How To Clean Your Dirty Work Boots At Home? (8+ DIY Tricks & Tips)

Work boots are your foot’s first line of defense to let you do your job no matter the muck ahead, but the result is that they’ll get dirty and smell foul over time.

Cleaning your boots isn’t just about making them look good again.

Caring for your boots is the key to make them last longer and perform their duty to the fullest so that you can keep on marching through while you’re on the clock, but to do that, you’re going to have to do it the right way.

Otherwise, you’ll ruin them and send them straight to the trash.

Keep reading to get the full lowdown on how to clean up your work boots with nothing but average household items lying around the house!

Do’s and Don’ts when you’re cleaning your work boots

Before diving into how you should clean your boots, there are some ground rules that you should always keep in mind to avoid having to go into a lengthy cleaning process:

Do’s:

Below are our suggestions on what is acceptable

Air your boots

Whenever you’re not wearing your work boots, it’s always a good idea to let them ventilate for as long as possible. Make sure to leave them untied with the tongue sticking out to let them air up properly until the next day.

Condition leather boots

An even worse scenario than having dirty work boots is when their leather starts to dry up and break down. To extend the lifespan of your boots, you’ll need to condition the leather every couple of months with mink oil to prevent them from cracking up.

It will not only extend the life of the boots but also having clean and nice work boots will make you look good too, fashionable and professional at the same time.

It applies to boots straight out of the box since they have been stored for months while already being deprived of moisture.

Take off the laces

We remove your shoelaces and clean them separately while cleaning your boots. If you leave your shoelaces, you won’t be able to remove dirt stuck in the eyelets or crevices of your work boots.

Remove the insoles

Insoles help absorb the moisture of your foot by design, so it’s imperative to take them out each time to prevent built-up sweat from making your boots smell bad. 

Brush off dirt

You should remove any dirt or grime stuck on your work boots whenever possible to prevent the formation of bacteria that can penetrate the outer layer over time and infect your foot.

Soak up moisture with paper

The proper way to dry up moisture on the inside of your boots before or after cleaning them is to ball up the plain paper and fill up your boots with them to both absorb moisture and prevent them from losing their shape.

Avoid using newspapers since the ink on them can come off and stick to the inner part of your boot.

Don’t:

Based on our experience the list below is not recommended. 

Use bar soap

Similar to how soap can dry up your hands, it can also damage the leather of your boots by stripping them of their oil and waterproof layer.

Use bleach

While it can kill bacteria, bleach will also destroy your boots by damaging rubber exteriors, wearing out leather, and discoloring any material.

Use detergents

Laundry and heavy-duty cleaning solvents often contain harsh chemicals that can discolor or wear down your boots.

Store your boots while they’re dirty

Mud can be acidic, which over time can eat away the outer membrane of your work boots and reduce their resistance to water if left on them for extended periods in a damp area.

Scrub damp dirt from suede

Scrubbing off gunk or moist mud will make your work boots absorb the dirt faster while making the suede brittle and break off easily.

Use water on suede

Suede easily damages from water, causing the material to become rough and discolored. In most cases, it’s almost impossible to restore suede boots to their original condition after they’ve been in contact with water for a long time.

Use a source of heat

Radiators, blow-dryers, or any other source of extreme heat can deform your boots and cause watermarks to appear from areas that dry up too fast, as well as speed up the aging of your work boots.

If you want your boots to dry quickly, keep them next to a fan.

Can’t you wash your work boots in the washing machine?

Boots aren’t socks that you can throw into the washing machine, and as tempting as it may be, under no circumstances should you put boots in a washing machine; you might as well throw them in the trash.

The only parts of a boot that can be put in a washing machine are the insoles and shoelaces, and that’s as far as you can go.

The reason is that the intense friction and heat of a washing machine will severely damage your boots and accelerate their deterioration by melting off the adhesives, holding them together while wearing out the overall material of the boot.

If your boots don’t outright get destroyed, they’ll shrink and become extremely stiff, making them extremely uncomfortable to wear, which could potentially hinder your movement.

It’s not just your work boots that will get ruined. The weight of fully soaked boots can severely dent the inside of a washing machine.

To make things worse, once your boots come out of the washing machine, they’ll be mangled up and stay that way once they dry.

How to clean work boots based on the material they’re made of?

While all work boots keep your feet safe, the materials they’re made out of are not created equally, meaning that you can’t use the same cleaning method for every type of boot out there.

Let’s dive into the proper way: 

Cleaning leather work boots

Leather is one of the most rigid materials around, but using harsh detergents can ruin or outright destroy even the sturdiest boots out there. Luckily, it’s easy to get them cleaned up properly and extend their lifespan.

Step 1: Remove the dirt

Use a slightly damp cloth or brush dabbed in equal parts water and vinegar to remove dirt on the surface.

To get rid of gunk stuck in eyelets or the area between the soles and the upper part of the booth, use any old toothbrush and thoroughly scrub to reach places back and forth until any caked-up dirt comes off.

Step 2: Use saddle soap

Apply saddle soap to a wet brush or any piece of cloth and lather it in a circular motion until it starts to foam.

