Work Boot Care Guide - How To Take Care Of Your Work Boots

Work Boot Care Guide - How To Take Care Of Your Work Boots

Just got yourself a nice pair of new work boots? We know getting a new pair of boots can be exciting for some but did you know there are ways to keep them looking new for longer? Keeping you professional on the job site and saving you money in the long run. Here are some tips for keeping your boots looking new for longer:

1. Break-In Your Boots & Use Waterproofing Spray

Taking care of your boots starts on the first day, breaking in your boots before wearing them on the job site will help prevent tears in the lining and will make them more comfortable for when you go to work. Once they’re broken in use a waterproofing spray to add an extra layer of protection, using a waterproof spray creates an invisible waterproof barrier to help repel dirt and stains. Most waterproofing sprays can be used on all kinds of leather, suede, nubuck and textiles.

Walter's Protect Waterproofing Spray
Walter's Protect Waterproofing Spray

Walter's Protect Waterproofing Spray

$11.99

2. Tie your boots up!

One of the biggest issues that causes wear and tear is people not tying their boots up when wearing them. When you don't tie your boots up your feet and ankles slide around and cause the lining to prematurely wear. It also messes up the shape of the boots and they wear unevenly. 

3. Clean your boots

This is especially important if you are working in the mud or are wearing your boots in winter (because of the salt). Salt and mud can dry out leather and rubber causing it to crack or disintegrate, cleaning your boots will help them last for longer.

4. Protect Your Boots

To extend the life of your leather boots it is important to use a leather protecting cream (it is usually good to do this ever season). Using a leather cream will help keep the boots hydrated which will prevent the leather from cracking.

Walter's Protect Leather Cream
Walter's Protect Leather
Walter's Protect Leather Cream
Walter's Protect Leather

Walter's Protect Leather Cream

$9.99

5. Don't Store Your Boots

If you find a boot you love it may be tempting to buy a couple pairs in case they get discontinued but it may not be the best idea. Over time, if shoes are stored the soles can disintegrate because of a process called hydrolysis - the natural aging process of Polyurethane material. PU is a popular material for midsoles throughout most of the industry. Over time the long polymer chains of the material gradually split apart due moisture getting in causing them to become brittle and fall apart.

These are a few tips that can help keep your boots protected, making them last longer and saving you more money in the long run. 

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How do I make sure to get the right size?

To measure your feet:

  1. Get a blank piece of paper, a pencil and a tape measure.
  2. Stand with one foot on the piece of paper, and have most of your weight on your foot to simulate walking.
  3. Holding the pencil perfectly vertical and perpendicular to the paper, mark a line at the back of your heel and at the tip of your longest toe. Also mark a line along each side of the widest part of your foot.
  4. Measure length and width to the nearest 16th inch and subtract .20 to .25 inches, or .50 centimetres, to account for the width of the pencil.
  5. Find your corresponding size in the charts below.

A couple of tips to get the perfect fit:

  • Measure your feet later in the day as feet normally swell and can become up to half a size bigger in the evening.
  • Measure both feet and use the measurements of the biggest foot. Many people have feet that are different sizes.
  • Wear the same type of socks you will generally be wearing on the job when you measure your feet.

Here are some general guidelines to assess fit once you’ve received your new boots:

  • Try on new boots towards the end of the day.
  • Walk around in a clean environment for a couple of hours to make sure the boots are comfortable.
  • Try boots on both feet, as many people have feet that are different sizes.
  • Boots should fit snugly around the heel and ankle when laced.
  • The inner side of the boot should be straight from the heel to the end of the big toe.
  • The boot should grip the heel firmly.

Measuring apparel for proper fit

Size X-Small Small Medium Large X-Large 2X-Large 3X-Large
Neck - Inches 13-13.5 14-14.5 15-15.5 16-16.5 17-17.5 18-18.5 19-19.5
Neck - Centimetres 33-35 36-37 38-39 41-42 43-44 45-47 48-50
Chest - Inches 30-32 34-36 38-40 42-44 46-48 50-52 54-56
Chest - Centimetres 76-81 86-91 97-102 107-112 117-122 127-132 137-147
Waist - Inches 27-28 29-31 32-34 36-38 40-42 44-46 48-50
Waist - Centimetres 68-71 73-78 81-83 91-96 101-106 111-116 121-127

Hint: For the most accurate results, measure yourself in your undergarments.

  • Neck: Measure around the base of your neck, inserting your forefinger between the tape and your neck to allow ease in fit.
  • Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping tape firmly under your armpits and around your shoulder blades.
  • Waist: Measure around your waist, slightly below your natural waist, where you normally wear your pants. Insert your forefinger between the tape and your body to allow ease in fit.
  • Sleeve length: Bend your arm slightly. Measure from centre back neck, across your shoulder, down to your elbow, down to your wrist.
  • Hip: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, inserting your forefinger between the tape and your hip to allow ease in fit.
  • Inseam: Measure a similar pant that fits you well. Measure along the inseam, from the crotch seam to the bottom of the hem.

Between sizes?

If your measurements are in between those listed in the size chart, pick the next larger size.