When should I change my work boots?

Just like your car tires, uniform footwear also has a limited lifespan. After you've worn them for a while, they won't do their job as well as they should.

Now, when we talk about safety, there are a few important things to keep in mind: the toe cap, the sole grip, and the midsole that offers protection. These midsoles and toe caps can come in two forms: the old-school steel ones or the newer, non-metallic (composite) ones. Both kinds provide the same level of safety (200 joules), but the composite ones are usually lighter.

Let's face it, not everyone wants to spend time taking care of their work boots after a long day on the job. We'd rather be doing something we enjoy, or relaxing at home with a cup of tea. In this article, we're going to give you some tips to help you spot any damage to your footwear and prevent accidents whilst on the job.

Protective Toes: Keep Your Feet Safe!

Okay, let's talk about protecting those toes of yours. Some issues are pretty obvious. If you see your toe cap all messed up or sticking out, it's time to retire that footwear. But here's the deal - even if your boots or shoes look fine on the outside, they might be hiding some damage. If something heavy came crashing down on that toe protection, there could be some hidden wear and tear. So, the next time your toe cap gets a heavy hit, it could spell bad news.

Now, if your shoes are all scuffed up and you can see that toe cap peeking through, it's time to start shopping for new safety kicks. Once that toe cap is exposed, it's going to wear out faster, and it won't do its job as well.

Sole Tread: Don't Slip and Slide!

Alright, check this out - in 2021/22, the HSE (you know, those safety folks) said that a whopping 30 percent of workplace accidents were all about people slipping and tripping. That's where your footwear's sole tread comes into play. It's a big deal.

If you look at the bottom of your slip-resistant work boots and see that the tread is all worn out and damaged, that's a sign that that footwear might be ready to retire. The more that tread wears down, the less grip you'll have. And that means you're more likely to do the slip and trip dance whilst at work.

Now, we're proud to feature Blackrock's Tactical Officer Shoe and Tactical Commander Boot within the Yaffy footwear range. This footwear scored a 4-star GRIP rating from the UK government's HSL. And they even pulled off a killer slip rating (SRC) after stomping through a million steps on a pedatron.

But here's the deal-breaker - if you notice any part of the tread is completely smooth and worn out, don't waste any time. Get yourself a fresh pair of slip-resistant shoes or boots pronto. The tread pattern is like a warning sign telling you it's time for a change.

And one more thing to watch out for - if a sharp object decides to pierce your sole, it's like an open invitation for water to crash the party inside your boot. That can mess up the midsole and leave you with less protection than you need. So, keep an eye on those soles!

Leather Cracking: Treat Your Boots Right!

Cracking in your boots or shoes happens when you've been slacking on the TLC. It's like your footwear's way of saying, "Hey, I need some love here!" Cracking messes with the strength and makes it easier for all kinds of nasty stuff to sneak in.

Now, to dodge cracking, you can give your leather upper a little armor. You can use fancy stuff like protective coatings, polish, or wax. Start doing this right from the get-go, and your footwear will thank you by staying strong and not splitting up.

If you let mud cake onto your boots and let it dry up, that's a recipe for cracking. Nasty stuff like mud and oil sucks the moisture right out of the leather, making your boots start to fold and crease. These creases are like weak points, especially where your boots do the bending dance as you move around.

But hold up, it's not just about drying mud. If you've ever soaked your boots and didn't let them dry properly, that's trouble too. It can make the leather shrink, warp, or just go all floppy. And when that happens, you've gotta wonder if your boots are still up to the job of keeping you safe.

Now, all Blackrock footwear within Yaffy's range comes with a care guide in the box. If you're wondering how to give your footwear the royal treatment to prevent cracking and water damage, they've got all the insider tips to keep your footwear in tip-top shape!

Busted Shoelaces: Time to Fix Them!

Here's the deal with shoelaces - they're out there in the wild world, getting beat up way faster than your fancy leather upper. So, when you see those laces starting to look all frayed or one of them snaps, don't wait around. Swap them out ASAP.

Here's why it matters: if your laces are all jacked up, your boots won't sit right on your feet anymore. That's a one-way ticket to quick wear and the risk of your footwear deciding to part ways with your feet. So, don't let busted laces cramp your style, get them replaced pronto.

Conquer your day with confidence and comfort

Yaffy's technical footwear range has been carefully curated with hardworking emergency service heroes in mind. Featuring high-performance tested and certified footwear for blue light personnel who are on their feet for long periods. Browse Yaffy's footwear range and trust every step you take.