How often to change insoles in work boots. A good pair of work boots is a good investment if you spend all day on your feet. Not only do they keep you comfortable, but they're also designed to keep you protected from the hazards of your job.
Many people hold onto their work boots for as long as possible. It's not uncommon to see workers repairing your damaged boots with quick fixes.
While a quick repair job can be a great way to save some money, you're not doing yourself a favor when it comes to comfort and protection.
Work boots do not have an infinite lifespan. Even the best-built pair of boots will need to be replaced from time to time. Your boots go through the wringer every day you're on the clock. As a result, they can be damaged quite quickly.
In many cases, you won't even notice the damage. However, you will feel the effects. So how often do you need to update your work boots? Here are some telltale signs of damage to look out for.
Worn Soles
The soles of your boots come into contact with rough surfaces on a regular basis. They also undergo enormous stress every time you walk. Whether you're working in mud, on hard concrete, or around slippery surfaces, the soles of your boots will take a beating.
Worn SolesYou should check your soles to see how worn the soles are. If the tread pattern is hard to see, it's time to replace it. You may also start to feel the effects of worn soles. Your steps may feel less sure.
It's important to invest in a new pair of boots whenever this happens. The longer you wait, the greater the risk that you will fall and be injured.
Soles can only last so long. Most can last between 300 and 500 miles. While this may seem like an extreme number, it typically takes workers about six months to walk that distance. Even if you feel like you don't do much walking every day, the miles add up fast. Obviously, your soles will wear out much faster if you walk a lot. It's a good idea to follow up.
If you wear a pedometer or smartwatch, use that information to get a better idea of when you need to replace your boots.
Damaged Midsoles
The midsole and other sections and materials of a work boot's midsoles are found between the soles and the insoles. They are often made of thick EVA foam and help absorb some of the impact force of walking.
Midsoles can start to lose their shape relatively quickly. They can compress over time and take on a wrinkled appearance.
When this happens, you may even notice that the height gain you received from wearing the boots has decreased. This part of your boots is very important to your overall comfort. Support your foot and protect your leg. When it is damaged or worn, you will start to feel pressure on your legs and joints.
You may start to feel pain at the end of the day. That's because the impact force from walking on hard surfaces was able to travel down the leg to the bones. If you don't get new boots, you can start suffering from conditions like plantar fasciitis, leg cramps, and much more.
Too Much Flexibility
Having the right amount of flex in your boots is crucial. They should be flexible enough to give you better control of your feet, but not so much that they don't provide enough support for your feet. While many people go the extra mile to add flexibility to their boots during the break-in process, the boots will become too stretchy over time.
The easiest way to test this is to simply fold the boots in half. Hold the boots and fold the toe toward the heel. If you are remotely close to being able to touch your heel, your boots are too worn out for you to wear in a work environment.
The increased flexibility means that the soles of your boots don't give you enough support and protection. Chances are they aren't doing much to absorb the shock. The soles may also have become thinner. This could be quite painful if you step on any sharp objects.
Separated Uppers
When the tops of your boots start to separate from the soles, you need to put on some nearby boots. This problem is often called "talking." The colorful name comes from the flapping of the sole when walking.
This type of damage can be very dangerous. The constant flapping of the sole can cause you to trip. The separation will get worse the more you ignore it. Eventually, the separation may extend to the arch. Before you know it, the wavy sole will buckle under your foot, causing a dangerous fall.
Some people choose to repair this problem instead of buying new boots. Glue is usually used to
Holes and Physical Damage
Holes, tears, and other obvious signs of physical damage should be repaired as soon as possible. When your upper body is affected, you risk damaging your feet. Even a small hole can cause major problems.
Working near water, hazardous chemicals, extreme heat or electricity puts you at even greater risk. Small holes can become large very quickly. Avoid quick fixes and invest in a good new pair of work boots.
Tips to Make Your Work Boots Last Longer
While most work boots need to be replaced every six months, there are a few ways to extend that life. These tips can help you get the most out of your investment and make sure you're always protected.
Use More Than One Pair
If you don't want to buy a new pair of boots every six months, invest in several pairs at once. You can buy a pair of high-quality boots and alternate them. With two pairs of boots, you can double their lifespan. Each pair will take less damage over time.
Don’t Wear Them Outside the Workplace
Today, work boots are quite stylish. While you may be tempted to wear them on your day off, you should avoid them as much as possible. This only leads to faster wear and more damage.
Keep Your Boots Clean
You should clean your boots regularly to keep them in good condition. If they are covered in mud at the end of the workday, wash them and let them air dry. It only takes a few minutes to do. Those few minutes can keep your boots in good condition for much longer.
Practice Safe Maintenance Techniques
Work boots are made of high-quality materials such as leather. You must ensure that you use proper maintenance techniques for the material. Never submerge leather boots. Coldwater should be used for cleaning. You should also let them air dry instead of throwing them in a dryer. All these simple techniques ensure that you don't put any unnecessary strain on your boots.
Over to You
High-quality boots are an important part of your workwear. You want to make sure they are always in good condition so they are ready to give you protection when you need it most. Be aware of these signs of damage so you always know when it's time to replace your boots.