It never fails – whether day hiking or on a multi-day backpacking trip – we are quick to empty our pack, wash our clothes, dry out tents and air out sleeping bags. However, the piece of equipment that protects our feet from the rough and rugged terrain is likely the last piece of gear that we take care of, if ever.
Quality leather hiking boots are an investment. Not only do they protect our feet from rocks and uneven terrain, they also provide stability for our ankles. When taken care of properly, and regularly, they can provide years of service, on and off the trail.
As someone who has been backpacking since the 1980s, I have been through my share of boots. It wasn’t until I learned to properly care for them that I meaningfully increased their lifespan. Today, I have boots in my gear closet that I bought over a decade ago.
The caretaking is really all about preparation, cleaning and waterproofing. Here’s a step-by-step guide with input from Peter Sachs, General Manager, LOWA Boots:
Step 1: Prep your boots
Remove the laces and insoles. This allows any leather care products to reach the areas usually covered by the laces. It’s especially important to remove the insoles as moisture can collect under the insole.
Next, allow the boots to air dry in a well-ventilated room. For faster drying, use a fan to increase air flow, but never a hair dryer or portable heater. “It’s important to not place the boots near a heat source,” says Sachs. “The external heat can cause the leather to shrink or crack.”
Step 2: Get the dirt off
Brush your boots off thoroughly. Get a shoe brush (found in most outdoor stores or online) – even an old toothbrush will work.
Clean the boots with warm water. If extra cleaning is needed, use a a cleaner approved for use of footwear. Do NOT use regular household detergents and bar soaps.
Rinse the boots thoroughly and then go back to step 1, allowing the boots to air dry in a well-ventilated room.
Step 3: Re-waterproof
“Most boots come with waterproofing when they come out of the box,” Sach says. “After use, it’s important to reapply a waterproofing spray to ensure that they maintain this protection.”
While the boots are still slightly damp, apply a waterproofing spray. Unlike dry boots, the pores in the leather of damp boots are wide open which allows the waterproofing to reach deeper into the material. If you can, let the spray to sit on the boots for 24 hours before exposing them to another trail day. When you’re ready to head out afain, spray the boots one more time with the waterproofing spray.
Once in a while, condition your boots
If you are hiking regularly and the boots are often exposed to inclement conditions, you’ll want to condition the leather to ensure that it lasts for a long time. Make sure to allow the boots to dry thoroughly after application.
“Never use fats or oils on your boots,” says Sachs. “These products can reduce the breathability and can actually damage your boots. If your boots came with a warranty, using these products can nullify that warranty.”
Store your boots correctly
When possible, store your boots in a box (the one that they came in is perfect) or a shoe bag in a climate controlled environment. Never store your boots in the trunk of your car, attic, garage or any place that is unventilated, damp or hot. Leather boots can develop mildew if stored in damp locations.
Other Considerations
• Some parts of the country are worse than others when it comes to sweating. This is especially true of areas prone to high humidity and damp conditions. Sweat produced by sweaty feet can have an effect on any leather inner lining of the boots. After cleaning, apply the same conditioner to this lining.
