How comfortable are you safety shoes or safety boots also sit, after a long hard day at work you probably want to kick them out as soon as possible. But please don't leave them lying in a corner. Take some time to 'pamper' them. Good maintenance extends the lifespan considerably. They will then remain beautiful, comfortable and waterproof for longer, which will ultimately save you money. Here are a few tips to make your safety shoes last longer.
1. Use a shoehorn
When putting them on, always open the closure as far as possible and use a shoehorn. This will prevent the heels of your safety shoes from becoming weak and wearing out quickly. You can buy a shoehorn for just a few euros, but it can help you prevent your safety shoes from wearing out quickly in essential places. When the heel is damaged by putting on and taking off your safety shoes incorrectly, it is often cheaper to buy new safety shoes than to have them repaired. So grab that shoehorn and put on your safety shoes with a little care, after all, you have to walk on them all day.
2. Use safety shoes for their intended purpose
Only use your safety shoes for what they are intended for. So don't use them as a hammer or for heavier working conditions than they are designed for. This may sound like an open goal, but you wouldn't believe how often we get customers in the store with broken safety shoes due to incorrect use. Safety shoes with the wrong standard for the conditions also cause problems that are easy to prevent. The most sold standardized safety shoes are S1P safety shoes and S3 safety shoes. View an overview here standards for safety shoes.
3. Buy 2 pairs of safety shoes
Preferably buy two pairs of safety shoes at the same time. This seems more expensive, but in the end you are actually cheaper off. Now you can let one pair of safety shoes recover and dry at a time. It takes at least 24 hours for your safety shoes to dry completely after a day of work, so this should be taken into account. If your safety shoes have become very wet, it will take even longer for them to dry.
4. Let safety shoes dry thoroughly
Your safety shoes will last longer if you let them dry for at least 24 hours after each workday. If you don't let sweaty safety shoes dry, they will turn white and start to smell due to the accumulation of bacteria. Eventually, the inside of your safety shoes will become hard and uncomfortable. You will undoubtedly agree with us that smelly safety shoes are not exactly a calling card for your company or the company you work for.
5. Use shoe trees
While drying, let your safety shoes rest in a shoe box with shoe trees in it for 24 hours in a dry place. Your safety shoes can regain their correct shape and the use of shoe trees also prevents tearing in places that bend a lot when walking and kneeling.
6. Never wear wet safety shoes
Did your safety shoes get wet? Let them dry thoroughly before putting them on again. If you don't do this, the material may eventually tear or develop dry spots. A shame, your safety shoes won't last long and wearing wet shoes is also uncomfortable for your feet.
7. Do not dry near a heater or in the sun
NEVER place safety shoes near a heat source such as a heater or in the sun. This direct heat will dry out the leather and your safety shoes may crack. If you want them to dry faster, stuff them with wads of newspaper. First remove the insoles and laces out. Replace the plugs until your safety shoes are dry.
8. Choose breathable lining
Do you quickly suffer from sweaty feet? Then pay attention to the lining of the desired safety shoe when purchasing: safety shoes with a full leather interior, Gore-tex® or Cambrelle® 'breathe' better and therefore you will have less trouble with moisture and sweat accumulation. The safety shoes in our range of, among others, Grisport and Redbrick are made of the best materials.
- Gore-Tex® is a type of wafer-thin membrane that makes safety shoes highly water-repellent and breathable. Often, safety shoes with a Gore-Tex® lining are not maintained enough because people think that you are not allowed to put anything on them. Over time, the Gore-Tex membrane can become clogged by salt crystals from your sweat and must be cleaned. You will notice this because you will start to feel clammy more quickly. To clean the membrane, fill your safety shoe with lukewarm water with a little vinegar and a drop of dishwashing liquid. Leave this for about ten minutes and pour the water out of your safety shoe. Rinse your safety shoes again with lukewarm water and let them dry as described above. For Gore-Tex® linings, only use maintenance products that are recommended by Gore-Tex®. These maintenance products guarantee that the membrane functions properly and that moisture is properly drained from the inside to the outside.