Keep doing this until you’ve done the entire surface of your boot. After, wipe off the foam with a cloth or rinse away the soap, then leave your boots to dry for up to a day in a well-ventilated area far from extreme heat or direct sunlight.

Note: While you technically can use dishwashing soap instead of saddle soap to clean the outer part of your work boots, we don’t recommend doing so.

That’s because the harsh chemicals found in dishwashing liquids remove tough stains from solid objects, not leather, the reason being that they can wear down your boots in a similar manner to how such cleaning agents can dry up your skin.

Step 3: Cover up scuffs

To get rid of annoying scuff marks, you have to mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and warm water to create a smooth paste.

Apply the mixture on any scuff marks on your work boot and leave for a minute or two. After that, remove the excess paste with a damp cloth.

Step 4: Condition your boots

Once your work boots have dried up, grab some mink oil and a dry brush.

Start by dabbing a small spot on your boots and wait for a few hours to see if the leather’s color drastically changes.

Depending on the type of leather or how long it’s been since you last conditioned your boots, there is a chance that your boots will slightly become darker for a few days.

In a gentle circular motion, apply mink oil with a brush on your boots until you’ve covered every space. If your boot is extremely dry, wait for the oil to dry up and go for a second or even third round if necessary.

You’ll know when your boot has had enough when it stops absorbing the oil and begins to get damp.

After completion, let your boots rest for about half a day, and then rub off any excess oil with a dry cloth.

Cleaning suede work boots

Things get a bit trickier with suede since getting water anywhere near it can ruin and discolor your work boots, but worry not. There’s an easy way to clean suede boots without damaging them.

Step 1: Scrub off the dirt

Make sure your work boots are dry, then lightly scrub off dirt stains on the surface in one direction to remove dirt stuck on the fiber.

After, scrub back and forth with slightly more pressure to remove dirt trapped deep within the suede.

A fair word of warning: even with the cleanest looking pair of suede boots, expect a lot of dirt to come falling off, so make sure to do this part outside or over an empty surface.

Step 2: Remove tough stains with household items

If any persistent stains are thereafter brushing, you’re going to need to grab some household items to get rid of them once and for all:

• For most stains, apply white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on a cloth and dab it on your boots to loosen the stains, then wait for your boot to dry up a bit and brush them off.
• For oil stains, apply cornstarch to soak up the oil overnight, then brush it off lightly. Alternatively, apply foamy shaving cream (non-gel type) on your work boots and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.
• For bloodstains, pour a bit of hydrogen peroxide on a cloth, dab it on the stain until it comes off, and then let it dry before brushing off the stain.
• For wax or dried gum stains, put your boots in the freezer to harden the stains and easily pull them off.
• In some cases, a regular clean pencil eraser (not a glue eraser) can also do the trick to remove stains. Just remember to do it lightly; otherwise, it’ll stain your boots.
• If all else fails, use a nail filer or pumice stone and gently rub the stained area.

Step 3: Give your boots a final brushing

After you remove all the stains, you’ll notice that the suede’s texture might look rugged.

To fix that, you’ll want to rub your work boots from top to bottom with a cloth damped in vinegar or rubbing alcohol and let them dry, then give your boots a final brushing to make them look clean and brand new.

Cleaning nubuck work boots

Manufacturers make nubuck and suede from animal hide. The difference being nubuck is created by sanding the exterior of the hide instead of suede, which is made by sanding the interior.

As a result, the same methods to clean suede also apply to nubuck.

However, nubuck is more durable and can withstand water, meaning that if any of the above steps can’t seem to do the trick, you can use water and dishwashing soap to get rid of a stain after you brush off the excess dirt.

To do so:

• Fill a bowl halfway with cold water
• Put in a tiny amount of dishwashing liquid
• Mix the water with a clean and soft brush until it foams
• Shake off excess water from the brush
• Rub the brush on your boots in a circular motion 
• Wipe off any extra foam or water
• Repeat across all sections of your boot from top to bottom

Once all the stains are gone, make sure to leave your boots in a well-ventilated space to air them out while having balled up paper on the inside to absorb any moisture.

When your work boots completely dry up, use a soft brush to restore your boot’s texture.

Do keep in mind that you should use excessive amounts of water on nubuck boots while you clean them since it can result in watermarks.

How to clean the inside of smelly work boots

You might not care that much about cleaning your boots on the outside, but we’re pretty sure that you’d love to get rid of that foot stank built up in your boots. If so, these are just the tips you’ve been looking for:

Use baking soda

Baking soda is renowned for its ability to absorb odors, making it the ultimate quick fix to get a grip of the stench in your boots. To deploy it in action, fill up a sock with baking powder for each boot and leave it overnight to do its magic. 

An alternative to baking powder is using clean cat litter, which also has a solid absorbent ability. You can even use a mixture of both to get a more substantial effect.

Use citrus peelings

If your boot’s odor isn’t of the extreme variety, place a few citrus peelings on the inside of your boots and leave them overnight to cover up any nasty smells residing in them.

