HOW TO CARE FOR AND MAINTAIN WATERPROOF FOOTWEARUpdated a month ago
Regular care will help keep your waterproof boots looking their best and performing as intended. Leather is a natural material that can dry out over time, so cleaning and conditioning your boots / shoes is essential.
Clean Them Regularly
After wearing your boots / shoes in wet or muddy conditions:
- Remove the laces.
- Allow any wet mud to dry naturally.
- Brush away loose dirt using a soft brush.
- Clean the remaining dirt with a suitable footwear cleaner and a damp cloth or brush.
- Leave the boots / shoes to dry naturally before applying any care products.
Avoid putting your boots in a washing machine or fully submerging them in water.
Allow Your footwear to Dry Naturally
If your footwear become wet, leave them to dry at room temperature in a well-ventilated area. You can place newspaper inside them to help absorb excess moisture, replacing it as required.
Do not place your footwear directly against a radiator, heater or other heat source. Excessive heat can dry out the leather, weaken adhesives and cause cracking or other damage.
Condition the Leather
Leather is much like skin and needs moisture to remain supple. Apply a suitable leather conditioner regularly to prevent the leather from becoming excessively dry, stiff or cracked.
Always make sure the product is appropriate for the type of leather:
- Smooth leather: Use a suitable leather conditioner or shoe cream.
- Waxed or oiled leather: Use a specialist waxed and oiled leather conditioner.
- Suede or nubuck: Use products designed specifically for suede and nubuck. Standard leather conditioners may alter the colour and texture.
Test any care product on a small, discreet area before applying it to the entire boot.
Maintain the Water-Repellent Finish
Although the boots / shoes are waterproof, the outer material still requires regular care. Apply a suitable protector spray periodically, particularly after cleaning or when water stops beading on the surface.
A protector helps reduce the amount of moisture absorbed by the outer material, while also providing additional protection against dirt and stains.
Additional Care Tips
- Clean mud, dirt and salt marks promptly.
- Avoid wearing the same pair every day, allowing them time to dry between uses.
- Use shoe trees to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape.
- Check the soles, stitching and uppers regularly for signs of wear.
- Avoid using household cleaning products or unsuitable oils and treatments.
- Reapply conditioner and protection products whenever the leather begins to look or feel dry.
With regular cleaning, conditioning and protection, your waterproof boots / shoes will remain comfortable and well maintained for longer.