Boot care: A guide

28 Aug Boot care: A guide

A worker is no better than the tool they choose, and the boots on your feet are the tools you need to overcome any challenge the wild could throw at you. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to take good care of your boots, so you can rest assured that you’re taking a step in the right direction for keeping your boots at their best.

1.      Surface Clean

Begin by de-lacing your boots. This is usually a simple step – but make sure to take note of how the boots lace up so you can replace them correctly later on. Once de-laced, use a semi-stiff brush (sometimes known as a mud brush) and warm water to scrub away any mud. For persistent scuffs and dirt – a non-detergent soap will help. We offer a pack of TWO boot brushes on our site for only £1.89, the Natural Bristle 2 Boot Brush Set.

2.      Drying & Reproofing

After you have cleaned your boots, it’s important to allow them to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Exposure to the temperatures of heaters or ovens will cause the boot leather to shrink and can lead to cracking, extensive damage or discomfort – especially at the leather upper. If during the drying process you notice the water is no longer forming droplets upon your boots- it may be time to reproof.

Reproofing is a fairly simple task. Once the boots have dried, apply a small amount of wax to a dry cloth and use this to rub the boot all over. Use the wax very sparingly, as too much can lead to hardened boots. After this, leave your boots to dry naturally for up to an hour before ‘buffing’ the wax off with another cloth. Consistent reproofing will leave your boots shining!

2.5  Conditioning

On rare occasions, you may wish to apply conditioner to your boot for softer wear. Conditioner should be used in very small amounts after an extended period of wearing the boot. Too much conditioner will leave the boot too soft to support the foot.

To apply conditioner, simply massage a thin and even coating into the boot with a small clean cloth or your fingers. Let the conditioner soak for a few minutes, before rubbing off any excess conditioner and allowing the boot to dry naturally. For best results when conditioning a boot, perform this step when the boot is still damp from a surface clean.

3.      Buff & Shine

To get your boots in pristine condition, a thorough polishing will do the trick. After a surface clean, allow the boot to dry before polishing. It is advisable to lay down a protective covering, as high-quality boot polish can cause stains.  Apply a small amount of polish to a dry cloth. From here, smooth the cloth across the boot in a consistent, circular motion. Make sure the polish is evenly applied, and only apply extra polish when absolutely necessary.

Use your semi-stiff brush to remove any excess polish on the boot via quick, short strokes. This will improve the final consistency and quality of the polish. Proceed to, with a new soft cloth, buff the leather upon your boot. This is done by grabbing your cloth with both hands, holding it taught and rubbing back and forth across the boot. This quick movement will bring out the final shine of the polish.

As of 26/08/20, we currently have a sale on some of the best names in boot polish & wax. For brands such as Kiwi and Birch for as little as £1.14, check out our selection today.

By following these steps, you can prolong the life of your boots and keep them looking just as good as the day you bought them – if not better. Remember, boots are the tools you need to keep braving the outdoors, so for the right tools for the job (and the equipment you need to look after them) check out our range of high-quality boots and more today.