Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do your sizes run compared to other brands?
Iron Age runs similar in size to other heavy duty protective toe work boot brands. Keep in mind that Iron Age is planning on you wearing thicker work socks and leaves a little extra room for you in the toe area. If on the border or if only used to wearing soft toe work boots, it is advisable to order ½ size smaller in Iron Age.

2. What if they don’t fit when they arrive?
Simple. Iron Age provides free returns with a return label in every box. Don’t let fear of getting the wrong size stop you from ordering. Simply follow the directions on the box for a full refund and order the next appropriate size.

3. What is your return policy?
Iron Age wants to make returns hassle-free which means free returns with a return label in the box. If it is merely a sizing issue and the boot is still in new condition, simply fill out form in the box and return on us. This will need to be done within 30 days of purchase. Your credit card will be refunded within 14-21 business days. If you have been wearing your boot to work and something goes wrong that isn’t normal wear and tear-related, you can file a warranty claim.

4. Do you have a warranty?
Yes. We warranty all our boots up to one year. The warranty covers everything except: normal wear and tear, alterations made by the wearer, chemical or contamination damage, damage sustained by impact or puncture at work, broken or frayed laces, worn-down insoles, fit and comfort issues, odors after having been worn, and any damage resulting from neglect or misuse of the footwear.

5. What kind of boot do I need for my specific job?
Iron Age talks to its customers every day and visits job sites, foundries, and plants around the nation. We use that knowledge to help you know which of our boots is the best for your certain job. Simply shop by the JOB navigation and select the job closest to your field and our recommendations will show up. If you can’t find your job on our list, contact us and let us know your environment and needs. We’ll help you get the perfect boot for your job.

6. How long should I expect my Iron Age boots to last?
We design our tough work boots to last just as long as other premium tough work boots. Though technicality there is no expiration date on your Iron Age boots, we generally advise you replace your work boots once every 12-18 months, at the least. Depending on how hard you are on them and the harshness of your job site as well as how frequently you wear them, the actual life expectancy can vary greatly. You should replace any pair of work boots when any part of the boot breaks down, resulting in a loss of protection, whether that is the lug traction on an outsole or a split in the seams that allows water and elements to break down the boot.

7. My boots have been sitting, brand-new, on my closet shelf for years and the soles have disintegrated without me ever wearing them. Is that normal?
If your work boots have polyurethane as part of the outsole, which many work boots do in order to lighten the weight of the boots, a chemical reaction called hydrolosis can happen, particularly in dark, moist environments. The sole will crumble to pieces in these cases. If the more years it sits, the greater the chance of this occurring.

8. How should I properly clean my Iron Age boots?
Start by using a boot or shoe brush to get rid of any excess dirt and debris on the boot. Then, use warm, soapy water and a clean shop rag, paying special attention to the tongue, gussets, and welted areas. After the boots air dry, you can always condition and oil with Iron Age Mink Oil.

9. How long do Iron Age boots take to break in?
There is no perfect answer, as it depends on how you break them in and your exact foot shape and the particular type of boot. On the whole, our boots take 2 weeks to break in. Leather takes longer to break in and most of our boots are full grain leathers.

10. What can I do to help break my boots in faster and in the most comfortable way?
First, start by only wearing them a few hours per day. Also, make sure that you have plenty of room in the toe box and that the boot is not pinching you in any areas. If it does, you need to get a new size. Gradually build up the time you wear the boots after the first few days.