The service life of labor protection shoes is influenced by multiple factors, and appropriate replacement recommendations are crucial for ensuring workers’ safety.

The materials of the soles and uppers play a significant role. For uppers, genuine leather ones offer a longer service life, yet they come with a higher cost. In contrast, mesh uppers have a shorter lifespan as they are not as well – fitting as leather. Regarding soles, polyurethane (PU) soles have a shorter service life than rubber soles in the same environment. Labor protection shoes with PU soles have relatively higher environmental requirements, and in harsh conditions, their service life will be further reduced. A qualified rubber sole is difficult to break during its basic service life.

The working environment also affects the service life. Different workplaces demand different types of labor protection shoes, such as anti – smashing, anti – puncture, acid – and – alkali – resistant, high – temperature – resistant, or anti – slip safety shoes. For example, in construction and machinery manufacturing industries, the anti – smashing function is essential due to the common falling of heavy objects. The shoe toe, usually made of steel or composite materials, can quickly disperse the impact force when a heavy object falls.

Abrasion – resistant labor protection shoes are designed for high – intensity working environments. Their soles are made of abrasion – resistant materials and are durable, suitable for long – term wear. Anti – puncture performance is equally important as it can effectively resist the penetration of sharp objects.

Considering these factors, it is recommended that employers with the conditions replace labor protection shoes every six months. This ensures that workers are always equipped with shoes that can provide adequate protection, reducing the risk of foot injuries in the workplace.