Hiking Boot Care

If you're like me then you know that proper fitting footwear might be tough to find. Once you find properly fitting boot you'll want to take great care of them. With proper care you can increase the life of the boot itself, gaining a few more years and saving money (and who doesn't like saving money). Not to mention the important role your boots play in your health along the trail, run down boots can cause lower back pain, leg pain and more. So... ensure you take care of you boots, so they can ensure you can make it to the trail.

 

These are my trail mates.....my Vasque Backpacking boots.

I went hiking the other day over a particularly muddy trail to Cedar Butte and thus my boots were in some desperate need of TLC. Although it is a good idea to clean your boots after returning from every hike.

 "By nature dirt and mud are abrasive like sandpaper. So it makes sense that keeping things clean will go a long way towards basic hiking boot maintenance." *http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/index.html

 REI gave me 4 helpful tips for boot care:

• Clean boots after every hike. A brush and some water are the basic tools.
• Remove insoles/inserts after a hike to permit the whole boot to dry.
• Do not expose boots to excessive heat; store them at room temperature.
• When water stops beading on boot uppers, add a waterproofing treatment to restore their water resistance.

So you ask.....just how does one take care of their boots?

First off, gather up some cleaning supplies.  Here's a quick list:

1. A soft bristle brush, like a tooth brush or vegetable brush
2. A cotton fabric wash cloth
3. Small quantity of gentle soap. Of Note: If your boots are all leather then just use plain water without soap as it will remove the natural oil and dry out the leather.
4. Large tub-like container
5. Warm water
   
   
   
   Ok, put in your detergent and then fill up your washing tub.
   

   

   Next, take off the laces and throw them into the water and just let them soak.
   

   

   
   

   

   Take your shoes, pull out the bottom part (the liner), then shake and brush out any loose dirt you find inside the boots.
   
   Now, put your boots in the warm, lightly-soaped water. Let them soak for a short period  of time like a minute or two. After you've washed the insides, take your brush and scrub the exterior of the boots.  Not hard, just rub them firmly but not enough to damage them.
   

   

   Rinse boots of soap.
   

   

   Let dry throughly, but do not place in front of a fire, radiator, furnace or heater as this will dry out the leather compromising its integrity.
   

   

   Links:
   http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/caring+hiking+boots.html
   http://www.outdoor.com/
   http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/hiking-boot-maintenance.html