Why we love Boot aftercare
A good pair of leather boots is an investment and with a bit of nurturing and care they will pay dividends in the future. Like most things if you look after them, they will look after you.
When treating your boots there are three main goals;
- To keep them water repellent, from new the leather will be Hydrophobic, (physically pushes water away from the leather surface). This repellency usually fades over time and therefore needs to be recharged.
- Ensure they are breathable for your feet.
- Leather requires regular 'nutrition' allowing them to last longer and maintain their shape.
The first step in treating your boots is thoroughly cleaning them:
*Warning* Never take the easy route, washing machines will eat your boots. Always clean them lovingly by hand and follow these simple steps:
1. Firstly remove any foot beds (insoles) and if waxing the boot then also remove the laces; remembering to replace any laces that have become frayed or broken overtime.
2. Use a soft shoe polishing brush with soft bristles (which will not damage the leather) and some lukewarm tap water to remove any loose dirt and stones from the outside of the boots and the soles. Excess oil based dirt and stubborn grime can be removed with NikWax Footwear Cleaning Gel along with your brush. Next, use a damp cloth to clean the inside of the boots to improve odour and breathability. If the boots are Gore-Tex and/or leather lined this won't harm the lining.
3. Reproofing is important not just to stop your feet getting wet but will also keep the leather clean, supple and durable. Meindl Wet Proof is a waterproof impregnation spray that can be used in combination with wax. Its suitable for all leather and nubuck leather boots and shoes. Best to do this when the boots are not quite dry as the pores are open and the spray will penetrate deeper, pay special attention to wear spots and stitching on the leather.
4. Never dry footwear using direct heat such as a radiator or fire. Wet leather is very sensitive to heat and can become brittle and crack if force dried. Aim to dry for a minimum of 24 hours at room temperature, stuff your boots with newspaper to keep their shape, reducing creasing which over time can lead to splits and cracks.
5. Once dry, feed the leather by applying Meindl Sport Wax with a cloth or a rag, do not forget the boot tongues and flex areas. Do not heat the wax as this will make the wax penetrate the leather too deeply, decreasing breathability and comfort. Waxing will change the boot's appearance, the leather becoming smoother and darker. However, this is a harmless and normal process. When the leather is 'fed' the seams become more durable.
6. The hooks and eyelets need protecting will also need protection against corrosion. Rubbing some wax or even Vaseline on these can help.
7. If your boots are not regularly used then store them upright and out of direct sunlight. Ultraviolet rays can damage materials such as rubber or leather. A dry, ventilated corner of a garage, tool shed or cupboard, away from direct heat sources is ideal.
Other Tips
It may also worth considering investing in a boot jack. If you tend to remove your boots by using the toe of one boot to bear down on the back of the another, this uses excessive force and can tear the sole away from the upper. A boot jack spreads the force more evenly around the back of the boot, reducing the opportunity for damage. It also saves you risking a bad back, madly hopping about trying to take them off.
According to our friends at Meindl, toe nails are one of the most common causes for a leaking lined boot. It makes sense when you consider the forces at play from a big toe nail constantly rubbing up and down all day against your soft flexible Gore-Tex liner. Like some of the boys here at BushWear break out the garden pliers and keep them short... It also may sound a tad patronizing but wear socks, not only to protect your tootsies against blisters but also your boots from sweat. If you allow sweat to permeate throughout the lining of your boots it will;
- Accelerate the deterioration of the waterproof liner
- Encourage bacteria to grow. Your boots and feet will then become smelly
- Increase the chance of foot infections.
Finally for comfort sake, please allow adequate time to break them in. Heavier boots may require more time. Start with short walks and gradually increase to guarantee comfort and satisfaction.