Should I have to pay for this?

[Texas Dan]

Last night at work a notice was put up saying that as of Feb 1st, everyone at must wear black shoes (I work at a grocery store). According to the management, we have to pay for them. I deal alot with unloading trucks, lots of pallets, forklifts and heavy skids around. I learned the hard way a few months ago that steel toed boots are a must. I wear standard tan coloured steel toed work boots, which I only got a few months ago. I'm just wondering what your guys opinion is on this? My boots are nearly brand new and I don't want to go out and spend $150 on a new pair just because of the colour, tan work boots are pretty standard I think.

So what do you think? Should I have to pay for new work boots just because of the colour?

No. you shouldn't have to. But then again, I'm not sure. I know in the military, if they require you to do wear something, they have to provide at least 1. I would talk to your boss and say "I can't afford new boots, and if you are making me get some, you should pay for them. Because it wasn't a requirement when you first started.