Boot Care

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY BOOTS?

• Proper boot care can significantly extend the lifespan of your boots. Leather boots, in particular, need to be cared for after heavy use. If your boots are wet and covered in dirt, we recommend cleaning them. If you’re not going to clean your boots, you should still allow your boots to air dry after each use.

• Remove your insoles and laces after each use. This will open up your boots and allow them to air out. Even if your boots don’t get wet, they will naturally absorb moisture from your feet, especially on multi-day trips. Insoles and laces can be hand-washed in cold water and set out to air dry.

• Using a boot brush and warm water, remove the dirt from your boots. The warm water will open up the pores of the boot and allow you to thoroughly clean them.

• For leather boots, you’ll want to recondition the leather after cleaning them with warm water in order for them to remain water-repellant. Applying a waterproofing agent to the damp leather will reclose the pores that were opened up during cleaning. Once you’ve reconditioned your boots, water should bead up when gently poured over the leather.

• Allow your boots to air dry. Do not use a heat source to dry your boots. The heat could cause the leather to shrink or become brittle, increasing the chances of irreparable rips or creases.

• Store your boots in a cool and dry place to prevent mildew. We recommend packing a newspaper in the toe box of wet boots to help absorb the moisture and maintain the boots’ shape during the drying process.

• Take your boots to a knowledgeable cobbler for repairs.

• WHAT SHOULD I USE TO TREAT MY NEW BOOTS?

  • For a general-purpose waterproofing product, the GOHUNT staff has found that Granger or Nikwax Waterproofing performs the best.

  • Re-apply this product as necessary or after every use in severe conditions.

  • Please refrain from using beeswax, animal fats, or petroleum-based products on your boots, as these products will void some manufacturer warranties.

  • *Please note that these products may darken the color of any leather.

  • WHAT IF MY BOOTS ARE GORE-TEX®?

    • We recommend treating the leather on your Gore-Tex® boots the same as you would on any other leather boot.

    • The Gore-Tex® lining creates a waterproof breathable membrane on the inside of the boot, but leather uppers still need to be cared for.

    • The durable waterproofness of the Gore-Tex® membrane is not affected by leather conditioners, silicone, oil, or shoe polish.

    • Additional information