Use teabags

The next time you’re about to throw a tea bag after boiling it in water (without sugar, of course, unless you like sticky feet), set it aside until it cools down and places it inside your boots for an hour, so to get a fresher smelling boot.

As odd as it may sound, black tea contains tannins that are highly effective at killing bacteria, making it an indispensable DIY hack to get rid of the petri dish forming up in your work boots from all the built-up sweat.

Wash with a mild shampoo

If nothing seems to get rid of the foul smell in your boots, grab a very mild shampoo (you don’t want to damage the inside of your boots with harsh soap and end up with something uncomfortable to wear) and mix a few drops with warm water. 

Using a cloth, scrub the insides of your boots and then drain any excess water while reducing any splashes on the exterior (especially if it’s suede). 

Once done, use a dry cloth to remove as much water as possible, fill up your boots with balled up papers to both absorb the excess moisture and maintain the shape of the boots as they dry, then leave them in a well-ventilated area to air dry for a couple of days.

Freeze your boots

A strange yet effective way to get rid of the odors in your boots is to put them in zip lock bags and keep them in the freezer overnight.

While unorthodox, the science behind this method is that the extreme temperature will kill the bacteria lingering in your boots, causing the odor in the first place. 

Replace the soles

Although a thorough cleanup by hand or in a washing machine should do the trick to rid your soles of their odor, if they’re excessively worn out, consider replacing them.

Since the more worn out they are, the less effective they’ll be at doing their primary job of absorbing moisture and preventing sweat from reaching the rest of your boots.

Do different work boots need different types of cleaning?

Several renowned manufacturers such as Ariat, Wolverine, Red Wing, Danner, and Justin provide their specialized cleaning kits customized for their boots; nonetheless, the principles remain the same. It all comes down to your personal preference for using them or going the DIY route.

8 products you (might) have at home to DIY wash & clean your work boots

Many specialized tools can be used to clean up a boot, but who said you need to break the bank and get them? Chances are, you already have everything you need to get your boots back in shape around the house.

For a complete DIY work boot cleanup kit, make sure you’ve got these handy:

1. Saddle soap

Not only does saddle soap thoroughly cleanup muck and tough dirt from boots, but it also simultaneously replenishes the moisture of your leather boots, making them an indispensable tool in your kit. 

2. Dish soap

Mild dishwashing soap does a great job at removing dirt from the outside of leather booths. If you’re all out of saddle soap, remember not to use a harsh cleaner, otherwise, you’ll only cause more damage.

3. Talcum powder or Cornstarch 

Similar to how you use sand to absorb oil, both talcum powder and cornstarch do wonders to remove recent or leftover oil stains without leaving a trace on your boots.

4. Vinegar

Unlike water, vinegar, white vinegar, to be precise, is a lifesaver that makes for an excellent DIY cleaner and does a great job at leaving no trace behind or causing damage to the material of your boots. 

5. Baking soda

A typical household item, baking soda has more uses outside of the kitchen than we’d like to admit, and that’s especially true when it comes to boots since it does a great job at cleaning both the insides and outside of a boot.

6. Mink oil

Mink oil has a history of being used on leather products ever since the 1950s. Although its history began as a Native American skin conditioning product, mink oil is the go-to product to condition, protect, and maintain any leather.

7. Shaving cream

Shaving cream can break down greasy surfaces, making it an excellent tool in your arsenal to get rid of various types of stains quickly, as well as accumulated shoe polish.

8. WD-40

There’s no shortage of uses for WD-40, and aside from its ability to fend off wasps from making nests under your windows, you can also use it to waterproof your work boots.

Don’t believe us? Then here’s a fun fact: the WD in WD-40 stands for water displacing.

9. Hair conditioner

Like mink oil, hair conditioner has more wax than most fancy boot conditioning products, making it a great way to moisturize and protect your boot’s leather. 

What should you do after you’ve cleaned your work boots?

Cleaning your boots is just the first step to ensure their longevity. For maximum performance, add these steps to your routine:

Oil your work boots (where applicable)

Oiling your boots and conditioning them are terms often used to refer to the same thing. Unlike polishing, which isn’t essential, oiling up your boots prevents them from cracking and wearing out.

Not only does oiling your boots ensure that they serve you longer, but it also prevents them from becoming stiff over time from the harsh elements of nature.

Apply a water repellent product

While you can’t re-waterproof your work boots once the outer membrane has worn off, you can add a water-repellent solution to your work boots, such as WD-40, to increase durability and water repellency.

Adding a water-repellant solution will also ensure that your work boots won’t get damaged from water, especially when it comes to suede.

Start using a spray to avoid fungus development and smelly feet.

When your feet start to sweat, the moisture and salts get trapped in your boots and over time start to build up bacteria, which in turn can lead to foot infections.

Spraying on a disinfectant foot spray will go a long way in preventing both your feet and boots from having a horrible smell each time you take off your work boots, as well as reduce the chances of mold and bacteria build up in seconds to keep your feet fresh all day.

Work boot cleaning products and kits 

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Leather work boot cleaner kit

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Work boots odor eliminator

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Water repellant for work boots

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Leather work boot restorer

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Electric brush for work boots

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Work boots cleaning station

Is it worth the time to clean work boots?

