download this guide as a PDF here!