Top Tips For Caring For Your Work Boots

If there is anything that is considered a classic in the world of work, it has got to be the work boot. Chunky, functional, heavy-duty boots that get the job done have never gone out of style. They have been around for decades, have come a long way, and are still going strong. For many years, men’s work boots were the default, but these days, there are plenty of choices for women as well.

Such boots were always the ultimate in comfort, durability, and protection all rolled into one. But as work boots have evolved, they have become quite fashionable in some circles. Once you’ve selected the right boots for you, ones with the right balance of fashion and utility, doing some basic things to care for your work boots can be extremely helpful. Here, we’ll walk you through what to look for in a pair of boots and how to make sure they last once you’ve got them home.

Picking Out Women’s Work Boots

You can’t care for boots you don’t own, so the first step is buying a pair. Women’s work boots might not be the most stylish pair of shoes you’ve ever shopped for, but that’s because style is not the main concern — safety is. Keep the specific features you need for your boots in mind when shopping. Is a steel toe a priority? Are you going to be spending a lot of time outside in your new boots? Do they have good traction so that you do not slip and slide on the slippery floors? Were the boots made for walking?

Pay attention to what the boots are made of, too. As much as possible, do not compromise on the material used for making the boot. A higher-quality material, like genuine leather, will run you more up front, but the better the quality, the longer the boots will last. Functionality is the most important consideration when shopping for women’s work boots.

Once all of those boxes have been checked, you can look for a pair of women’s work boots that fit your style. They come in a variety of colors and textures, and you’re sure to find one that works. From military-inspired boots to ones that could pass as regular sneakers in the right light, there are plenty of styles for you to choose from. Some even come in bright colors like purple or hot pink.

Depending on your personal aesthetic, you could even dress up some of the more sophisticated styles of women’s work boots and wear them out. Make a list of all the situations you’d like to use your work boots in and look for features accordingly.

Tips On Choosing The Right Men’s Work Boots

All of the principles for shopping for women’s work boots are equally true for men’s. Material, style, functionality, and specific features you require should all be top of mind.

Like women’s work boots, men’s work boots come in a variety of styles. They can come in conventional colors such as black and brown, and they tend to have an understated style. However, you will find that some manufacturers now offer men’s work boots in bolder styles. Some of the manufacturers now make men’s work boots in colors that are specific to certain hobbies, such as fishing or cycling. These boots can be very stylish when teamed up with casual trousers and shirts.

There are many different brands of men’s work boots available on the market today. However, some of the brands that dominate the market can be quite expensive. As with any other shoe style, you will find that there are some cheaper brands that are equally effective at providing the comfort and durability that you need. There are a number of manufacturers that produce good quality boots. However, if you are on a tight budget then you can still purchase a good pair of boots by shopping around. Look around in various stores and do not forget to check out discount online retailers.

The style of the men’s work boots that you choose should be in accordance with your lifestyle and personality. Some people prefer boots that are very low to the ground, while others may prefer a bit of added height. Some men’s work boots are easy to pull on, and some lace up. If you live an outdoor-based lifestyle, then you will probably want to go for more waterproof boots. You should also consider the type of work you do so that you are able to match the right type of boots with the right type of job.

The style of men’s work boots that you choose will largely depend on the look you are trying to achieve. However, if you are planning to wear your boots in a professional or business environment, then you will probably want to opt for something that has a more professional look. When buying a pair of boots, you should ensure that they are made from durable and good quality material. This will give your boots durability and added protection.

The Break-In Period

Once you’ve selected the perfect pair of men’s or women’s work boots, exactly suited to your personal sense of style and all the safety requirements you’re looking for, you’re probably excited to get to wear them right away. However, you’re going to have to wait a bit before rolling up to work in your shiny new shoes. This is because fresh, stiff leather boots can be rather uncomfortable right out of the box. Fortunately, there are multiple steps you can take to wear them in and make sure they are comfortable for all-day use.

First, you can wear your boots around the house for short stretches. Wearing them all day when they haven’t yet been broken in properly can cause painful blisters, so easing yourself into your work boots can help you do your job more effectively with less pain. It shouldn’t take more than a week of around-the-house wear to get your boots in comfortable working condition, but some boots can prove a little more difficult than others.

