If you are an outdoor lover, you must own some outdoor apparel. Hiking boots are an essential component; as such, you must take care of them properly so they can serve you longer. Outdoor boots may be a hard nut to crack when it comes to maintenance, and therefore, many people often throw them out because they are suddenly worn out.
This post will share some crucial tips on taking care of your outdoor footwear so that you can wear them longer.
Table of Contents
Here is how to properly take care of your walking boots
Keep them dry and clean
The best way to keep your boots dry and clean is to invest in a good pair of waterproof and breathable boots. These boots keep your feet dry and protected from the elements and allow your feet to breathe, preventing them from getting sweaty and uncomfortable. If your boots get wet and dirty, you should clean them as soon as possible. First, remove any mud or dirt from the surface of the boots. Then, rinse the boots with clean water. Finally, dry the boots thoroughly with a clean towel.
When you are not wearing your boots, you should store them in a cool, dry place.
If possible, store them in a boot tree or boot shaper to help them retain their shape. Storing your outdoor boots properly is vital because it helps to extend their lifespan. Additionally, it can help prevent mold growth and mildew, which can cause the boots to smell bad.
Some additional tips for storing your outdoor footwear:
- Ensure the boots are clean and dry before storing them. Store them in a cool, dry place.
- If possible, store them in a breathable bag or box. Don’t store them near a heater or in direct sunlight.
Remove the insoles after use
Removing the insoles after using hiking boots helps keep the boots from getting smelly. If you do not remove the insoles after using your walking boots, they can start to smell bad. This is because the sweat and dirt from your feet are trapped in the boots. Over time, this can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause the boots to smell even worse. Removing the insoles and letting them air out after each use can help keep your boots smelling fresh.
Avoid salt water
You may want to explore various water bodies in the great outdoors. You may come across rivers and even an ocean. Rivers typically have fresh water, so this may not be a threat. However, when you get near the ocean and expose your shoe to the salty water, this will rust the metal eyelets in your hiking boots. Once these eyelets begin rusting, they are pretty hard to replace, unlike other parts of the shoe.
If you soak the shoes in salty water, rinse them off with fresh water soonest possible for a chance to salvage them. Otherwise, the salt will eat away at the shoes.
Keep them waterproof
Most outdoor boots are made from leather. Water often ruins the leather, so you will need to apply waterproofing every so often. This should be done whenever you notice that the outer material is fading away or the original color outdoor is getting corroded.
It is also important to mention that you should not use much waterproofing agent. Applying a thin coat across the shoe is enough. It may also help to match the boots with a pair of waterproof trousers to avoid any water from penetrating.
Additional tip: Do not forget the laces. Clean and replace them if necessary. Laces are an important part of the boot and should be taken care of. Clean your laces with soap and water regularly. If they start to show wear, replace them. In addition, pay attention to the soles of your boots. Over time, they will start to wear down. When this happens, replace them to prolong the life of your boots.
Conclusion
Don’t know where to get quality outdoor footwear? Cotswold Outdoor is your one-stop shop for everything outdoor, including outdoor trousers. On their site, you can pick the boots from a wide selection of walking boots and other footwear.
