FAQ’S

General Information:

What is a welted shoe?

The welt refers to a strip of leather or synthetic material that is sewn around the perimeter of the upper on a shoe, onto the insole. The outer sole is then sewn to the welt, often using a Goodyear welt construction to improve durability and allow the boot to be resoled.

Will our welted soles stand up to chemicals?

The welt is, in part, made of nylon or cotton thread, which can deteriorate over time when exposed to alkaline solutions like lye. While our work boots are built to be durable, we don’t have anything that is truly chemical resistant.

What does TARE mean?

TARE refers to the weight of the boots without any packaging. This measurement is used to provide a more accurate understanding of the actual footwear weight for the jobsite.

Sizing and Fit:

What is the difference between half sizes?

• Length: Approximately 3/16 of an inch, or 4.23mm.
• Width: Approximately 1/8 of an inch, or 3.18mm.

What is the difference in heel width between D and 2E?

Approximately 1/16 of an inch, or 1.4mm.

What is the difference in width of the toe box D and 2E?

The toe box width difference between a 10.5D and 10.5 2E is approximately 1/4 of an inch.

Does the steel toe cap width change between boot widths?

No. The width of the toe cap from a D to a 2E remains the same for the same size. Toe caps come in size ranges to fit different sizes, but the width of the toe cap remains the same between widths.

What is the heel-to-toe drop in Thorogood Boots?

• Wedge and Maxwear 90 outsoles: ½ inch drop
• Logger styles: 1 ¼ inch drop
• Genesis boots: ½ inch drop
  Additional details:
• Logger heel height: 2 inches
• American Heritage series heel height: 1 inch

Materials and Construction:

What is a composite toe cap made of?

Composite toe caps are made from strong non-metal materials such as Kevlar, fiber, plastic, fiberglass, or fiber-reinforced polymer. Composite toe work boots provide strong toe protection while remaining more lightweight than steel options.

What is Crazyhorse leather?

Crazyhorse leather is oil-tanned leather that is not as tumbled down as, for example, the tobacco leather. Because of this, it has a rougher texture, almost like suede.

What should I know about the Square Toe Wellington Boots?

• WYATT90 outsole: Polyurethane
• EVOLUTION outsole: Rubber on the bottom, providing more traction but is heavier than WYATT90
• Both have passed oil and slip-resisting testing
• The line on the toe area of the Square Toe Wellington is called a "Toe Bug".
• Collars on liners are Cow, not pig skin.
• Non-waterproof square toe styles have Poron on the insoles.
• Waterproof square toes do not, due to the combined thickness of Poron and the waterproof layer.
• Square toe wellingtons are made on their own last, due to the unique toe shape.
• The heel area is the same shape as the round toe wellingtons, but the toe box is different.

What materials are used in Thorogood waterproof leather boots?

The leather used is all genuine, full grain leather, but different processes at each supplier can generate different shades. Efforts are being made to control the color of hides to ensure consistency.

There are 3 layers of the waterproof liner:

• Polyurethane membrane (closest to the leather)
• 2 mm foam
• Polyester top cloth (closest to foot)

All 3 layers make up one waterproof liner that is 3mm thick.

What is a stitch-down construction in work boots?

Some of our boots use stitch-down construction, where the upper is flared outward and stretched directly to the sole. Learn more here: https://tzaro.com/discover/stitch-down-construction

How to measure the height of our boots?

If you have an existing pair of work boots you’d like to measure so you can re-purchase the same height, or so you can compare them to shorter or taller boots, there are a few easy steps to follow.

First, grab a ruler or measuring tape. The boot shaft starts directly above the boot sole. You can run a measuring tape up the side of the boot from the top of the boot sole to the top of the shaft. This measurement is your boot shaft height. Heel height is not included, so regardless of whether you have a wedge work boot or a heel, you’ll still only be measuring from where the boot sole meets the boot shaft.

Compare the boot shaft height to your leg by measuring up the back of your leg from your heel towards the back of your knee. This will show you exactly how much of your leg a work boot will protect. If you’re unsure how tall of a boot you want, measure a couple different options and consider some of the advantages and disadvantages mentioned below.

https://thorogoodusa.com/how-to-measure-a-boot-shaft-thorogood-usa/

Cleaning and Maintenance:

How do I clean my Thorogood boots and soles?

• Start by brushing off dirt and debris from the leather and soles.
• Then, gently wipe down the leather to prevent buildup and cracking, and scrub the soles to remove mud, salt, and grime.
• Allow the boots to air dry completely before applying conditioner or protectant.

For more detailed care instructions, explore our Boot Care Guide, or watch this video guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cWM7W9vMJ4

How to reattach an Avery label?

Use a regular iron with a piece of Teflon or something non-stick between the iron and the label. Use a medium heat setting.

How do I clean my white soles?

We recommend mixing a solution of Oxyclean and water. Use a toothbrush to apply the mixture on the outsole and wipe it clean. Alternatively, use a Mr. Clean magic eraser.

How do I clean the inside of my boots?

• Remove insoles and wash them in the washing machine or soak them in a baking soda and water mixture.
• Clean the inside of the boots with a soap and water solution and a cloth, making sure to squeeze out the excess water from the cloth before wiping the boots.
• Once you’ve finished wiping away the inside of your boots, you should leave them out to dry before putting your insoles back in.

How do I get rid of the odor in my boots?

Use a spray bottle with half water/half vinegar to spray the insoles and the inside of the boots. Wipe out any leftover moisture and let the boots dry out. You can also use baking soda in a sock to absorb moisture and odor. For more tips on preventing and eliminating boot odor, check out our Guide to Keeping Your Work Boots From Stinking.

For more information, check out: https://www.sportsensespray.com

Quality and Testing:

What is the import inspection process for work boots?

All imports are inspected based on the ASQ Z1.4 General Inspection Level 1 for “reduced” inspection for a 2.5 AQL. Products are either accepted or rejected. If rejected, they are either sent back to the supplier or 100% inspected for defects in-house.

How is the leak test conducted?

Fill the boot with paper towel, submerge in water, and check if the paper towel remains dry after an hour. For booties, place them in water and blow air into them. No bubbles indicate no leaks.

Specific Product Information:

What is the difference between the Poron comfort cushion and the EVA footbed?

EVA is comfortable but breaks down quickly. Poron retains comfort longer but may cause foot fatigue due to its density.

What are ANSI Z41 and ASTM Standards?

ANSI Z41 was withdrawn and replaced by ASTM F2412 and ASTM F2413, which are the current standards for protective footwear.

Older ANSI-marked footwear met the requirements in place at the time of manufacture, but it is not certified to the latest ASTM F2413 standard. Best practice is to ensure that all protective footwear is certified to ASTM F2412/F2413.

For more information check out our Guide to ATSM and OSHA Work Boots

Do Thorogood boots contain DEHP?

No restricted substances from the restricted chemical list are used in our products.

Are the Flyway series boots EH rated?

Yes, our Flyway series work boots are EH rated for electrical hazard protection.

American Heritage Boots General Info:

What should I know about Thorogood American Heritage Boots?

The American Heritage line reflects our legacy since 1892, built with high-quality materials

• All leather thickness: 6 ounces. Different properties make different stiffness (i.e., tobacco leather is smoothed down and therefore softer vs crazyhorse leather, which is roughed out and stiffer)
• Height of toe box: Approximately 1 ¾ inches

What changes were made in the toe cap of waterproof boots?

All soft-toed, waterproof boots manufactured will now have the harder plastic toe cap (like the one in 814-3890), to prevent the bootie from sliding forward during toe lasting.