Before you wear your boots out in the elements, it’s a good idea to make sure they’re waterproof. However, it’s generally a good idea to wait until after you’ve broken them in to waterproof them.

Cleaning and Ongoing Care

Properly caring for your boots can help you get the maximum wear out of them. To start off, you should always have your boots spotless before you put them away. Leather boots can get dirty from sweat, oil, and dirt. Regular cleaning will help to keep the leather boots looking like new, and it’s by far the easiest way to maintain their looks over time.

To remove any dirt or dust that may have gathered on the boots, you can use a damp cloth or old toothbrush for a gentle, daily cleaning. If your boots are really dirty and that method doesn’t cut it, there are many products on the market that are safe for leather boots.

Be careful when cleaning your boots. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s direction for washing the boot, and use a specified leather cleaner. Never scrub the boots too harshly. For the inside of the boots, you can wash the insoles with mild detergent and let them air dry overnight.

It’s important to let the boots dry completely before wearing them, and you should let them air dry because using heat to speed up the process can cause them to crack. Drying them upside down helps, and you can use a cedar shoe tree to help with the process and prevent shrinking. If you don’t have a shoe tree, you can stuff your boots full of newspaper.

Conditioning the Leather

After completing the initial cleaning, you should condition your work shoes according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Conditioners are also a great way to preserve your leather. Once the boots are fully dry, you can apply the leather conditioner with a clean cloth. When you’re done, wipe off any excess. Conditioner improves the leather’s ability to resist damage from the elements, and it should be pretty easy to find. Try to follow the manufacturer’s direction for conditioning, and your boots will remain moisturized, crack-free, and water-resistant.

This is all assuming your boots are real leather, but that’s not the only option when it comes to work boots. No matter what your boots are made out of, you should learn about the materials they’re made from so you can determine what type of cleaners you should use to clean the boots. If you are buying a new pair of boots, you can choose to buy boots made from natural leather. You can also buy women’s work boots made from faux leather. Look into whether your boots come waterproofed or if that’s something you need to do yourself. No matter what your boots are made out of, you should clean your boots regularly to maintain their appearance and to ensure that they last a long time.

Odor Issues

As an added benefit, the cleaning and conditioning process should make your work boots smell like new. A thorough cleaning is the first line of defense if you’re grappling with an unseemly odor, but there are other scent-fighting options as well, if you have a particularly stubborn stench. Airing out your boots each night is a good place to start, and from there, you can try a variety of home remedies. From baking soda to vinegar, you can put household essentials to work in your stinky shoes. And if those methods don’t do the trick, there are also plenty of commercial sprays on the market to help you out.

Protection from the Elements

Obviously, you can’t always avoid environments that might damage your boots, since you’re presumably buying them to do some hard work. Even so, there are steps you can take to make sure they last as long as possible.

Try to keep them out of moisture and as much sunlight as you can so they maintain their shine for a long time. In addition, you should use a protective spray when it is raining or snowing outside. Look for a spray that’s specifically formulated for the material of your shoes. If you use protective sprays when it is raining, the boots will be protected against stains.

Moreover, if you use moisturizers on the boots regularly, the boots will retain their shine for a long time. The basic thing that you should keep in mind while learning how to care for boots is to ensure that you try not to subject them to harsh elements more than you have to. There are various styles and designs in the market that are designed to meet every individual’s needs. With a little bit of effort, you can maintain the perfect pair of boots and ensure that they will be able to provide you with years of faithful service.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for women’s or men’s work boots, there are many options available to you. With just a little bit of care, you will be happy to know that you can make your boots last for a very long time. To review, here are the main steps you should take to care for your boots:

• Break them in properly.
• Make sure they’re waterproof before wearing them out in the elements.
• Clean them regularly with the right products.
• Air them out and take care of any odor issues.

Whether you’re looking for women’s work boots or men’s work boots, ultra-stylish shoes or purely functional footwear, an understated wardrobe essential or a statement piece, buying a comfortable pair of these will surely change your life. Don’t be afraid to splurge on an excellent pair of boots, as they will be part of your life for a long time. However, keep in mind that there are also great deals for those on a tight budget. Buy a quality pair today!