Leave wet work footwear open to dry, away from intense direct heat, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Direct heat can alter its shape and materials. Before applying care products, remove dirt, allow air to circulate and check for damage.
First, identify the source of moisture and any contamination
Rainwater, sweat and contact with unknown substances require different approaches. For water and ordinary dirt, follow the cleaning instructions. For oil, fuel, chemicals or biological contamination, check workplace procedures and the manufacturer's instructions; drying contaminated protective equipment does not automatically make it fit for use again.
A gentle approach
- Remove loose dirt according to the instructions for your model. Do not put footwear in a washing machine or immerse it in water without checking first.
- Fully loosen the laces or open the fastenings. Only take out a removable insole if the instructions allow it, and dry it separately.
- Place the footwear in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. HAIX suggests loosely stuffing it with newspaper or using a shoe tree; only use this method if the footwear instructions allow it, and replace damp paper.
- Avoid radiators, hot stoves, open flames, hairdryers and strong direct sunlight. HAIX and ELTEN warn against speeding up drying with intense heat.
- Wait until the footwear is completely dry before inspecting it and applying care products suitable for the material.
Manufacturer guidance: HAIX cleaning and care and ELTEN safety footwear care.
How care differs by material
| Material or construction | What to check before treatment | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth leather | Cleaning and care products specified by the manufacturer | Applying any grease or oil without checking its suitability |
| Suede, nubuck or textile | A suitable brush and an explicitly approved product | Using the same care method as for smooth leather |
| Membrane or special features | Care products and interior cleaning instructions for the model | Using powder, spray or a wash cycle without approval |
Applying a water-repellent treatment does not mean footwear will then meet every requirement for wet conditions. Documented waterproofing or other protective properties are established by the markings on the specific footwear, not by a spray applied afterwards.
Allow realistic drying time
How long footwear takes to dry depends on its construction, how wet it is, room conditions and ventilation. A fixed number of hours is therefore not a reliable basis for planning. Even if the surface feels dry, the lining, tongue or padding may still be damp. Check all accessible areas with clean hands and only use the footwear again once it is in the required condition.
If you work in wet conditions every day, an alternative pair can give your footwear the time it needs to dry. Both pairs must have the properties required for the work and fit correctly. A spare pair is no reason to ignore damage to the first pair; it simply allows enough time for gradual drying and inspection.
Example: footwear after a wet shift
At the end of a shift, the uppers and interiors are damp. Remove loose dirt, loosen the laces, take out the insole if permitted and place both parts somewhere well ventilated. If the interior is still clammy the next morning, do not use a radiator to finish drying it. Switch to a dry pair instead. Only once the footwear is completely dry should you visually inspect it and apply approved care products.
Inspect before the next use
DGUV Rule 112-191 covers cleaning, care and storage, as well as when footwear must be taken out of service. Check the uppers, seams, fastenings, outsoles, tread and the bond between the sole and upper. Deep cracks, open seams, separation or deformation must be assessed according to the manufacturer's information and workplace procedures. DGUV Rule 112-191, December 2025 edition.
Do not fit just any replacement insole. For safety, protective or occupational footwear, the combination of footwear and insole may be part of the tested configuration. Our guide to choosing safety footwear helps you check the required protective properties. Only use an insole approved for the specific footwear model or a tested combination with the appropriate documentation.
Four mistakes that cost time
- Leaving wet footwear closed up in a vehicle or locker.
- Using intense heat to dry a pair needed the next morning.
- Choosing care products solely because they say leather on the label.
- Assuming dry footwear is fit for use and overlooking damage.
To compare options, browse work and safety footwear, work socks and approved insoles, and Rubber boots and shoes.
