How to care for work shoes

Short answer: brush your work shoes clean after every working day, rinse mud off boots, let them dry slowly at room temperature (never on the radiator or by the stove), take out the insoles and, if you can, alternate between two pairs. Keep leather supple with a suitable care product. Check the sole, toe cap and seams regularly: a damaged safety shoe no longer protects as it should and must be replaced.

Read this article in Dutch as well: Hoe onderhoud je werkschoenen?.

Why care matters

A safety shoe is personal protective equipment. The steel or composite toe cap, the anti-perforation midsole and the anti-slip sole only do their job if the shoe is intact. Mud, cement and moisture attack leather and seams, and wet shoes cause cold feet, blisters and odour. Especially in autumn, with rain, mud and the first frost, shoes wear fastest. How to choose the right shoe is explained in our blog on choosing safety shoes, and what classes S1 to S3 mean in our blog on the safety classes S1, S1P, S2 and S3.

Care per type of shoe

A sturdy leather shoe such as the Helios high S3 leather boot or the Diablo SB safety shoe needs brushing and conditioning. A Comander insulated boot keeps your feet warm when working outside. For wet and muddy work choose a Kuller S5 safety wellington or a Nixon wellington boot. A light safety shoe also lasts longer if you look after it well.

Cleaning step by step

1. Remove coarse dirt. Knock off mud and brush away caked dirt with a hand brush. Do not let cement and mortar dry on, remove them straight away.
2. Rinse or wipe. Rinse boots with lukewarm water and a scrubbing brush. Wipe leather shoes with a damp cloth, not under the tap.
3. Laces and insoles out. Take out the insoles and loosen the laces so the shoe can dry inside.
4. Dry slowly. Leave shoes at room temperature, with newspaper inside if they are really wet. Replace the paper after a few hours.
5. Condition. Once the leather is dry, treat it with a leather care product. This keeps it supple and water-repellent.

⚠️ Never dry work shoes on the radiator, by the stove or with a hair dryer. Leather shrinks and cracks, glued seams come loose and the shoe protects less.

Preventing odour and sweaty feet

Feet sweat in a closed safety shoe. If you can, alternate pairs every other day so each shoe gets a day to dry. Wear breathable work socks such as Django work socks or Fresh socks (3 pairs), and change them daily. Separate insoles such as Flexgel insoles add cushioning and are easy to dry and replace.

When should you replace your work shoes?

• The tread of the sole is worn or smooth.
• The toe cap is visibly damaged or has taken a hard knock.
• The leather is cracked or the seams are coming loose.
• A nail or sharp object has gone through the sole.
• The boot leaks.

A shoe with a damaged toe cap or sole cannot be repaired into a safe shoe. Replace it.

Working safely

Wear work gloves with nitrile coating when cleaning with water and a brush, especially if there are cement or lime residues on the shoes; they irritate the skin. If you work outside in the cold, warm layers and good shoes go together. Read more in our blog on working outside in winter and our safety tip on working safely in the cold. More about rainwear and warm workwear can be found in our blog on rainwear, warm workwear and work gloves.

💡 If you have two pairs of work shoes, mark them with a dot inside the tongue. That way you know which pair was worn yesterday and can dry today.

👷 A professional stands on their feet all day. They know that good, well-kept shoes spare their feet, knees and back. If you doubt whether your shoe is still safe, ask your supervisor or prevention officer. With painful feet, it is wise to get advice from a podiatrist.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash work shoes in the washing machine?

No, most safety shoes cannot handle it. Glue, toe cap and leather get damaged. Clean them by hand and only wash the insoles if the label allows it.

How long do safety shoes last?

That depends on use. With heavy daily work often about a year, with light work longer. Mainly look at the condition of the sole, toe cap and seams.

How do I get wet work shoes dry quickly?

Take out the insoles, stuff them with dry newspaper and replace it regularly. Put them in a dry place at room temperature, not on the radiator.

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.