We get it; it can be a chore to clean up your work boots from time to time while keeping up with a full day’s workload, but think of it this way, your boots take care of you, shouldn’t you also take care of them?

Unless you like buying a new pair of work boots every couple of months or so, regularly cleaning your boots will let you extend the lifespan of the ones you already have to keep on stomping through even the messiest situations.

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Learn more about how to clean your work boots properly

• https://www.e-shop-direct.com/eshop/products/50184/download/AriatLeatherCareGuidelines_2.pdf
• https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/20-brilliant-ways-to-use-wd-40/

Team Members Working On This Page

Adrian – Editor / Construction Professional

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

source https://bestformyfeet.com/how-to-clean-dirty-work-boots-at-home-diy/

Slip Resistant VS Oil Resistant (Explained & Examples)

Oil and slip-resistant work boots are designed to protect you from different dangers on the worksite. 

Slip-resistant work boots protect you from falling over. The US OSHA estimates that slip-resistant work boots reduce slips and injuries, both fatal and non-fatal, by 75%. 

Slip-resistant work boots emphasize having a good tread pattern on the outsole and a non-slipper sole material such as rubber or PVC. 

Oil-resistant work boots prevent degradation by the work boots, as well as you slipping on oil.

If work boots are not oil-resistant, then your feet will become stained and possibly injured if the chemicals that seep through are harmful. 

What is the difference between slip resistant and oil resistant? (if any)

This section of the article will define for you oil resistant and then slip-resistant work boots. It should then be absolutely clear that they are dealing with two different dangers common to workers on different work sites. 

What is oil resistant

Oil resistance is the ability of a rubber product, in this case, work boots, to function whilst in contact with oil. 

Oil-resistant boots are work boots that have a protective coating to prevent the oil from seeping through. 

This is important because if you walk around in your workplace for hours on end without oil-resistant footwear it is inevitable that some amount of oil will get onto your boots. 

Once this happens, it won’t take long before your feet and socks are covered in black greasy stains–not exactly what you want during a long day at work! 

Plus, if they are harmful chemicals, then having oil-resistant work boots is vital for preventing injuries. 

How can you tell if a work boot is oil resistant?

If you’re looking for a way to tell, the easiest thing to do is look at the bottom of your boot and see if there’s any type of coating.

If there is a sticker on it that says “oil-resistant,” then you know it’s safe to wear this work boot in an environment with oils.

It’s not always that easy though. Look at what material the boot, particularly the sole, is made from. If your worksite handles specific kinds of chemicals, you should look at this chart for common outsole materials and which materials they are resistant to. 

You should also read work boot reviews online about how well these products perform in difficult conditions like deep fryers or assembly lines.

Who needs to wear oil resistant footwear?

Oil-resistant footwear is a must for many industries and jobs. 

As the name suggests, these are shoes that will protect you from oil or chemicals that can seep through other shoe materials. 

If you work with oils, lubricating fluids, solvents, acids, caustics and similar substances on a regular basis then this type of footwear is an absolute necessity.

Talk with your worksites manager or safety officer to know what chemicals your worksite is using and then consult this chart to make an informed decision about which oil-resistant footwear to wear. 

What does slip resistant really means

Slip resistance is the amount of resistance the sole of the boot exerts while moving over the walking surface.

Who needs to wear slip resistant footwear?

Slip resistant footwear is now required in many industries where there is a risk of slipping.

This includes food and beverage production, healthcare, manufacturing, and warehouses. Check out our page about great work boots for people with jobs that require them to stand lots of hours on their feet.

They are also useful to stop you slipping on high surfaces, such as ladders or work platforms. Slip-resistant boots can therefore prevent you from incurring serious injuries. 

It has been proven that slip resistant footwear reduces the occurrence of slips or falls by up to 75%. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide appropriate foot protection for employees who are at potential risk of injury due to slippage

Are all work boots slip resistant?

Nope, they’re not.

What makes a work boot slip resistant?

Two things that make a work boot slip-resistant are the sole tread pattern and sole compound. 

Generally close-packed tread pattern and a softer sole work well with fluid contaminants and indoor environments. 

Circular or hexagonal treads are also a good clue to telling how slip-resistant work boots are. 

Slip-resistant boots also generally have deep grooves between the treads, keeping the user in an upright position all day. 

Are rubber soles slip resistant?

Yes! Rubber soles provide grip and traction which make the work boots slip resistant. 

Can you somehow make your regular work boots slip resistant?

Yes! There are a number of things that you can do to make a non-slip work boot more slip resistant. 

• You can use a nail file to scuff the bottom of the shoes, giving them more tread and thus more slip-resistant. 

• Or, if that doesn’t appeal to you, adhesives are a great chemical addition.

• Applying bandaids or plasters to your boots, one at the heel and one at the front will make your boot more supportive while you go about your day.

• Another good material that can be used is masking tape. 

• Puff paint, a common kind of paint found in arts and craft stores, can be used to make the surface of the boot rough and thus ensure they are anti-slip. 

