Wear | April 2022

5 tips for keeping work boots in the best shape

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How to keep work boots comfortable, clean and safe

When you’re on your feet most of the day, safety and comfort are the most important requirements. Work boots should be comfortable day in, day out, no matter the weather or working conditions.

Uncomfortable safety boots are more than just a nuisance. The wrong boots can cause injuries to your feet, ankles, knees, hips and cause back problems. There’s also the risk of slips and falls from ill-fitting boots.

From finding the right fit to routine boot care, here are our tried-and-true tips to keep you safe, protected and productive in the most comfortable work boots.

1. Initial fitting

Comfortable safety boots should be:

Snug but not too tight
Sized to allow for socks but not slipping (see our Lacing Guide)
Firm but not too rigid
Shock absorbing but not spongy
Fit for purpose

Visit a Steel Blue an authorized dealer for your perfect fit. Make sure the safety boots flex at the ball of your foot while offering cushioning and support from heel to toe.

All Steel Blue boots include an Ortho Rebound® Footbed that has been designed to mold to the foot. This insole supports your arch and reduces foot fatigue. With a different design custom made for men and women, the Ortho Rebound® provides long-lasting comfort as it won’t flatten or compress with prolonged wear.

High-quality fastenings

Work boot fastenings play a crucial role in comfort and provide safety. They keep your foot in the right place, preventing slipping and offering better ankle support.

Inferior fastenings can come loose with daily pressure and tension. Whether you prefer Lace Up, Zip Sided work boots, Pull On or Spin-FX™ fastening, quality matters.

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2. Rotate your boots

Invest in a second (or third) pair of work boots. You might opt for a pair with a different fastening style or enhanced safety features for more demanding jobs or a non-safety work boot when you don’t require a safety toe cap.

You might just buy a second pair of your favorite work boots in another color. Whatever makes you comfortable!

3. Drying work boots

Thoroughly drying work boots prevents fungus and bacteria from building up and prevents the leather from deteriorating.

Leave wet boots to air-dry, avoiding excessive heat (this is where a backup pair comes in handy). See our FAQ’s for further details on the best way to dry your safety boots.

If you regularly work in wet environments, check out Steel Blue’s waterproof range. Although all our lightweight work boots are moisture resistant, waterproof boots feature an extra membrane to keep water out.

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4. Cleaning and care

Mud, dirt, clay and sand should be cleaned off at the end of every day. Leaving dirt and gunk on your work boots will dry out the leather and reduce the life of the premium natural material.

Salt and corrosive chemicals are especially bad for leather boots. Use a clean, slightly damp cloth to clean off dirt and grime, taking care to follow strict safety guidelines when cleaning off any potentially harmful chemicals.