Posted on

When Should You Replace Your Safety Shoes?

Have you ever wondered what happens when you’ve had your work safety shoes for years and they’ve lasted you countless shifts, and now they’re slowly starting to tell you that they’re ready for retirement?

Some people may go to the extremes of turning their work shoes into a D.I.Y. project to try and repair the shoes themselves. Is this a way to save money? Well sure, but will this guarantee your safety while on the job so you can confidently do your best?

Absolutely not. It’s a better idea to determine what you may need in your next work safety shoe and invest in a quality pair of shoes that will be able to do the job, while you’re on the job!

Here are a few things that will let you know, without a doubt, that it’s time for a brand new pair of work shoes.

Check Your Tires

The tires of your car are one of the most important things to check on a regular basis. Why? Because they make sure our cars can carry us from point A to point B safely. The outsole of your safety shoe functions the same way.

The outsole of your shoe ensures that you can do your work quickly and effectively, without any accidents. If you see that the outsole is worn down, then it may be time for a new pair of shoes.

Don’t Let Your Shoe “Talk”

The outsole of your shoe starts to separate from the upper, we refer to this as “talking”. Any sign of your shoes starting to separate is an clear sign that it is time to invest in a new pair of work shoes. Not only can this look bad in your place of work, but it can also be very dangerous in a fast paced environment.

Do Your Soles Have Holes?  

Under no condition should your safety shoe be “hole-y”! This is not only a fashion issue, but it’s also a safety issue.

Depending on your work situation, small holes can quickly turn into big ones and leave you in an unsafe predicament. When you first notice your shoe is worn in this way, it’s time to act quickly and replace them.

Fact: You’ll Have to Replace Them Eventually

There’s no straightforward rule about the age of safety shoes or how often you should buy new ones. Depending on your work environment, your shoes could last shorter or longer. Generally, work safety toe shoes will last between six and twelve months in the average work environment. Some may last longer, some not so much. The bottom line is that every pair of shoes will have to be replaced eventually.

Want to learn more about work safety tips, or are you ready to purchase your next pair of safety shoes? Check us out at www.safgard.com

Posted on

Picking the Right Socks for the Job

Article by Emily Bennett 

Believe it or not, socks play a huge role in foot comfort when it comes to wearing safety shoes throughout the day. Contrary to popular belief, the type of sock that you wear can greatly affect your overall performance in the workplace, ranging from the lack of warmth that you are getting from standing on your feet for hours on end, or simply from the amount of cushion that you are receiving.

You might be wondering why the fit of your socks is so important. The answer is simple. If your socks don’t fit your feet, you will not be comfortable, and it will interfere with your ability to perform to highest potential in the workplace.

When selecting safety-toe footwear, one should be mindful that tight socks can cramp toes just as much as ill-fitted shoes can. Socks that are wrinkled, too big or too small or even rough feeling can cause blisters as a result of skin being rubbed raw.

Choosing the right sock is as easy as 1,2,3.

You should remain mindful that the perfect sock for working conditions should be made of:

  1. A synthetic fiber to wick away moisture.
  2. Be thick enough to provide a barrier between the foot and sole of the shoe for maximum comfort.
  3. Fits your specific arch type to provide a proper fit.

You should also pay attention to your own health needs, as some types of socks can help prevent swelling, muscle weakness, and help to maintain foot temperature.

Whether or not we want to accept it, sock fit plays an essential role in shoe fit and foot health. Socks help our feet to stay dry in wet conditions, warm in cold conditions, cool in hot conditions and give us constant relief and protection in our safety footwear from standing for hours on end.

For more information on sock fit and safety shoes, check us out at www.safgard.com.

Posted on

A How-To Guide on Caring for Your Leather Work Boots

Article by Emily Bennett 

A good pair of work boots is hard to come by. Especially when they’re leather. Chances are, if you own a pair of leather work boots you do something pretty hard-core for a living, there’s also a good chance that your boots are just as tough as your job.

With all of the wear and tear that you put on them, your boots often pay the ultimate price for what they have to go through each day. Water, rocks, machinery, you name it, they’ve probably endured it.

While leather is as tough as nails, it’s also skin. This means that it can crack, stain, warp, etc. That’s why it is important to take care of your leather work boots and make sure that they get the maximum amount of wear and tear that they can handle. Here are a few tips and tricks to help keep your leather work boots up to snuff for work.

  • Knock off the Dirt and Grime: Rinse the mud and dirt off of them daily–if you allow them to build up with grime, they’ll start to rot….fast.
  • Give a Good Brushing: Just use a stiff brush to knock off any large clumps of dirt, grab a bowl and fill it with boot cleaner and water, and give your boots a firm scrub, removing any evidence of dirt.
  • Let ‘Em Air Out: Rinse the excess soap off with cool water, and leave them to dry in an open area (no, that doesn’t mean your car!).
  • Water Guard: To finish up, apply a waterproofing cream, wax, or spray before you wear them again.
  • Oil ‘Em Up: Starting to notice that your boots are cracked and dry? Start using a leather conditioner every two weeks. This will restore them back to their natural texture (leather is skin, after all.)

As you can see, a lot goes into caring for your boots. Your efforts will help your leather work boots live a longer life and most importantly, help you get the maximum amount of wear from them. Ultimately, this leads you to fewer trips to the store for new boots.

Follow all the rules, and your boots will be around for years to come (you may just have to replace the sole). So go ahead and live a little in your safety toe boots. When you take care of your work boots, your work boots will continue to take care of you.

For more information on leather work boots and more, check us out on our website at www.safgard.com.