How often should you replace work bootsSpecially designed work shoes are a must when working in a hazardous environment. Not only do they keep your feet comfortable, but they also protect them from injury or impact, or even harsh environmental conditions.
They are a great investment and people tend to hold onto them for as long as possible. After all, they are also a bit of a noose for your wallet.
But since nothing is permanent, so are boots. They undergo wear and tear and tend to lose their properties over time.
However, a good boot made of a good material such as leather should last no less than a year. That said, proper care and maintenance of the boots will extend the life of your leather boots.
Types of boots and their life span
| Boot name | Type of work | Daily wear span | Life span |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather boots | Construction | 2.5 miles Approx | 6 months |
| Cowboy boots | Construction | 4 miles | 5 to 10 years |
| Suede boots | Engineer | 2 miles Approx | 4 to 5 months |
| Redwing boots | Construction | 2.5 miles | 5 to 20 years |
| Hunter boots | Bricklaying | 3 miles | 9 years |
| Snow boots | Skiing | 1.5 miles | 40-100 days |
| Redwing boots | Construction | 2 miles | 4 years |
| Thorogood boots | Construction | 2.5 miles | 4 years |
| Timberland boots | Construction | 2 miles | 3-4 years |
| Hiking boots | Hiking, trekking | 3 miles | 600-700 miles |
| Nubuck boots | Surveyor | 2 miles | |
| Ariat boots | Construction | 3 miles | 10 years |
| Danner boots | Traffic | 1.5 miles | 1-year warranty |
| Logger boots | Ironworker | 2.5 miles | 5 to 10 years |
To your relief, there are certain signs that will indicate you that it’s time to replace your work boots. The damages might not be seen initially, but you will definitely start to feel them as days pass.
And…
In this article, I am going to tell you about all the signs that indicate the time for replacing those work boots:
Signs it's time to change your work shoes
1.) Damaged or Worn Soles:
The outsole is the only part that comes into direct contact with the rough terrain and chafes against it. So this is the part that gets damaged first.
You will notice that lint-like structures have appeared on the rubber soles or that they may also have cracks or holes. These signs are telling you it's time to replace your boots or at least replace the sole.
2.) Pressed Insoles:
The insoles are designed to cushion your feet and with this cushioning, you will feel comfortable in the boots all day long. When the insoles are damaged, there is not much cushioning effect left in the boots and the feet start to hurt when walking on the floor.
3.) The Flexibility Test:
Little flexibility is required in any shoe. But there comes a time when the boots become too flexible and then it's time to replace them.
To test the flexibility, hang the boots through the laces and try to touch the toe of the boot to the heel. If the toe easily touches the heel that bends completely, it's probably time to replace it.
4.) Damaged Midsoles:
Midsoles can lose their shape and wrinkle over time. They don't offer the cushioning it gave at the time of purchase. This is when you will also notice that the height of the shoe decreases when you put them on.
5.) The Top Separates:
This is now very easy to notice. Obviously, when the soles of your boots come off, you feel and see it. But instead of replacing the entire shoe, you can also go for a single replacement here.
6.) Cracks or Holes in the Boots:
What is the term to replace work shoes?
Frankly, as such, there is no time limit to replace your work boots. You have to decide it completely taking into account the above signs.
Still, a good boot should last up to 6 long months.
But if you tend to push it for many hours a day and expose it to very harsh weather and work environments, it can last 3-6 months.