When to Resole Your Work Boots

No matter how well you take care of them, your work boots are bound to take a beating. Even the most durable boots get worn out over time, especially the soles. You can salvage your boots by sending them in for repairs before it’s too late and the damage is irreversible. Resoling is a relatively inexpensive way to lengthen your boots’ lifespan. So how do you know when they’re due for a resoling?

First things first, not all boots are constructed to have their soles replaced. EVER Boots like the Tank and the Weldor are made with goodyear welt construction, and can definitely be resoled. Goodyear welt construction comes at a higher price, but it’s worth it for the added durability, and longevity along with resoling. Other types of construction, like cementing, are produced more cheaply, and don’t lend well to resoling.

Next, take a look at your soles and pay close attention to two things: the tread and the welting.

• The tread refers to the grooves and ridges on the bottoms of the soles that give you the traction and stability you need while working. Of course a little bit of wear is normal, but if you find yourself slipping it’s time to resole. Similarly, if the soles are unevenly worn or you notice holes, it’s definitely time for repairs.
• The welting refers to how the sole is connected to the rest of the boot. If you notice fraying or the sole coming apart, it’s time to resole. You might also have to resole if your boots start letting in moisture when they didn’t used to.

If you notice any of the warning signs listed above, you should make plans for repairs ASAP. If you wait, you risk going past the point of no return, where repairs are no longer possible for your boots.

Once you decide it’s time to resole, there are a few options available:

• You might want to start out by reaching out to the boots’ original manufacturer to see if they do resoling themselves. They might be the best option since they know the boots’ construction best.
• Otherwise, you can take them to a local cobbler. An in person consultation takes the guesswork out of boot repairs, but they might be hard to find depending on your area. Plus, a cobbler is usually a faster alternative since you don’t have to wait for shipping either way.
• If a cobbler is hard to find in your area, you could opt for a mail-in service. These are exactly what they sound like and do basically what a cobbler does. You just have to ship them, and wait. Turn around time usually depends on the type of service you end up going with, but expect to wait at least 2 weeks.

Don’t forget that a good pair of workboots is an investment, although they don’t have to be expensive. A good pair not only keep you comfortable, but could also save you a trip to the podiatrist. Resoling is a relatively inexpensive way to get the most out of your work boots and extend the lifetime of your investment.

Learn more about the styles and features of EVER BOOTS products here.