There are several basic, and most importantly simple, rules to extend the life of your work shoes and maintain their integrity without wasting time or putting in much effort.
Rule #1.
First of all, you need to choose the right material and type of sole. There are single-layer polyurethane soles (PU), dual-layer polyurethane soles (PU/PU), thermoplastic polyurethane soles (PU/TPU), nitrile soles, and so on. By choosing the right sole type for your shoes, you'll extend the life of your shoes and avoid problems like:
Polyurethane is quite sensitive to temperature changes. At temperatures of 70°C and above, it begins to soften and lose its properties, and at 100°C and above, it completely breaks down.
That's why welders require only heat-resistant safety footwear with nitrile rubber soles. The rubber can withstand temperatures up to 300°C, as well as sparks and splashes of molten metal.
So why isn't all safety footwear made with rubber soles? The simple answer is comfort. Rubber is 2-3 times heavier than polyurethane, is stiffer, and lacks shock absorption. Therefore, rubber-soled footwear is heavier and less comfortable to wear than PU-soled footwear. In this case, the use of rubber-soled footwear is dictated by the working conditions and the need to ensure adequate protection.
Rule #2.
A very common problem with safety shoes is sole separation, most often occurring along the sidewall or where the sole bends. There are typically two causes:
Leather footwear does not protect against prolonged exposure to water! Natural leather swells when exposed to water, and becomes brittle when dry. Water can also penetrate through the upper seams. Therefore, leather safety footwear can be used when walking through puddles up to the joint between the sole and the upper, during short-term precipitation, or in case of accidental water ingress, but not in conditions where the sole and footwear are completely submerged or in heavy rain.
Rule #3.
Never dry shoes on a radiator or near a heating device. This causes the sole to become soft and sticky, and with prolonged exposure to high temperatures, it begins to deteriorate and become irreversibly damaged. Wet leather uppers dry out on radiators and shrink. Both of these factors lead to material degradation and gradual separation of the sole from the upper. This deterioration may be unnoticeable at first, and only after the shoes have been worn will the separation become visible at the flex points.
Rule #4.
How do you dry your shoes properly? Unlace your boots, remove the insoles, and leave them in a warm room for 12-14 hours. If possible, use specialized drying devices inserted inside the shoes.
Men's PPE and EVA boots are available for wholesale order in our online store! If you have any questions about caring for your special-purpose clothing, our online store will be happy to answer any questions you may have.