How do I look after my safety shoes?

Every day, your safety shoes are exposed to rain, mud, heat, chemicals and more. In direct contact with your shoes, these elements will affect their lifespan. Follow our advice on how to look after them.

HOW DO YOU WASH THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR SAFETY SHOES?

Depending on the upper material, there are different cleaning techniques for your safety shoes:

For leather safety shoes:

Leather is a natural, living material. It is a material that is sensitive to damage and can tend to age, dry out or stain. For these reasons, as well as for reasons of aesthetics, flexibility and solidity, leather needs to be cared for.

To care for the leather, we recommend you first apply a waterproofing spray before wearing them. Remember to repeat this operation to maintain the protective action over time.

There are two methods for washing leather safety shoes, depending on the type of leather:

- For safety shoes with smooth leather (full grain leather)

Clean the material by first using a soft cloth to remove dust, then use a leather beauty cream in circular motions. This will nourish and moisturise the leather.

- For safety shoes with softer leather (split leather, nubuck, pull-up leather)

Clean the material by brushing it with a soft bristle brush to remove all traces of dirt and dust. Do not use beauty cream on this type of leather. Repeat this procedure regularly to protect your Parade shoes.

For your microfibre safety shoes:

Microfibre is an imitation leather made from synthetic fibres. Just like genuine leather, it feels very soft to the touch. The surface can be embossed with different types of grain and colour.

Microfibre uppers can be washed with a damp cloth or soft sponge and a little soap. Then wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.

For your fabric safety shoes:

Fabric is made from natural or synthetic fibres. "Fabric" is the term used to define the family of yarn-based materials.

Fabrics need to be waterproofed to make them more water-repellent. Waterproofing your fabric shoes will protect them from dirt and from ageing too quickly.

To clean fabric shoes, use a damp cloth. It's a bad idea to put your shoes in the washing machine! Machine washing at high temperatures can damage your footwear: risk of deformation, shrinkage of the fabric or discolouration.

To clean the sole (the part in direct contact with the ground) of your safety shoes, you can use a damp sponge or wet toothbrush with soap to remove deposits and dirt.

AND THE INSIDE OF THE SHOES?

When we talk about washing shoes, we often think of the outside of the shoe, but it's vital to clean the inside too. Why? For your comfort and to prevent foot odour and/or athlete's foot.

- Bad odours are caused by bacteria that settle and develop in footwear. Enclosed in shoes, feet create humidity and sweat. This humidity is conducive to the development of bacteria already present on the skin. Through maceration and degradation of the skin cells, the bacteria produce methanethiol, the gas responsible for smelly feet.

- A fungus that causes athlete's foot. Athlete’s foot is caused by a dermatophyte fungus which, after settling on the surface of the skin, eventually penetrates underneath. It can affect anyone and is contagious. These fungi thrive in warm, humid environments.

How can you reduce unpleasant odours and the appearance of athlete’s foot?

- Wear socks and insoles made of absorbent, breathable materials.

- It goes without saying that you should change your socks every day and wash them at a temperature above 40°C

- In the evening after wearing your safety shoes, remember to put them somewhere that allows air to circulate:

> Avoid storing your safety shoes in their cardboard box. Cardboard can retain moisture and, being absorbent, it can suck up and hold water.

> Never use airtight PLASTIC BOXES. As the name suggests, they are hermetically sealed, leaving no room for the exchange of water or air. They keep your shoes warm and moist.

- If you can, change your shoes regularly to let them breathe for several days

- Wash your feet with soap and water, and above all dry them properly by passing your towel, your special foot towel, between each toe. Damp skin encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi.

- To neutralise odours and for an antibacterial treatment, you can spray your insoles with a deodorant designed for this purpose.

As you can see, washing and caring for your safety shoes will ensure that they last as long as possible and that you are comfortable wearing them. Don't ignore these tips - look after your shoes!

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