Updated 27/03/2025.
A sturdy, comfortable work shoe is part of your equipment. Maintaining them properly will keep them in good condition for longer and prevent inconveniences such as wear and tear, unpleasant odours and reduced protection.
In this blog article, we share the 11 best maintenance tips and have put together a visual so you can hang them up in the workplace.
1. Clean dirt and dust from your work shoes every day
It’s good practice to remove most of the dirt and dust after you've finished work. This allows the leather to breathe naturally and prevents mud from accumulating. The best way to do this is with a dry shoe brush.
2. Cleaning textile work shoes
Do you wear work shoes made of textile or synthetic materials, such as microfibre or mesh? Clean them easily with warm water, mild soap and a soft sponge. This helps to remove dirt without damaging the material.
3. Lubricate your work shoes regularly with leather grease
By regularly using shoe grease on your work shoe, or by treating them with an impregnating spray, you’ll keep them flexible and water-repellent. Moreover, treated shoes repel dirt and dust better.
4. Air out your work shoes
Airing work shoes is essential for fresh shoes. After work, loosen the laces, pull the tongue forward and let your shoes dry for at least 12 hours. Also dry your work socks next to your shoes to prevent odours.
A good shoe spray neutralises sweat odour and prevents odours and fungus. Use both on your shoes and socks.
5. Use two pairs of work shoes alternately
Switching between two pairs of work shoes daily gives them enough time to dry completely and makes them last longer.
6. Air and replace your insoles on time
As mentioned in tip 4, it’s just as important to let your insoles dry and air out at room temperature. Avoid direct contact with a heat source, such as a heater, as this can affect the shape and functionality of the insoles.
Please note that it is not allowed to put just any insole in a safety shoe: Are arch supports allowed in safety shoes?
7. Wet work shoes due to rain
Have you been working in the rain and are your work shoes wet? Remove the insoles and laces and put newspaper inside the shoes. This will speed up the drying process without damaging the shoe.
8. Use a shoehorn
A shoehorn will help you to put on your shoes faster. It also prevents the heel from bending out of shape and wearing out.
9. Take damaged shoes out of service
Do your work shoes have cracks, a worn sole or other damage? Get a new pair of work shoes right away. This is to prevent any further hazards, such as splashes of hot metal seeping into your shoes.
Be sure to read: Six ways to know it’s time for new work shoes
10. Wear the correct shoe size
A common cause of foot problems is the wrong shoe size. This causes your feet to rub against the inside and perspire more. Many shoe manufacturers such as EMMA, Uvex or Elten have a wide range of work shoes in different widths. So there’s a right size for all foot shapes out there.
11. Choose a good work sock
Going barefoot in your work shoes is never a good idea. Choose antibacterial work socks that allow your feet to breathe, prevent odours and are suitable for prolonged professional use.
Conclusion
Using these simple maintenance tips will keep your work shoes in top condition for longer. This is not only good for comfort and safety, but will also save you costs in the long run by reducing the need to buy new shoes.
Download the visual with 11 tips for maintaining your work shoes
