One of our most asked questions is ‘How long will your shoes last?’. The answer is different for each customer because it depends on the kind of work you’ll be doing.
If you’re a chef, you’ll probably walk further during the day than a barista, so it’s all dependant on mileage. If you’re a waiter or a warehouse worker, you’ll probably be walking an even longer distance every day. You should also consider if you work around any hazardous chemicals because these can affect the general wear and tear of your shoes.
Here’s more on the typical lifespan of Shoes for Crews footwear in more depth below.
- How Long Do They Last?
- Common Signs That You Need a New Pair Of Shoes
- What to Look For In a Pair of Shoes
- Tips to Ensure Your Shoes Last
How Long Do They Last?
We have over 35 years of experience when it comes to the design and production of work shoes. But the lifespan of your shoes depends on the job you’re doing and the environment you’re in.
If you’re a chef, then your shoes may take some damage because you’ll likely be on your feet for long hours. There’s also the fact that you’re in a kitchen full of liquids that you might accidentally spill and cause a slip hazard.
Plus, you need to move around quickly in the fast-paced environment - which can increase the chance of trips and falls.
If you’re a waiter or receptionist then you might walk more than a chef as you cater to your customers’ requests, but might have less chance of spilling something on your feet. Waiters and waitresses are also more likely to be moving between different types of floor surfaces and heights, increasing the chance of slips, trips and falls. Changing from surface to surface frequently can accelerate the wear and tear of your shoes.
Cleaners and warehouse staff are some of the most likely workers to come into contact with harmful, hazardous chemicals such as bleach, oil or potentially flammable liquids. These can increase the rate of wear and tear.
You can make an educated guess about the lifespan of your Shoes for Crews footwear based on the industry you work in.
Common Signs That You Need a New Pair Of Shoes
Work shoes can take a lot of damage over their lifetime. From spills to rips and tears, there are several things that can affect the lifespan of your footwear. Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Your shoes are getting uncomfortable.
- You notice an increase in trips or falls.
- You can see rips and tears.
- The shoes have started to let water in during rain or other wet environments, despite being water-resistant or waterproof.
If you experience any of these issues, it may be time to invest in a new pair of shoes.
What to Look For In a Pair of Shoes
When looking for a pair of shoes, it’s good to search for a shoe that features technologies to combat the hazards of everyday life. Here are some things to look out for:
- Spill-resistance. If you’re working with food or chemicals, spills can occur. Choose shoes that have an in-built SpillGuard or similar feature. For a lightweight and comfortable shoe that includes a SpillGuard, check out our Endurance II design.
- Comfort and versatility. Some shoes are uncomfortable and leave your feet prone to injury. We developed our FlexTread technology which mimics your foot’s natural movements, allowing for comfortable wear and easy movement. Our Karina design features insoles and is a great shoe for baristas and waiters.
- Light and robust design. A heavy shoe can be very awkward to wear, especially if you’re walking a large distance every day. We’ve engineered Hoverlite, a specialist foam compound that removes 100 grams from your steps. Explore our Hoverlite range here.
- Slip-resistance. Footwear with slip-resistant outsoles will help protect you from slipping at work. All Shoes For Crews shoes have this feature.
- Trip-reduction. Trips are common for everyone, especially during work on uneven surfaces. Look for shoes who have included a TripGuard or similar feature, such as our stylish Freestyle II design.
Tips to Ensure Your Shoes Last
If you’re worried that you’ll wear your shoes out too quickly, then here are some helpful top tips on maintaining the lifespan of Shoes for Crews footwear:
- Regularly maintain your shoes. A quick clean with a damp cloth and then a polish will keep foreign substances from damaging the material. For maximum impact, do this at least once a week.
- Allow them to dry properly. If your shoes get wet, don’t put them directly on the radiator. Heating your shoes quickly could damage the material. Allow them to dry overnight.
- Swap your insoles. Overworn insoles degrade the arch support of your shoe which can affect their safety.
Are You Looking for a New Pair of Work Shoes?
We understand that there’s a lot to consider when looking for quality work shoes that are purpose-built for your job. That’s why we’ve created this handy Buying Guide where you can check out the styles and specifications that suit you.
Whether it’s waterproof, spill-resistance or a steel toe you’re looking for, this guide will help you find it. Click on the button below to get your free copy.