• Another way of making your work boots slip-resistant is to apply a mixture of salt and rubber glue (in a 1:2 ratio) glue to the outsole of the shoe and leave them to dry for one hour. This will make them much more anti-slip. 

• Finally, scuffing the outsole of the work boot can also make it more slip-resistant. Simply scuffing the outsole on concrete or gravel should do the trick.

Be careful to not scuff the soles too much and break them however. 

What work boots are slip resistant (Examples)

Here we will tell you about three great slip-resistant work boots available for you to purchase. 

1. Timberland PRO Direct Attach 

The Timberland Pro contains a unique patented SR Max MaxTrax slip-resistant tread design. 

Tread-design is vital for a good anti-slip work boot, an the Max Max Trax gives the work boot the maximal possible surface area for good traction and non-slipperiness. 

The deep groves and irregular design is perfect and unique for a good slip-resistant work boot. 

2. Dr. Martens Unisex 

The Dr Martens Unisex work boots are of such high quality that they meet ASTM F1677-2005 slip resistant standards. 

The air-cushioned sole has been re-engineered with an enhanced grip for next-level slip resistance. The treads have been specially engineered to ensure you remain upright all day. 

3. Dunlop Protective

The Vibram Rubber Sole on the Dunlop Protective work boots have been specially engineered to ensure you don’t fall and injure yourself. 

A ‘rigger’ boot, they are also designed to be taken off quickly if you fall into water while on oil rigs. 

Slip-on work boots are also great for farms and agricultural workers. 

What work boots are oil resistant (Examples)

1. Thorogood

The Thorogood Men’s Oil Rigger is a fully-oiled leather work boot that is highly resistant to degradation by chemicals and materials. 

The Vibram rubber outsole with TC4 compound is resistant to a huge variety of chemicals, and so will keep your feet safe from stains or harms. 

It’s also made in the USA, so by buying this boot using all American hides, so by purchasing this work boot you are supporting American jobs and manufacturing during tough economic times. 

2. Dr Martens Icon

Another great oil resistant choice is the Heavy Industry Boots from Dr Martens. 

The feature that makes these work boots specially designed for workers in heavy industry is the Polyvinyl Chloride sole. 

PVC soles are one of the most effective materials for an oil-resistant sole, and this work boot will resist oils, fats, petrol and alkalis. 

3. Danner Quarry

The exclusive outsole on the Danner Quarry USA Black Alloy Toe work boot features a 90º heel, an oil- and slip-resistant rubber compound, and a non-linear lug pattern for superior traction and debris release. 

Ideal for workers both in quarries and mining, but also in oil drilling or chemical processing.  Check out the research we’ve done on whether Danner’s work boots are any good or not. Enjoy

Outro:

Slip Resistant VS Oil Resistant footwear: The bottom line

Slip resistance and oil resistant work boots are designed to protect you from different dangers. 

Slip resistant work boots are designed to stop you from falling over on the worksite and injuring yourself. When shopping for work boots with this feature, look for the material the outsole is made from…

… rubber is best, and the tread design and groove depth. 

There are also many things, from scuffing to applying adhesives, you can do to make your work boots more slip resistant. 

Oil resistance, on the other hand, is about ensuring your work boots are not degraded by the fats, oils, and chemicals you’ll find on many different industries.

The material of the sole, be it PVC, Rubber, or TPU, will change how oil-resistant they are. Look for the materials on each sole when making your purchasing decision. 

Team Members Working On This Page

Adrian – Web Master / Construction Professional

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

Theo Cox / Researcher, Writer

I’m an MA student currently working on a research project for King’s College London Museum of Life Sciences alongside my MA dissertation. I have been published in my student newspaper, The Spectator, and the Adam Smith Institute. I’m doing part of the research and writing of the content you’ll read on BestForMyFeet.com Enjoy!

source https://bestformyfeet.com/slip-resistant-vs-oil-resistant/

Are Work Boots Fashionable? (5 Attractive Work Boots Examples)

Just because you want a pair of work boots that will protect you from the dangers of a modern work site, does not mean they have to be ugly or unfashionable. (some of them are, I know :D)

But work boots can be incredibly fashionable, both when they are paired well with uniforms, and with casual wear like jeans and leather jackets off the worksite. 

This article will give you five suggestions for work boots we feel are great for style on and off the worksite, as well as some general tips for pairing work boots with other apparel and clothing. 

It will also let you know the pros and cons of buying trendy work boots and give you a couple of great websites for finding the latest trendy boots. 

Can we mix Safety & Fashion?

You can mix safety and fashion, but you should absolutely never sacrifice the former for the latter.  

For example if your worksite requires a steel toe cap, but you find a soft toe cap work boot that looks nicer, you should not under any circumstances buy it, unless it can be modified. 

That said, there are almost certainly boots that confirm to the safety standards of your worksite whilst also looking good. 

Provided you are willing to compromise a little on what you consider to be stylish, then it is entirely possible to mix safety work boots with fashion. 

Later we will look at five kinds of work boots that utilize amazing safety features with a stylish look that works both on the worksite and off. 

