5 tips to maintain your work shoes

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Purchasing a pair of work shoes is not cheap. However, with proper care, they can last a long time. In this article, I will share 5 tips to maintain your work shoes.

 

1. Check the material

If you have been wearing work shoes for a while, you know that the market offers a wide variety. Nowadays, some models are almost indistinguishable from regular shoes. Think, for example, of sturdy sneakers that meet the S3 standard. Because there are so many different work shoes, it is useful to check what they are made of when purchasing.

 

2. Don’t forget to maintain your work shoes

Once you know what the shoes are made of, it is advisable to properly maintain the material. For example, use leather grease. When you occasionally treat your leather shoes with it, you prevent them from drying out and losing their protective qualities. It is best to do this once a month. Rub the grease in with a cloth or shoe brush and let it dry for a few hours before wearing the shoes again. If your shoes are made of nubuck or suede, do not use leather grease but leather gel or a special spray.

Are your work shoes made of another material? Then it is best to use an impregnation spray. These sprays are universal and protect your shoes against moisture and dirt. Hold the spray can at least 25 centimeters away from the shoes so the mist can spread over the shoe. Tip: do this outdoors, in the garden, or on your balcony. These sprays contain many chemicals, and it is not pleasant to inhale them. If you don’t have an outdoor space, open your window and try to hold the shoes outside as much as possible when using the spray.

As with leather grease, it is also advisable to let the shoes dry before wearing them again. Check the spray’s packaging for the correct drying time. Sometimes this can take up to 24 hours. Never use soap or other household cleaning products.

 

3. Let them ‘rest’ properly

You don’t always think about it, but when you are working, your shoes are too. Therefore, make sure they have time to rest. No matter how tempting it is, don’t throw them in a corner when you get home. Check them for dirt and use a shoe brush to remove it. Then, place them upright by the door or another spot where they can air out. Make sure they are not near a heater or in the sun, as this can dry out the material. This is especially true for leather shoes, as a heater can cause them to deteriorate quickly.

If your shoes get very wet, don’t forget to remove the laces and insole before storing them. This way, you can step into dry shoes the next day when you go to work.

 

4. Use a shoehorn

You probably know the problem of shoes where the heel inside gets damaged. This happens when you take them off without properly loosening the laces. If you want to enjoy your work shoes longer, it is advisable to always loosen the laces or zipper before taking them off. Also, use a shoehorn when putting the shoes on. This can reduce wear on the inside.

 

5. Buy two pairs of work shoes

You have read several times now how important it is to let shoes rest and dry. Therefore, it is also wise to have two pairs of work shoes at home. If your shoes are very wet and you come home late, there is a chance they won’t be completely dry the next morning. The same applies to protective spray and leather grease. They also need time to dry before you can wear the shoes again. Not to mention sweat odors in shoes. To prevent strong odors, it is also wise to let the shoes rest for 24 hours regularly.

I can imagine that buying two pairs of work shoes is not financially possible for everyone. Instead of two pairs of shoes, you can also buy an extra pair of insoles. This way, you can alternate them and give them a chance to dry and rest properly.

How do you maintain your work shoes?

Best regards,

Aileen