Do you find your work boots aren’t lasting as long as expected?
The work the boots we wear on site day after day are exposed to a lot of wear and tear, and even boots manufactured by the very best brands on the market may deteriorate and show signs of fatigue after a few months.
If you find this presents a problem you may wish to consider welted boots.
Welted boots are constructed differently from typical work boots, making them more durable. During the manufacture of the boot, a welt is sandwiched and stitched into place between the “upper”, or outer shell of the boot, the insole and the sole itself. For extra resilience a lockstitch is used to make these joins, meaning the chain won’t unravel if it breaks down at any particular point in the boot.
Although the additional materials and labour required to assemble a welted boot makes them a little more expensive than typical work boots, the result is a boot that is more water resistant, more supportive, and will last longer. The other great benefit of their design is that they can be resoled without the use of any specialist machinery making the process simple, inexpensive and repeatable.
There is a broad range of welted boots available, supplied by trusted brands such as CAT, DeWalt and Timberland Pro. With the promise of a longer lifespan than your existing work boots, consider a pair of welted boots an investment that will ensure you’ll be purchasing new work footwear less often.
If you are looking for something to wear less regularly and decide against investing in welted boots, there are a number of other features to look out for if you want to ensure that your footwear will still have great longevity.
For anybody who regularly works outdoors, sourcing a pair of waterproof boots is essential for maintaining your performance and avoiding feeling damp and uncomfortable on the job. They generally come lined with a waterproof membrane and have oil repellent, anti-slip outsoles to keep you safely on your feet in even the most inhospitable conditions.
The technology that ensures your boots remain as dry as possible on the inside also guards against deterioration, meaning you’ll get considerably more wear out of them.
For casual use, you should also consider investing in a pair of rigger boots. This style of boot is reliable, sturdy and typically contains toe caps for complete protection. They’re ideally suited to anyone working in construction, gardening or agriculture and are guaranteed to stand up to the wear you inflict upon them.
So, if you find that your work boots are not lasting for as long as you expect, look for these features in the next pair of boots that you purchase. We recommend spending a little more on a pair of work boots that are welted or waterproof to ensure that you’ll have them on your feet for longer.