Please note: Do not wear cotton socks in shoes with a Gore-Tex lining, as they absorb moisture and do not release it. - Cambrelle® is a synthetic non-woven textile. Cambrelle® is highly moisture absorbent, odor-absorbent and breathable. Unlike leather, Cambrelle® dries faster, making it less susceptible to mold.
- Leather is a natural product with characteristic properties that no synthetic product can match. For example, leather forms itself completely to your foot, it breathes and safety shoes with a leather lining will on average have a considerably longer lifespan.
9. Clean your safety shoes
Very dirty safety shoes need to be 'freed' of their dirt. You do this by brushing them clean with lukewarm water or a shoe cleaner. The leather is now airy again and can 'breathe' again.
10. Care for the leather after cleaning
Cleaning alone is not enough. The dirt and water have 'washed' the preservative substances out of the leather, making the leather brittle and cracking. Using a leather cream, wax or leather grease you can bring these substances back into the leather. Smear or rub the cream with a brush or cloth and let the wax work for some time.
11. Grease your safety shoes every month
Smooth and waxed leather is more resistant to water and dirt and easier to maintain. Therefore, always grease your safety shoes once or twice a month, even if they are not dirty.
12. Impregnate the leather
Leather is a natural product and has a tendency to 'absorb' moisture. Wet safety shoes are cold, heavy and very unpleasant to wear. To prevent the leather from no longer absorbing water, but still breathing, you should impregnate your safety shoes with a impregnation spray. Do this at least after each cleaning and otherwise at least once a month. Hold the spray can at a distance of approx. 35 cm from your safety shoes, and be careful not to inhale the propellant gases. Note:
- The impregnation is only fully active after 24 hours
- Always use the impregnation spray first and then grease your safety shoes again. Impregnation fluid does not penetrate this somewhat greasy layer.
13. Go to a specialized shoemaker
Do the stitching of your safety shoes come loose after a while or is it time for a new sole? Then do not go to a standard shoemaker, but to a shoemaker who specializes in safety shoes. Otherwise there is a chance that your safety shoes no longer meet the required European standards.
Need new safety shoes?
Did our tips not help or was it too late to do anything about it? No problem, we have a wide range of safety shoes for every taste and wish. For example, we offer light safety shoes, safety sneakers and ESD safety shoes, but also a wide range safety boots. To be really nice to your feet, use safety socks in your safety shoes or safety boots.
View all shoe care and accessories
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my safety shoes?
Ideally, you should clean your safety shoes after every working day or at least once a week. Regular cleaning prevents dirt from accumulating, which extends the life of your shoes and protects the material. Use a soft brush or damp cloth for daily cleaning, and occasionally give them a thorough cleaning with a suitable maintenance product. Regular maintenance is especially important for leather safety shoes to prevent them from drying out or cracking. By making cleaning a routine, your shoes will remain comfortable and safe for longer.
How do I prevent my safety shoes from smelling?
Ventilation is essential to prevent unpleasant odours. Open the shoes after use and let them air out; remove the insoles if possible. Always wear clean, breathable work socks and change your pair of shoes regularly if you work intensively. If necessary, use an antibacterial spray or odour-absorbing insoles. Never leave the shoes damp or closed, as this promotes bacterial growth.
When should I replace my safety shoes?
Safety shoes should be replaced as soon as they lose their protective properties. Think of a worn sole with insufficient grip, a dented toe, damaged inner lining or a punctured midsole. On average, safety shoes last 6 to 12 months, depending on the intensity of use and maintenance. Check the condition of your shoes regularly to prevent accidents. Safety and comfort come before appearance.
How do I store my safety shoes if I am not wearing them temporarily?
Store your safety boots in a dry, ventilated place away from direct sunlight or heat. Clean them before storing and make sure they are completely dry to prevent mold. If necessary, stuff them with newspaper or a shoe tree to help keep them in shape. Avoid sealed plastic bags or damp areas such as sheds or garages. Proper storage will greatly extend their lifespan.
Can I wash my safety shoes in the washing machine?
No, in most cases safety shoes should not be machine washed. The heat, water pressure and rotating movement can damage the glue, protective layers and materials. Clean them by hand with a damp cloth or brush and if necessary use a special cleaning agent for leather or textile. Let the shoes dry naturally, not on or near a heat source. For the inside you can use odour absorbing products or sprays.
