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Footwear

Taking care of your hiking boots? why it is worthwhile waterproofing and waxing them

Do you (and your boots) defy all conditions on and off the beaten track? Great, but you should look to waterproof and wax your hiking boots regularly so that they can stay that way. Then dirt and water will not be able to penetrate the material, and you’ll be able to enjoy wearing your boots for longer. How come? Waterproofing hiking boots not only makes them waterproof, it will keep the dirt off. That is the reason why it is just as important to waterproof hiking boots before you wear them for the first time.

Leather footwear will stay especially supple when treated with wax. Creases and cracks won’t be a concern, and the shoes will retain their sturdiness. By contrast, for hiking boots made of synthetic materials, it suffices to clean and waterproof them regularly.

Don’t forget the insoles in your hiking boots. They absorb sweat and should therefore be washed on a regular basis, or better still, replaced.

Waterproofing shoes correctly

If you intend to waterproof your hiking boots, you should begin by cleaning them thoroughly:

Firstly, remove any surface dirt with a shoe brush.
Get rid of any gravel and dirt that has settled in the tread of the sole.
Remove the laces and fully clean the boots with lukewarm water and a sponge/cloth.
Leave the boots to dry naturally, preferably overnight, to make sure that the material is not still dampCheck once again that the chosen waterproofing product is the right one for the hiking boot material. Then spray or rub in the contents on the material Remember: it is better to apply several thin layers rather than a single thick layer, in order to avoid unsightly marks.

Taking care of leather hiking boots

It is particularly important to take good care of leather hiking boots. If the leather dries out, the shoe material is likely to become brittle and crack. This can be prevented by applying a thin layer of wax to the cleaned leather after each longer trip. This will stop cracks appearing in the leather over time.

Waterproofing hiking boots with a waterproof membrane

Shoes which are lined with a waterproof membrane require special care. Depending on the material of the uppers, waterproofing sprays and shoe wax can be used, but please note: Do NOT use care products that contain oil. It can impair the breathability of the membrane.

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