How to extend the service life of high-end hiking boots?
Reading times:248 Update time:2023-11-24
The cleanliness of shoes and boots is always the top priority!
The first thing to remember is that during the maintenance process of shoes and boots, cleanliness is always the top priority. Generally speaking, use water and a soft brush or cloth to remove soil from the shoe upper; Never use chemical detergents. In most cases, the damage to the waterproof film is caused by the continuous friction of small stones inside the shoes, so it is necessary to remove the insole and clean the inside of the boots to ensure that there are no stones or sand inside the boots. Don't be lazy, make sure to wipe your boots clean after every hike!
Tips
Do not use a washing machine or other equipment to clean your boots, as this may affect the shoe upper or other areas.
02
How to properly dry boots
After cleaning the boots, place them in a dry and ventilated place away from heat sources to air dry naturally. Be sure to keep boots away from direct sunlight, heaters, or stoves, as the leather on the shoe upper may become fragile and lose its elasticity due to excessive drying. The best way to dry boots is to hang them up and keep them away from direct sunlight: the ideal place is a porch or balcony. If your boots are very wet or the lining is damp, you can use absorbent paper towels or old newspapers to absorb the moisture. This can also prevent your boots from deforming when dry.
03
Regularly waterproof boots
Getting wet feet while hiking is definitely not something you want to encounter! To avoid this situation, we need to waterproof our hiking shoes. Mud, dirt, and harsh weather can pose a threat to the waterproof film of boots, ultimately affecting their waterproofing and breathability. If your boots look like GORE-TEX ® Or G-DRY waterproof membrane, you can use waterproof spray to protect the waterproof performance of the coating and outer fabric. You can use waterproof spray on hiking boots, but you must make sure to follow the instructions of waterproof products on how to use and how often to use them. If your boots are made of full grain leather, you can use specific shoe wax or shoe polish to nourish the leather and effectively protect the natural waterproof performance of the shoe upper. No matter which type of maintenance product is used, it is important to use it according to the product instructions, as the wrong product or usage method may cause permanent damage to the shoes.
04
Don't forget to change the soles of your hiking shoes
Hiking for several miles, especially through gravel and rocks, will slowly but inevitably wear out the soles of your shoes. The most worn part is the rubber part that comes into contact with the ground, providing grip and traction for the shoes. Worn soles can affect grip and stability, and increase the risk of slipping or accidents. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do not use worn-out hiking boots. The sole of a shoe usually wears out faster than the upper, so throwing away boots and buying new ones is a waste. That's why you can go to a shoe repair shop to replace the soles of your shoes. This means putting on a new sole or replacing worn parts, and then you can continue wearing these boots.
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How to store boots
It is easy to overlook how to properly store cleaned boots. Firstly, before storing the boots, they must be wiped dry to prevent mold from growing on them. Tie your shoelaces to prevent deformation of your boots, and then place them in a box; Don't put them in plastic bags. Store the box at a temperature of 18 to 20 ° C and avoid storing it at very low temperatures (such as in a basement) or high temperatures (such as in an attic). A closet is the best place to store boots.
Tips
Wear boots frequently to maintain the "activity" of the sole material and prevent hydrolysis.
06
Regularly check shoelaces and inside of boots
Shoe laces are prone to wear and tear, especially in areas with metal eyelets. Before hiking, it is necessary to check the shoelaces to ensure they are intact, or you can also bring some spare shoelaces to prevent them from breaking when outdoors. Insoles can also wear out after hiking for miles, so don't forget to check the insoles and replace them if they wear out. Remember to regularly clean the insoles, use warm water and a brush; Do not use machine cleaning as it will affect their shape and performance.