THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BREAKING IN AND MAINTAINING YOUR SAFETY BOOTS

On your feet all day? Make sure your safety boots support you, not slow you down.

Poorly fitting safety boots can cause blisters, corns, ingrown toenails, and general discomfort. But with the right approach, breaking them in doesn’t have to be a pain.

THIS GUIDE COVERS:

• How to find the right fit
• How to maintain work boots 
• How to break in new safety boots

Let’s help you avoid discomfort and get the best from your safety boots - step by step.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT FIT FOR SAFETY BOOTS

Too many workers wear the wrong size safety boots, leading to sore and tired feet. 

Here’s how we’d find the right fit:

SNUG, NOT TIGHT

Your boots should feel secure, not restrictive. Look for a close fit without pressure points.

Try on as many boots as you need until you find a pair that feels secure but doesn’t rub, pinch, or let your heel slip.

TOP TIP: Your toes shouldn’t touch the end of your work boots, but there shouldn’t be too much space either.

WALK AROUND 

Make sure to walk around in your boots before making a decision. 

Ordered them online? Test them on a clean surface in case you need to return them.

Check for:

• Light resistance, but no pain
• No redness or pressure marks after trying them on

TRY BOTH SHOES

We can all be guilty of trying on only one shoe at a time. 

But feet come in different shapes and sizes. Always try on both boots to find the best fit.

WEAR YOUR WORK SOCKS

Try on safety boots with the socks you wear at work. Thick socks can help stretch the leather and give you a better sense of fit.

TRY ON AT THE RIGHT TIME OF THE DAY

Did you know your feet are largest at the end of the day?

It’s true! Your feet swell, so try on boots in the afternoon or evening for a more accurate fit.

CONSIDER WIDTH

Safety boots don’t usually widen as you go up in size. If they’re too narrow, try a different brand or style.

LACE YOUR BOOTS

Bad lacing causes your foot to slip and rub, leading to blisters.

TOP TIP: If your boots feel tight across the widest part of your foot, skip a few eyelets for a more comfortable fit.

MATCH THE BOOT TO THE JOB

Different jobs need different boots.  

Choose from:

• Waterproof boots - great for wet sites or outdoor jobs
• Rigger boots - strong protection for tough, heavy-duty jobs
• Safety trainers - ideal for plumbing, electrical, or delivery work
• Insulated boots - keep feet warm in cold warehouses or outside
• Safety boots - a solid choice for building sites, warehouses, and factories
• Safety trainer boots - like trainers, but with more ankle support for active jobs

What to look for:

• Cushioned, shock-absorbing soles for long shifts
• Thermal lining or insulation for unheated warehouses
• Lightweight options with protection for jobs on the move
• Waterproof safety boots or wellies for wet or muddy sites
• Extra grip, toe protection, and ankle support for risky jobs

Click here to shop our full range of safety footwear.

Need a little help? Let’s chat.

Call us on 0330 441 3500 or drop us a message.

HOW LONG DO WORK BOOTS TAKE TO WEAR IN?

On average, it may take one to two weeks to fully break in your safety boots.

That being said, you can speed things up with our step-by-step guide below.

HOW TO BREAK IN YOUR WORK SAFETY BOOTS 

Breaking in your boots the right way means better protection, more comfort, and longer wear.

START AT HOME

Start with 10 to 20 minutes daily to avoid sore spots and let the boots gently mould to your feet.

INCREASE WEAR TIME GRADUALLY

When your safety boots feel okay, wear them in this order to avoid blisters and achy joints:

• Wear them outdoors for small jobs
• Wear them a little more each day indoors
• Wear them a little longer each day at work

FOCUS ON PROBLEM AREAS

Feel rubbing or tight spots? Use blister pads or wear thicker socks to reduce discomfort.

FLEX AND STRETCH

Gently stretch and flex the boots with your hands to soften them and make them more comfortable.

DON'T RUSH 

Breaking in safety boots takes time. It might take a couple of weeks to wear them in. 

Let your feet adjust to the boots for as long as you need - your feet will thank you in the end.

DON’T DROWN YOUR BOOTS

Avoid the common myth of soaking safety boots to break them in. 

It weakens the materials, ruins waterproofing, and can lead to mould and cracks.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

Look after your safety boots, and they’ll look after you.

CLEAN REGULARLY

A buildup of dirt, debris, and mud is never good for safety boots. Over time, these things break down the materials.

Clean your boots regularly. But avoid harsh scrubbing - use a soft brush or a damp cloth.

DRY THOROUGHLY

If your safety boots get wet, don’t wear them again until they’re completely dry. Let them dry naturally, away from direct heat.

CONDITION THE LEATHER

Apply a good leather conditioner as recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions and pay close attention to areas that wear fast.

When breaking in your new work boots, condition them daily or weekly. For boots that see heavy use, monthly should be enough after that.

INSPECT FOR DAMAGE 

Regularly check your safety boots for signs of wear or damage.

Pay attention to the:

• Soles
• Stitching
• Toe caps
• Midsoles

REPLACE INSOLES

Look for safety boots with removable insoles. When they get worn out, replace them for renewed support and cushioning.

STORE PROPERLY

Keep your boots in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. You can also keep the shape of your boots by using boot trees or newspaper stuffing.

FAQs

Here’s what other people ask about how to break in work boots.

HOW DO YOU BREAK IN WORK BOOTS FAST?

Don’t rush the process, instead:

• Increase wear time gradually
• Flex and stretch the boots with your hands
• Wear thick socks to soften any pressure points

HOW DO I STOP MY FEET FROM HURTING IN WORK BOOTS?

Prevent foot pain in safety boots by making sure they fit correctly. Then, give yourself enough time to break them in slowly.

Cushioned insoles and blister pads can help keep the pain away. 

HOW CAN I STRETCH WORK BOOTS WITHOUT A STRETCHER?

A good way to stretch out work boots is to wear them with thick socks indoors. 

You can also put water-filled freezer bags inside the boots and freeze them overnight. It should gently stretch the material.

Whatever you do, never soak them in water - it just wrecks the material.

SHOULD WORK BOOTS BE SNUG OR LOOSE? 

Always snug. Your boots should be secure but comfortable, with a little room for your toes to move.

HOW TO MAKE WORK BOOTS FIT TIGHTER? 

Are your work boots too loose, but you can’t return them? There’s still hope.

Make your work footwear fit tighter by:

• Trying heel grips
• Using thicker socks
• Swapping the insoles 
• Relacing for a tighter fit

Get inspired with our full range of safety footwear accessories.

IS IT NORMAL FOR NEW WORK BOOTS TO HURT?

Some discomfort is normal, especially with steel-toe caps. Composite toe caps offer more space and less friction.

Still unsure? Read our guide to composite vs steel-toe boots.

YOUR TEAM DESERVES BETTER BOOTS - WE CAN HELP

Choosing safety boots is easier than you think. 

We can walk you through all the options until you find the right fit.

Here’s why teams trust us:

• 97% stock availability
• Maximum 3-hour response time
• 2-day dispatch on branded garments
• 5PM order cut-off for next-day delivery
• Own delivery fleet in key regions for extra reliability

With SMI, you’re partnering with a team dedicated to protecting your people.

FIND YOUR NEXT WORK BOOT

Which safety boot is best for you and your team?

Chat with our friendly team today. 

Drop us a message, or give us a call on 0330 441 3500 - let’s find the right fit for your feet.