Breaking in work boots and shoes is often overlooked by employees, yet it’s a highly effective way to ensure comfort and prevent injury. Whether you’re using work shoes, work trainers or heavy-duty work boots, properly breaking them in can make all the difference to their performance and your daily comfort.
This blog will explore the best methods for breaking in your new footwear, why it’s important, and how to determine the right fit for your work boots.
Breaking in work boots and shoes is essential for several reasons, ranging from comfort to safety. Here’s why this process shouldn’t be overlooked:
Reduce friction: New work boots can be stiff and cause friction against your feet, leading to blisters and soreness. Breaking them in reduces the risk of this happening, resulting in a more comfortable fit.
Avoid long-term discomfort: Failing to break in your boots can result in ongoing discomfort, which can affect your productivity and overall foot health.
Conforms to your foot shape: Breaking in your work boots allows the material to mould to the unique shape of your feet, providing a better fit and reducing the likelihood of pressure points.
Prevents slipping: Properly broken-in boots fit snugly, reducing the risk of slipping or tripping on the job.
Maintains stability: A proper fit ensures that your work boots provide the necessary support and stability, especially when working on uneven surfaces or climbing ladders.
Reduces fatigue: Well-fitting boots reduce foot fatigue, which can be particularly important during long shifts or physically demanding tasks.
Avoids premature wear: Breaking in your work boots gently helps to avoid putting excessive stress on the materials, which can lead to premature wear and tear.
Maximises investment: High-quality work boots are an investment in your safety and comfort. Breaking them in properly will ensure you get more for your money.
Breaking in work boots and shoes is a process that involves softening the materials and allowing them to conform to the shape of your feet. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you break in your new work shoes or boots effectively:
Wear them indoors: Begin by wearing your new work boots or shoes indoors for short periods. This allows the materials to gradually adapt to your foot shape without the pressure of a full workday.
Gradually increase usage: Slowly increase the time you spend in your new footwear, moving from short indoor sessions to longer periods. This will help to prevent blisters and discomfort.
Double up on socks: Wearing thicker or two pairs of socks can help create additional padding, making the break-in process more comfortable. This method also stretches the boot slightly, which will make it more comfortable.
Protect against blisters: Thick socks provide a buffer against friction, reducing the chances of developing blisters during the break-in period.
Manual flexing: Gently flex and bend the boots with your hands to soften the soles and upper material. This helps to reduce stiffness, making it easier for your feet to adjust.
Walk on different surfaces: Walking on various surfaces, such as carpet, tile, grass and pavement, can also help to break in the soles of your work shoes or boots.
Soften the leather: If your work boots are made of leather, applying a leather conditioner will soften the material, making it more pliable. This makes the break-in process faster and more comfortable.
Prevent cracking: Conditioning your leather work boots also helps to prevent the leather from cracking, ensuring they stay durable and comfortable.
For a custom fit: A boot stretcher will stretch out specific areas of the boot that might feel tight. This is particularly useful if you have wide feet or experience pressure in certain areas.
Overnight stretching: Leave the stretcher in your boots overnight, allowing the material to gradually expand over a longer period of time.
Wear during quick errands: Once you’re comfortable wearing your boots indoors, start wearing them for short tasks outside the house, such as when doing your shopping. This helps the boots adjust to real-world conditions without overstraining your feet.
Finding the right fit for your work boots is critical for both comfort and safety. But how should your work boots feel when you wear them? Let’s take a look…
Snug but not tight: Your work boots should fit snugly around the foot without being too tight. There should be enough room to wiggle your toes, but not so much that your foot slides around inside the boot.
Secure heel fit: The heel of your boot should stay in place when you walk. A boot that’s too loose in the heel can cause friction and lead to blisters.
Comfortable ankle support: Work boots should provide good ankle support without digging into your skin. If the boots are too tight around the ankle, they can cause discomfort and restrict movement.
Too tight: Boots that are too tight can cause pinching, restrict blood flow, and lead to discomfort and foot problems like bunions or corns. Tight boots can also cause excessive sweating, leading to blisters and infections.
Too loose: Boots that are too loose can cause your foot to slide around inside the boot, increasing the risk of blisters, ankle sprains and other injuries. Loose boots also fail to provide the necessary support, which can lead to foot fatigue and reduced stability on the job.
Try on with work socks: Always try on work boots with the socks you plan to wear on the job. This ensures that the fit accounts for the added thickness of work socks.
Walk around: Walk around in the boots before the start of your shift to check for any tight spots or areas where your foot slips. Pay attention to how your feet feel after a few minutes of walking.
Consider insoles: If your boots feel slightly loose, consider using insoles for a better fit. Insoles can provide additional cushioning and support, making your boots more comfortable.
Whatever kind of protective footwear you need to keep your employees safe, comfortable and happy in their roles, SafetyCare can supply it. Get in touch with our team of safety experts today at sales@safetycare.ie or give us a call on 01 8499 100.
