The work footwear is an investment in well-being for any professional who spends long hours working on their feet or performing physical tasks. Even so, often it doesn’t receive the necessary attention until it’s too late. However, with a little care, you can extend the useful life of your shoes for greater workplace comfort.
As manufacturers of work footwear, at Feliz Caminar, we want to give you the best advice to keep your footwear in good condition. Don’t miss it!
Benefits of Well-Maintained Footwear
Properly caring for your work footwear offers benefits in terms of durability, comfort and safety.
These are the main benefits:
- Greater durability: well-maintained shoes last much longer, reducing the frequency of replacements and associated costs.
- Comfort: having soles and insoles in good condition helps them maintain their shape.
- Safety: footwear without wear offers better support, and reduces the risk of slips, falls, and other workplace injuries.
- Personal hygiene: clean shoes prevent the accumulation of bacteria and unpleasant odors on the feet.
- Professional image: projects a professional image and demonstrates that you take both your work and your appearance seriously.
Common Problems Due to Footwear Wear
The wear of work footwear leads to a series of problems that affect both the comfort and safety of the user and their podiatric health.
One of the first signs of wear is the loss of cushioning. Over time, the soles of the shoes lose their ability to absorb impacts, which can cause foot pain and joint problems.
Another important problem is the reduction of traction. Considerable wear on the sole decreases grip and increases the risk of slips, especially in hazardous work environments. Likewise, if the footwear is water-resistant, wear decreases this property.
Also, deteriorated footwear accumulates dirt more easily, which causes hygiene problems, such as infections and bad odors.
Tips to Prevent Footwear Wear
To avoid problems associated with wear, we must consider a series of recommended practices:
- Buy quality footwear: investing in high-quality safety shoes from the beginning makes a difference in long-term performance. Look for products from brands with good ratings.
- Footwear rotation: if possible, alternate between two or more pairs of work shoes. This allows each pair to have time to recover.
- Regular cleaning: keep your footwear clean. Remove dirt and dust after each workday. Use a soft brush and damp cloth to clean the surface.
- Consider the material: if your shoes are made of leather or other natural materials, use specific products to condition them. This maintains the properties of the material.
- Replace the insoles: insoles usually wear out faster than the rest of the shoe. Change them regularly to improve comfort.
- Small repairs: don’t ignore small problems. If you notice that a seam has come loose or that part of the sole is coming off, take the footwear to a cobbler.
- Use of protectors: in harsh work environments, consider using additional protectors.
- Proper storage: store your shoes in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid leaving them exposed to direct sunlight or in damp places, as this accelerates the deterioration of materials.
When to Replace Work Footwear
Even with the best care, there will come a time when your comfortable work footwear can no longer perform its function adequately.
The visible wear on the sole is one of the first indicators that it’s time to acquire a new pair of shoes. If it has thinned, lost its traction, or shows signs of separation, it’s a clear sign that the shoes can no longer provide the necessary protection.
Another important factor is the loss of internal support. Over time, the cushioning and support of the shoes deteriorate, resulting in discomfort. If you feel that your shoes no longer provide the same level of cushioning, it’s a sign that they are at the end of their useful life.
Lastly, if your work environment changes and now requires a different type of footwear, it’s time to consider a new pair that better suits the new needs.
Considerations when Buying a New Pair
When the time comes to buy new work footwear for men or women, consider the following:
- Type of work: ensure that your choice is designed for the conditions you will be exposed to.
- Comfort: the footwear should be comfortable from the start. Don’t expect them to mold with use.
- Protection: verify that the shoes offer the necessary protection for your work environment.
Proper care and maintenance is necessary to extend the life of the footwear. Follow the mentioned tips and be attentive to signs of wear.
Need advice on choosing the best footwear for your needs? Our team is here to help you. Contact Feliz Caminar!
