Heavy duty boot manufacturer Georgia Boot sent me a pair to take for a test drive. I can attest that they are sturdy, reliable and will take a beating for sure.
The Core 37 collection is designed for all-day comfort, performance and durability for whatever the job requires. The three styles include: a 6-in., steel toe, lace-up work boot; an 8-in., soft toe, lace-up boot; and a 10-in., pull-on silhouette, soft toe and steel toe versions.
All Core 37 styles are fully waterproof and sport a heat, chemical, abrasion and slip-resistant Carbo-Tec rubber outsole. The Advanced Memory Polyurethane insole is built with a polyurethane layer for maximum cushioning and a memory foam top layer that adjusts for customized cushioning of the entire foot, the heel cup ensures a secure fit and airflow channels provide cool circulation.
Prices range from $150-$165.
But what about when I start to notice the boots getting dirty and worn after months of stomping around the nation’s quarries? Well, it is a good idea to properly clean them, according to the experts at Georgia Boot. Boots can have their life extended by routine maintenance.
1. Remove the laces and insoles from the boots. Removing the insoles and laces from your boots will allow you to easily handle them when cleaning. It will also allow you to clean the tongue of the boot on laced styles and will let you determine if you need to clean or replace the insoles and laces.
2. Use the shoe brush to lightly brush away any loose dirt or dust from the boots. With the clean shoe brush or other soft-bristled brush you have chosen, gently brush off any visible dirt or debris from the outside of your boots.
3. Use a small brush or toothbrush to clean around any stitches or harder-to-reach spots on the boots. Be cautious when cleaning dirt or debris from any stitching on your boots. Brush as lightly as you can and be careful not to damage the fibers in the stitches.
4. If there are any loose stitches on the boots, use a lighter to rebind them to the rest of the stitching. To get rid of loose strings and bind the fibers to the rest of the stitching, you can use a standard lighter. Take the lit lighter and carefully move the flame towards the loose fibers. You want to let the flame go out or move the lighter away from the boot as soon as you see the stitching begin to burn down and shrink. Carefully use your fingers to rub the loose fibers back to the rest of the stitching so they can bind back to the boot.
5. Clean any dirt from the sole of the boots. You can use a brush or wet rag if needed to get any dried dirt or debris removed from the sole. Avoid using anything too abrasive so you don’t damage the rubber outsoles. If you need to use water, try not to get the leather on your boots soaking wet. Also, make sure to dry any water off of the rubber with a dry rag when finished.
6. Apply the leather conditioner of your choice to the upper of the boots. If you are going to apply an oil or conditioner to the boots, make sure the leather is completely dry first. Once you are sure they are dry, apply the oil or leather conditioner of your choice to the boots. Follow the directions on the packaging of whatever product you use.
7. Buff out the leather with a clean shoe brush. Let the oil or conditioning product that you applied dry and follow any other instructions on the packaging. Once that is done, use a clean shoe brush to buff out the leather and make sure it has a nice clean, smooth look.
8. Lace up the boots and reinsert the insoles. You can reinsert the insoles or replace them with a new pair. On laced boots, make sure that the laces are completely dry if you had to clean them. Then re-lace your boots with clean or a new pair of laces.
Check out the selection of boots at Georgia Boot, www.georgiaboot.com.