Why wear a pair of stylish work boots?

Why wear a stylish pair of anything? You’re on a worksite for eight hours a day, maybe more, and there isn’t much opportunity to stand out with a helmet and high-viz jacket. 

You may have made a few friends, but you can’t have lengthy casual conversations over the sounds of machinery. And why would your boss let you; you have a job to do. 

Your work boots therefore are one of the few ways you have of expressing yourself and your personality on the worksite. 

So if you can find a pair that look different to everyone else’s, then you are sure to catch other people’s attention, including the supervisor. 

How to wear work boots in style?

Work boots are of course only stylish if everything else you are wearing matches. 

If you find a nice pair of brown leather work boots, such as the Georgia Loggers, then they will fit best with a brown jacket and beige overalls.  then they will go best with a brown jacket and beige overalls. 

If your work boots are black then a long black jacket off the worksite, and a dark outfit on the worksite is best. 

Matching your boots to your other apparel creates a more holistic style that will really make you stand out. 

Other things you can do to wear work boots in style include ensuring your trousers or work overalls reach down to your boot cuffs, but without going too far. Pinrolling them if they are too long is recommended. 

Finally you should consider buying coloured laces for your work boots so they stand out (and do not get hidden too easily). 

And, of course, ensuring the work boots fit properly is crucial to creating a good style with your work boot. 

Can you look casual wearing work boots? (or is it strange?)

It is not strange to wear work boots off the work site at all. If you wear them with more casual apparel you can look casual and cool while doing so. 

For example, you can wear sturdy looking work boots off the work site, they also pair well with jeans and a casual leather jacket and a t-shirt for a non-work site get together will almost always work well. 

5 Best fashion work boots for both men & women

1. Stylish lace up work boot from Georgia

The

2. Heritage fashion work boots from Thorogood

The Thorogood Men’s American Heritage MAXwear wedge sole safety boot is another work boot that perfectly combines style with safety. 

Featuring a steel toe and puncture resistant midsole, a fibreglass shank and Goodyear storm welt construction, this work boot will protect you from the dangers of a modern day worksite and keep your feet safe. 

The full-grain leather is also waterproof and extra strong, and so will protect your feet from dropped objects. 

However, when it comes to style, the yellow laces will ensure your work boots stand out from the crowd and will also make your boots easier to tie up in the dark or in poor visibility situations. 

And the wedge sole also looks more stylish as it gives the boots a more platform aesthetic, as well as providing your ankles with a greater degree of support. 

The final advantage to this pair of work boots is that they are made in the USA, so if supporting American manufacturing is important to you then this is the pair of boots to buy. 

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3. Old fashion style work boots by Dr Martens

Dr Martens have been in the work boot industry for over 70 years, and so if you’re looking for a pair of boots that reflect the Men’s Winch Steel Toe should be an excellent addition to your range. 

As well as looking stylish, especially with a black jacket and jeans, on the worksite the boot features a slip-resistant synthetic outsole that reduces the risk of falls on hazardous surfaces. 

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4. Knee high pull on fashion work boots by LaCrosse

If you ladies are looking for a fashionable knee high work boot, than the LaCrosse Women’s Switchgrass is the perfect work boot for you. 

Designed to blend in with nature, the brown and green hues are sure to communicate an environmental look. 

And the boots also features an ankle fit that locks the heel in place and also features an adjusted back gusset for a comfortable, secure fit. 

The oversized shank also covers the entire arch area for additional stability and support, preventing the strains of modern working from being unduly loaded onto your knees. 

Remember, as well as safety and style, comfort is important, and this work boots encapsulates that well. 

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5. Fashion leather work boots from Timberland

This Timberland boot is a classic choice, a 100% leather brown workboot from a well-respected manufacturer of work boots with nearly 100 years of experience in the industry. 

As well as providing a stylish brown collar and beige rubber sole, these work boots are also excellent for their features; 100% waterproof and with an elevated platform for comfort and support. 

These work boots are also trail-ready, perfect for the hike or outdoor gathering, and the boots are designed to stylistically fit in with your outdoor-ready ensembles,

What’s more fashionable? Brown or black or boots?

It depends what is predominantly in your wardrobe. Fashion after-all is the whole outfit, not just the boots. 

If your wardrobe is mainly filled with earth tones like blues and greens, then brown work boots are the better purchase. They will work better with most of your existing outfits. 

If your wardrobe is mainly filled with black, white or navy colours, then black work boots are the better, more fashionable choice. 

If you enjoy blue or black skinny jeans, definitely go for a pair of black boots. 

Pros & cons of buying trendy work boots (compared to normal work boots)

PROS

• Look good, and you will stand out on the worksite
• Trendy work boots are often made from high-quality, durable leather.

CONS

• Work boots being made from fashionable brands allows them to increase the price slightly
• Full-grain, high-quality leather is sometimes less breathable than the softer kinds. 

See More Models In Store

Are Timberland work boots still in style?

