Work boots should be replaced when safety features degrade over time from wear and tear. Signs that work boots need replacing include failing the toe-fold test where the toe does not spring back, a heel counter that can be squeezed together, a weathered midsole with creases, and separated outsoles and midsoles. Work boots used daily in heavy industry typically need replacing every six months, while less demanding jobs may only require yearly replacement. Personal protective equipment boots may need replacing every six months to two years.

1. Stepping with Confidence: When to Replace Your Work
Boots?

3. Footwear is a preventative measure against slides, trips, and falls for workers in all
industries. About 24 percent of all slips and crashes are caused by improper footwear.
However, it can be challenging to determine when a pair of work shoes should be
discarded and replaced. Knowing the warning indicators can assist in preventing severe
workplace injuries.
Work shoes that no longer meet expectations seriously threaten your health. They must
be more than just comfortable; a good pair of shoes protects you from workplace hazards.
Steel soles can protect your feet from falling objects, and rubber lugs provide stability and
slip resistance. How frequently should you replace your work shoes for maximum safety
and protection?

4. It’s essential for workers who rely on safety footwear in their daily routine to understand
how often work boots should be replaced. These boots are more than just a piece of attire
– they are a crucial tool that impacts overall safety, productivity, and comfort at work.
From rugged leather boots to robust steel toe variants, each type of work boot has its
unique lifespan. This lifespan is significantly determined by the level of wear and tear
each boot endures.

5. Understanding the Importance of Regular Replacement
The necessity of regularly replacing work boots must be stressed more. Safety footwear,
regardless of its make or model, is precisely engineered to provide various protective
features, including a metatarsal guard against heavy falling objects, slip resistance in
hazardous environments, and general protection against various workplace dangers.
Over time, these protective features can degrade due to constant wear and tear. If not
replaced in time, you could be putting yourself at risk of workplace accidents or injuries.

6. Signs to Replace Your Work Boots
The idea of a shoe lasting ten years might seem appealing, but this duration is generally
not recommended for work boots. Some shoes, especially those worn only occasionally
and cared for meticulously, can last up to two decades. However, such longevity is not
realistic or advisable regarding work boots. Work boots’ protective and comfort features
are not designed to maintain integrity after prolonged and intensive use.
Safety features built into these boots can degrade over time, compromising their
protective capabilities. Even if the boots appear in good condition, if they are a decade
old, they might not provide the protection you need.

7. Failing at the “toe fold” test
The “toe-fold” test evaluates a shoe’s sole’s support and structural integrity. Press up on
your toe from below, bending it towards the cords. Then, let go. Your shoe’s toe should
rise marginally in the front one-third of the sole. It should readily return to its original
position or spring back into place. If the sole folds up and the toe touches the lacing, it no
longer provides adequate support.

8. The heel counter is no longer supportive
Grab both sides of the heel counter by its sides. Bring the surfaces close together. The
sides of the heel counter should be flexible but firm enough to preserve a gap between
the two sides. If both sides of the heel can be brought together and made to contact, the
heel counter needs to be stronger.

9. The midsole has become weathered
The midsole is the portion of a shoe between the outsole and the insole. Its principal
function is to absorb shock and support the heel. When the midsole is worn, it can deform
and compress erratically, resulting in creases.

10. The outsole and midsole are separated
The outsole and midsole of a labour shoe may separate with excessive use. This occurs when the
adhesive between them dissipates or loses its hold on the fabric.
Sore feet at the end of the day
Pain is the most apparent sign that a worker’s shoes must be replaced. Foot discomfort, whether constant
throughout the day or severe at the end of the day, should not be part of their routine. Pain that
progressively increases throughout the day may result from worn-out shoes with compromised support.
Therefore, if you experience any such issues with your shoes, workers should immediately replace them
with new ones to prevent further injury.

11. The Lifespan of Safety Footwear
The lifespan of safety shoes typically depends on their usage frequency and the specific conditions they’re
subjected to. For instance, work boots used daily in heavy-duty environments, like construction or
manufacturing, might require replacement every six months.
However, boots used in less demanding conditions might last up to a year or longer. This variation
emphasises the importance of understanding your work environment and regularly inspecting your shoes.
PPE Boots: A Special Mention
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) boots, essential in industries like construction, manufacturing, and
chemical processing, usually must be replaced every six months to two years. Again, this time frame can
vary significantly based on daily usage and the harsh working conditions.

12. Boots Vs. Shoes
While boots, due to their sturdy construction, often last longer than regular shoes, so they
can only be worn indefinitely with replacement. Work boots, even high-quality ones, are
subjected to more extreme conditions and must be inspected and replaced regularly to
ensure continued safety.