ResourcesHow to Oil Your Work BootsWritten by James BlakeLast Updated 29 Mar 2023Rated Do You Want to Properly Oil Your Work Boots & Keep Them in Top Shape? Here’s Our Guide to the Benefits, Best Practices, & More. Keep Reading… The last thing you want at work is a strain or a sprain, right? The main reason work boots are important is because they protect the feet against various types of injuries. Foot injuries can be serious and complicated, leaving the worker out of line or causing them to be out of work for a long time. Through this article, you’ll discover: For different tasks and working conditions, different work boots are produced. However, they have one thing in common: they are all useful. Keep reading to find out what the MyBestWorkBoots team rates as the the 5 main functions of work boots… What Are Work Boots? Work boots are boots that were made with a steel safety toe cap. At first, it was made of steel and called “Steel Toes”, but now we have aluminum alloy work boots in addition to complex carbon fiber work boots. However Over the years, work boots have evolved into more specialized footwear that should do more than protect workers’ toes. 5 Ways Work Boots Protect You The 5 ways work boots protect you are based on some of the most general needs and usage cases. There are so many different uses for work boots, and if we were to investigate every single option, we would be here forever. So, to save time while still offering you all the information that you need, we’ve selected the top 5 uses. Take a look: Protection Against Falling Objects Most work boots offer protection from falling objects in the form of toe caps1. Toe caps can be steel or composite and should be able to protect the foot from forces up to 200 joules. Helps to Prevent Slips and & Falls Work boots are designed to prevent slips and falls by offering a secure fit. In addition to this, they also have carefully designed tread to ensure that you don’t slip, regardless of the surface you happen to be working on. Helps Posture & Prevents Muscle Strain Most work boots are designed to withstand long hours of standing and walking. The right pair won’t only ensure that you’re comfortable while doing so but also prevent muscle strain and improve your posture2. Protection Against the Elements Work boots have been designed to protect the foot (and even the leg in some cases) from harsh work environments. This means that they not only provide a comfortable fit but also offer protection from heat, water, and even chemicals. There’s more The thick soles of work boots aren’t only great for preventing slipping; they also add a layer of insulation to prevent electric shocks. Let’s take a look at some of the ways work boots can beat the elements: Water If you’re working in wet conditions, your work boots will need to be water-resistant to keep your feet dry. This means that they are made using a material like rubber, canvas, or leather. They will also feature a waterproof membrane. In addition to this, the way the work boots are built and put together will also need to be water-resistant. For example, tight stitching or glue that won’t dissolve in water. Fire To protect against fire, work boots will need to be built with special materials that include a self-extinguishing thread. The shoes aren’t flammable and can withstand very high temperatures. Of course, given the rather unique work environment associated with these boots, you’ll need to specifically ask for a fireproof boot, as not all work boots offer this level of protection. Earth Electrical shocks can be deadly, which is why your work boots need to provide a level of insulation to prevent an earth connection. By blocking the link between the electrical current and the ground, your work boots can save you from a rather unpleasant experience. Common Questions What Are Recommended Products for Oiling Your Work Boots? Recommended products for oiling your work boots include leather conditioner, mink oil, neatsfoot oil, and saddle soap4. These products help to keep the leather of the boots soft and protected from the elements. How Do You Tackle Tough Stains and Scuffs on Your Work Boots? You tackle stains and scuffs on your work boots by applying a leather conditioner and filling the area with leather filler. For light to medium scuffs, hide the scuffs by applying a leather conditioner (such as mink oil) and following the product’s instructions; for deep scratches, fill the area with glue or leather filler and paint the area to make it blend in with the rest of the boot. If none of the above methods work, the best you can do is accept the minor flaws as part of your boot’s character! What Can’t I Use for Oiling My Work Boots? What you can’t use for oiling your work boots include: Olive oil or cooking oils; while these oils may be safe for use in the kitchen, they contain ingredients that can break down the leather and cause it to rot or become discolored. Petroleum-based products; products like petroleum jelly or motor oil can damage the leather, weaken the stitching, and leave a sticky residue that can attract dirt and dust. Harsh chemicals; harsh chemicals like alcohol, turpentine, or vinegar can dry out and damage the leather, and can also cause discoloration or weakening of the stitching. In Conclusion Wearing work boots at work is common these days for health and safety reasons, but choosing the right work boots is also very important if you want to get the right protection. For those who work in construction or similar industries, you should understand by now that work shoes can affect foot health. But using the right safety gear and work boots makes any risk in dangerous situations much smaller. We here at MyBestWorkBoots wish you a safe experience wearing your pair of work boots! People Loved Reading These Articles How Do You Disinfect Work Boots the Right Way? Do You Need to Dry Your Work Boots?