Absolutely! In 2020 GQ magazine wrote that “The New High-Fashion Sneaker Is…the Six-Inch Work Boot?”, and “Timberland’s six-inch work boot is the one item that appears in every corner of [New York] city”. 

High-end imitations of the Timberland classic are even selling in boutique fashion stores for $1300 (don’t worry you can still buy the original for much much less than that). 

Where to buy fashionable work boots?

https://charnwoodfootwear.co.uk/ is a great place to find the latest styles in work boot design. 

https://www.shoezone.com/  also provides many great stylish options at great prices. 

Online stores such as Amazon and Zappos for example have a great range of stylish boots you can choose from too.

So, can work boots be fashionable?

Work boots can absolutely be fashionable, provided you pair them well with the other items in your wardrobe. 

Whether you go for brown, black, or another color entirely, is dependent on what you have to wear to work, what you are going to wear with the work boots if you are taking them off-site, and what kind of occasion you are going to. 

Just remember, don’t sacrifice fashion or style for comfort or safety, especially if you still intend to work eight-hour shifts in these bad boys. 

Team Members Working On This Page

Adrian – Web Master / Construction Professional

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

Theo Cox / Researcher, Writer

I’m an MA student currently working on a research project for King’s College London Museum of Life Sciences alongside my MA dissertation. I have been published in my student newspaper, The Spectator, and the Adam Smith Institute. I’m doing part of the research and writing of the content you’ll read on BestForMyFeet.com Enjoy!

source https://bestformyfeet.com/are-work-boots-fashionable/

Are work boots good for motorcycle riding? (What You Must Know)

The short answer — yes, work boots are good for motorcycle riding. The long answer — only work boots with the right kind of protection will keep your feet safe when you’re on the road. Work boots that double as motorcycle riding boots are designed to reduce the severity of injuries a rider could face in an accident, making them essential for anyone who values their feet.

Keep reading to find out exactly why your average work boots aren’t the right fit for motorcycle riding, plus a few examples of actual work boots that can keep you safe on the road and beyond.

But first…

What’s the difference between motorcycle boots and work boots?

Although both kinds of boots share several traits; motorcycle boots provide less ankle movement support while being designed to fit under the shifter of a motorcycle’s peg, as well as having stiffer torsos, and an overall higher degree of resistance to the extreme terrains.

Motorcycle boots also tend to skip out entirely on shoelaces, instead opting for Velcro to fasten them onto the wearer’s foot to avoid a scenario where the boot could come flying off in the middle of a dirt track.

For most people and casual motorcycle riders, a stiff and protective pair of work boots is more than enough for street riding.

However, riders into specialized motorcycle activities such as moto crossing, off-roading, and racing require specific kinds of boots that add more safety and features in such sports.

Do you really need boots to ride a motorcycle? WHY?

To keep it simple, your boots are to your feet what your helmet is to your head. 

It’s as simple as that.

While nothing’s really stopping you from wearing high tops or even flip flops the next time you get on your motorcycle, you need to ask yourself if you value having legs. 

Since anything other than a proper pair of protective work boots will cost you your legs or even worse at some point.

Think about this for a moment: does your current footwear of choice protect your shin? Will it protect your foot from the weight of a motorcycle or the force of an impact? 

Can it withstand the wear and tear of asphalt and gravel if your foot slips and touches the ground while you’re on the move?

Chances are, they won’t, since regular boots and even day-to-day work boots aren’t designed for extreme scenarios.

While boots are an upgrade over a pair of sneakers, heavy-duty work boots go the extra mile to even out the odds against motorcycle-riding risks.

If you intend to stay in one piece on the road, you’ll want work boots that have these features…

What should you look for in a good motorcycle boot?

• Steel-toed tips or reinforced toe boxes
• Steel shanks
• Slip-resistant soles
• Low heels
• Shin protection
• A reinforced sole and upper part
• Padding around the ankles, heels, and toes
• Buckles or short shoelaces
• High impact resistance
• High durability
• Sufficient wiggle space that isn’t too tight

What kind of boots should you wear on a motorcycle?

As much as we love watching Sons of Anarchy, those white tennis shoes Jax sports on each time he gets on his Harley aren’t precisely the best choice to keep your feet safe in the real world in the long run.

If you want safety, you’ll want to grab yourself a pair of boots.

To be precise, you’ll want boots that are:

• Comfortable

An irritating pair of boots is an added layer of distraction and fatigue that you’ll want to avoid as much as possible, so make sure to go for a pair that gives your feet just the right amount of wiggle room.

• Low-heeled

A high heel in your boot can make it difficult to place your foot correctly on your motorcycle’s peg; however, a completely flat sole will increase your chances of slipping, which can result in disasters when you’re riding at high speeds. 

• Protective

A proper pair of work boots that can double as motorcycle riding boots will have protective reinforcements and shanks to guard your heels, ankles, toes and should extend to the shin since no muscles cover the shin bone, which in turn makes it one of the most vulnerable parts of the legs.

• Durable

If a motorcycle can withstand the heat and cold of the outside, so should your feet. When choosing your go-to boots, please make sure they’re built to withstand the harsh conditions of the road; after all, your boots are your foot’s frontline defense against debris or anything else that comes their way.

