As a worker, your shoes matter a lot as these contribute to your overall productivity and work performance. It is because an ill-fitting and worn out footwear might lead to foot pain, discomfort, or worse, injury, which might cause you to be ineffective once you’re doing your job.
With that in mind, you have to understand exactly how often should you replace work shoes. By knowing that important information, you’ll be able to replace your good, old footwear at the specific time when it really needs a replacement.
By knowing how often you need to replace it, you’ll not be at risk of wearing an old and damaged footwear that might only injure your feet in the long run.
The Lifespan of Most Work Shoes
In most cases, a work shoe is designed to last for around 3-6 months, longer if you don’t use it excessively and if the environment you expose it to is not that unforgiving and tough. Another indicator of whether it’s time to replace your footwear is the number of miles it has already taken.
Most work shoes can handle around 300-500 miles, which makes it last roughly 6 months. However, you still need to check the shoe from time to time so you’ll know whether it starts to show signs that indicate it might be time to replace it.
For instance, if it already pops or responds less upon contact, then it shows that it has already worn out a bit. You also need to check the sole for visible signs of wear, as well as the upper of the footwear, which refers to that specific part that covers your feet, for any signs that it is already breaking down.
If your shoe is not exposed too much to tough and unforgiving environments and surfaces, then you can expect it to last for roughly 12 months (one year). It is because it is in a safe and good environment, making it possible for it to take a long time to wear down.
Not exposing your work shoe to too much safety hazards will also lessen its visible signs of wear and tear. It also has a lower risk of breaking down on the sole. However, you still have to check the upper regularly and figure out if it starts losing some rigidity. Check the cushion, too.
If something is off with the cushioning in the sense that you can no longer feel the same experience when it was still new, then maybe it is time to switch.
Some Telltale Signs of Breakdown
If you want to learn how often should you replace work shoes, then learning some telltale signs of breakdown and wear is helpful. You have to know what signs to look for in determining the exact state and condition of your footwear. Note that there are a lot of obvious markers that will let you know if it’s time to replace it.
One is the compressed or wrinkly midsole foam usually found on the outer part of the shoe. In most cases, this midsole foam is made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). It contributes a lot to the cushioning of your footwear.
In case it gets squished or compressed, you need to replace it right away as it might only injure you as you take each step. Other signs that will let you know whether your footwear is already breaking down are new aches and pains affecting your feet and sore feet.
These signs are usually because of the lack of support and cushion on the midsole. Check for visible signs of overuse, as well, such as worn-down tread.
Tips in Ensuring that you Replace the Shoe at the Right Time
For you to be able to check the current condition of your footwear and prevent it from injuring you at the most unexpected time, you have to keep in mind the following helpful tips:
1.Monitor the mileage
Keep track of the actual mileage already taken by your footwear. To determine the number of miles covered by your work shoe, write down the exact date when you used it first to hit the roads.
Such date serves as the permanent marker of the sole’s mileage. Log the number of miles already covered and keep track of them so you will have a rough idea on the amount of time left for it to serve its real purpose.
2. Allow your shoe to take the flexibility test
You have to test your work shoe’s flexibility from time to time. In this case, the cushion is one of the parts of the shoe that require a more extensive testing.
What you have to do is to hold your footwear with its laces up. Bend its toe back towards its heel. It is time to replace the shoe if you notice that the shoe folds so easily.
3.Switch shoes
If your goal is to increase the longevity or lifespan of your shoes, then you always have an option of switching them out. Invest not just in one work shoe, but multiple ones. At least two pairs will do.
You need multiple pairs so you can switch them out, instead of just wearing one, thereby preventing them from wearing out too soon. You can increase their longevity but make sure that you also receive the maximum cushion and support each time you use it in the workplace.
Final Words
How often should you replace work shoes is usually determined by the overall material and construction of the footwear, the frequency of use, the specific conditions and environments they are exposed to, and the level of care provided to them. If you work under harsh conditions, then your shoes might not last that long.
You may need to replace them every 3-6 months or so. However, shoes with tough and durable construction can be expected to last longer than the others. Taking care of your shoe and cleaning it up regularly can also help lengthen its life a bit.