Whether you’re looking for some new boots or you just want to care for the ones you already have, there are some great tips out there that can help you keep your boots in good condition for as long as possible. This article provides ten of these tips, so whether you wear them every day or they’re just stored away in your closet, they’ll still be around and look great when it comes time to wear them again.
1) Buy The Right Kind Of Boot
The right kind of boot for you depends on where you live, what season it is, how often you wear them, and what kind of terrain you’ll be walking on. If your boots are going to stay in one place with no harsh conditions or weather, buy an attractive boot. But if they’re going to be out in the elements regularly and need more durability, choose a pair made with water-resistant leather that will withstand all seasons.
2) Choose A Pair That Fits Properly
Only buy boots that fit well. You should be able to get a finger between your toes and the end of the boot. Make sure you wear thicker socks with your boots to maintain warmth and dryness. If your feet are sore when you take off your boots, then it means that they were too tight for you. A good way to save money on boots is by buying secondhand.
3) Clean Them Thoroughly After Every Use
You should always wipe your boots clean and dry after every use. Water, salt, sand, and other debris can build up in the bottoms of your boots and damage them if they aren’t cleaned out properly. The key is to make sure that you never leave any water on the boots for more than five minutes before wiping it out. Finally, dry out your shoes with the help of a boot drying system.
4) Remove Debris From The Soles Regularly
Debris and dust on the soles of your boots can transfer to surfaces you walk on. Over time, this will destroy the boot’s sole and make it more susceptible to wear. Wipe off the soles with a damp cloth after each use. Clean The Rest Of The Boot: Remove dirt from all other parts of the boot by wiping them down with a damp cloth. If there is dirt in the stitching or on delicate parts, clean those spots with a dry brush and then wipe off any remaining particles with a soft cloth or towel.
5)Use Seam Ripper
To ensure that the insoles maintain their original shape, and to avoid discomfort caused by the inside seam rubbing against your foot, use a seam ripper to remove one insole at a time, trim off any excess height with scissors, and reinsert into the boot. Condition leather boots periodically with wax-based shoe polish or cream; after conditioning, wipe away any excess with a soft cloth.
6) Store Them Well – Avoid Heat And Humidity
If you want to keep your boots in great condition, store them well. You can place them on a shoe rack or hang them up using the boots’ laces as loops. While it’s always a good idea to wear your boots, they will last longer if you store them well and keep them out of excess heat and humidity. Simply take your boots off before you enter a warm building or use an insulating boot bag. If you can’t avoid the heat, make sure you don’t wear your boots for too long outside or before taking them off. It’s also best to avoid wearing leather in direct sunlight which will dry it out prematurely.
7) Protect Against Water And Salt Damage
If your boots are made of leather, then it is important to be aware of the most common causes of damage: water and salt. Protect your boots from water and salt by applying waterproof sealant with a dry cloth every six months. Salt will cause rust stains that can’t be removed; so make sure to store them inside when not in use to prevent this damage.
8) Inspect The Heels & Soles For Damage Regularly
Make sure you examine the soles and heels of your boots regularly for any signs of wear or damage. If the heel is worn down or cracked, consider getting new boots before they break through 3. If your sole is showing excessive wear or tear, get a cobbler to repair it. Avoid walking on gravel because this will severely deteriorate the condition of your soles. Don’t go outside with wet feet because this will make the leather less resistant to water. You should carry a 12-volt boot dryer with you to keep your shoes dry all the time.
9) Wear Heavy Socks And Consider Liners
Make sure you wear heavy socks with your boots to protect the inside and outside of the boot from scratches and abrasions. Consider using liners on cold days or if your feet tend to get sweaty or wet from snow or rain. You can find a variety of liners that work in different ways, like those designed for warmth, moisture absorption, ankle protection, etc.