Are steel toe work boots good or bad for riding motorcycles?

Steel-toe everyday work boots will go a long way in protecting your feet from the risks of grinding your toes on asphalt if your feet happen to slip from the pedal while you’re stopping your motorcycle.

On the other hand, steel-toed boots can be bulky and take a while to get used to, which means that they could impact your ability to switch gears or sense your toes.

But let’s get something straight here:

While many people fear the possibility of a steel tip cutting off the toes during an accident, steel-toed boots are made with several other safety features to protect your toes during a crash, not to mention the tip being molded into the boot’s structure to keep it safely in place.

Simply put, if a boot’s steel tip bruises or harms your toes, the damage from a crash that can dent a steel tip would be far worse on your toes without them.

If you’re still not convinced, MythBusters put steel-toed boots to the test and settled the argument once and for all.

Pros & Cons of wearing work boots whilst riding motors

Work boots give more than enough protection on the ground, but not all boots are created equally when wearing them on a motorcycle.

To make things simple, we’ve taken the liberty of breaking things down for you:

Benefits

• Breathability

If your work boots can get you through the grind of a day’s work without damping up your feet, they’ll do more than enough to keep your feet free of built-up moisture that would otherwise result in your feet becoming slippery from the inside.

• Water resistance

Many work boots can protect your feet from water getting in their way; this will work to your advantage if you’re riding through a muddy road or crossing puddles.

• Slip-resistance

Most work boots have a common feature: their ability to stand their ground on slippery surfaces, which is essential if you want to get a grip on the brake pedals or firmly place your foot on the ground.

Downsides

• Long shoelaces

While an untied shoelace isn’t always a big problem if you’re on the ground, a loose shoelace in your boots can get tangled in the brake pedals or drive belt of a motorcycle.

• Toughness

If your boots come in contact with asphalt or touch the ground while you’re on the move, the chances are that even though your day-to-day work boots might seem challenging, without a reinforcement body and tip, they won’t bear the high-intensity friction and wear.

• Impact protection

Despite many work boots being shock-resistant, most work boots won’t be able to give you sufficient protection from getting t-boned by a car. 

• Bendable soles

If you can twist your boot by grabbing it from opposite ends of the sole, that means that your foot just as quickly can get twisted or broken if you’re thrown off your motorcycle.

Why should you avoid using regular boots whilst riding motorcycles?

Regular boots can be pretty damn rugged, depending on what type you have. Anything from hiking boots to cowboy boots. Still, the fact is that on a motorcycle, you’re exposed to endless risks on the open road.

Think of it this way, would you wear a construction hat while riding a motorcycle? It’s the same when it comes to boots.

While you can get a degree of protection with regular boots, if you want complete peace of mind and the gear for the job, you’ll want a proper pair of heavy-duty boots to be up to the task.

If you wear regular boots while riding a motorcycle, in an accident, you’d be putting yourself at risk of:

• Twisting your foot
• Grinding your toes 
• Breaking your shin bone
• Reducing traction 
• Getting your shoelaces stuck
• Fracturing your foot

5 Popular safety steel toe boots for motorcycle riders

We’ve hunted down the most popular options from across the internet and gone over reviews from average users to experienced bikers to find out what work boots have it all to stay safe on the road. 

Here are our top 5 choices:

1. Ariat
   Packed with a snazzy cowboy leather finish to complete the western rider look, these steel-toed work boots double up as the perfect blend between everyday durable boots and protective gear that can be easily slipped on to keep you safe and stylish wherever you go.
   
2. Dr Martens
   Inspired by heavy industry, Dr. Martens’ unisex leather boots redefine the meaning of hardcore with a steel-toed tip and overall protection without the extra weight that you’d expect from a booth of this caliber.
   
3. Carhartt
   Designed with durability in mind, Carhartt’s work boots combine style with functionality that can keep your feet steady anywhere, even in some of the harshest environments when you’re either on the job or on the road.
   
4. Chippewa
   Made in true American rugged spirit, Chippewa’s lace-to-toe waterproof boots are designed to stand the test of time while looking undisputedly stylish no matter the situation or destination they’re worn in.
   
5. Harley davidson
   Made by the very makers of some of the finest bikes globally, Harley Davidson’s steel toe work boots are a classic work of engineering that provide undisputed workplace protection and shock absorbency to make any bike ride a breeze.

In conclusion, can you ride motorcycle wearing work boots?

Work boots that meet the correct safety requirements are suitable to ride out into the sun, and for the genuinely unruly motorcycle racer, nothing tops a pair of racing boots to give them an edge on the track.

While you might think to yourself that splashing out more cash on heavy duty or racing boots isn’t worth it since your regular boots seem to cover the basics just fine, ask yourself this:

Is it worth cheaping out on a pair of boots only to end up paying endless hospital and insurance bills if things don’t always go your way?

We’ll leave that answer up to you.

Team Members Working On This Page

Adrian – Web Master / Construction Professional

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

source https://bestformyfeet.com/can-i-wear-work-boots-to-ride-motorcycles/