MAINTAINING YOUR SAFETY SHOES, 5 TIPS TO ENSURE THEY LAST FOR LONGER!

That way, they will stay comfortable to wear, while continuing to meet safety standards and you will extend the life of your footwear considerably. And that particular aspect is also good for the environment! Huh? Yep, the longer your shoes last, the less often new ones will need to be produced.

THESE 5 TIPS WILL HELP YOU MAKE YOUR SAFETY SHOES LAST LONGER

1. Clean your shoes after use
   It sounds logical, but this particular task is often forgotten. Mud and dirt will cause the materials in your shoes to wear out more quickly. Got home after a day at work and your shoes are soiled? Give them a clean right away! First, use a stiff brush to brush hard dirt such as mud off your shoes. Then make some soapy water out of some lukewarm water and mild soap and polish your shoes with a soft cloth or sponge. Oh, and by the way, washing machines and dryers are out of the question: using those will damage the adhesive layers in your shoes.
    
2. Don't put your shoes in the shed
   The biggest mistake you can make is putting your damp shoes in the shed after a long day at work. If it's cold and humid in there, you will significantly shorten the life of your safety shoes. The opposite also applies: never put your shoes in front of the fire or stove, as the heat can be harmful to the adhesives holding your shoes together. So what's the most effective solution in that case? Dry your shoes in a well-ventilated place. This will prevent mould and unpleasant odours. Using shoe trees or plugs of old newspaper will help maintain the shape of your shoes and support the material. Tip: Your shoes will dry faster if you take out your insoles.
    
3. Protect your shoes monthly
   Materials such as leather, suede or nubuck require regular maintenance to keep them supple and water-resistant. We recommend impregnating safety shoes monthly and treating them with shoe cream or leather grease. That will help the shoes stay resistant to different working conditions. Separate maintenance products are available for each type of material. For information, please see the box. Tip: Clean your safety shoes and remove the insoles and laces before treating your shoes.
    
4. Check your shoes regularly
   Did you know that the soles and seams of your shoes will wear out first? That's why it's important to check them regularly. Do the soles still have enough grip? Worn our soles increase the risk of slipping. You should also check the seams. Are they loose anywhere? Or can you see any damage? You should also inspect the shoe as a whole. Can you see any cracks or tears in the material or is it starting to feel uncomfortable while you're wearing it? Often, these are the first sign of wear and tear or problems. Have you caught them in time? If so, you can prevent any further damage. In many cases, they can still be repaired, which means you won't have to get new safety shoes right away.
    
5. Replace the insoles of your shoes
   How often do you replace your insoles? They absorb moisture and wear out faster than the shoe itself. That's why you should replace them at least once a year. That way, your feet can enjoy greater cushioning, hygiene and comfort, and you will be extending the life of your footwear. Did you know that EMMA Safety Footwear also sells loose insoles? With various types and models, there is always one that's suitable for your foot, shoe and work!

Good to know: sometimes your safety shoes really do need replacing. With intensive use, you will need to replace them after just one year. Do not continue working if your safety shoes are worn out. That would compromise your safety and you may start to suffer physical symptoms too.

A sustainable choice
EMMA Safety Footwear aims to make a positive impression on the planet. Sustainability is our top priority. Wherever possible, we therefore avoid using (primary) raw materials and we also use less energy and ensure that less CO2 is released during the production of our shoes. We use reclaimed raw materials and utilise recycled materials in our new products.

You too can do your bit for the good of our planet. Proper maintenance will make sure that EMMA shoes will last longer, thereby reducing the need to produce new ones. And less production means fewer raw materials and less waste. So by cleaning, treating and checking your shoes and neatly putting them away, you can reduce your ecological footprint. That's good for your wallet and also good for the environment!

Got any more have questions about maintaining your EMMA safety shoes? If so, please feel free to contact us at info@emmasf.com.