Tips
Tips
How to care for your boots
How to care for your boots
Ahhh, the snowy sidewalks, the slush, the calcium marks on your boots... the joys of winter, right! No, but back to the calcium, is there really a worse disappointment than seeing your beautiful winter boots ruined by salt? Because, believe me, salt can *really* ruin boots...
So before you get there, I recommend you carefully read these tips so your boots don't end up like mine!!
The first thing to know and remember is to always clean the boot before applying any product. When I say clean, I mean wiping the entire boot with a sponge soaked in lightly soapy water, including the sole (avoiding fur if there is any). This step is even more important when the boot is leather, because if you apply a wax for example or a cream to a dirty boot, the leather will absorb the dirt and that's really not what we want!!
Leather Boots
As evidenced by the photo of my boots destroyed by calcium, leather boot care is essential. The two products I consider paramount would be a waterproofing spray and a leather cream. A colorless waterproofing spray is really useful to have because you can use it on all leather colors, whether for your shoes, bags, or other accessories. I personally apply it as needed; if I know the next day's weather requires it, I apply a good coat in the evening so they have time to dry before wearing them outside. As for the cream, I apply a thin layer every two weeks, with a clean cloth and in circular motions. The cream will hydrate and soften your leather and prevent it from cracking like mine!!
Rubber Boots
Maintaining rubber boots is a little simpler, but still essential. I recommend cleaning the boot with lukewarm, lightly soapy water regularly, say once a week. This prevents calcium from accumulating and corroding the rubber. You can also use a waterproofing spray. Often (not always, so check carefully!!), waterproofing sprays for leather can also be used on other surfaces like fabric and rubber.
Fur
If your boots have a fur trim, be careful when spraying the waterproofing spray. I recommend trying to cover them with a plastic bag or a towel. If you find the fur dull or dirty, you can take a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water and gently wipe the fur to clean it. You can also gently brush it with a comb to remove knots.
**LITTLE TIP**
If calcium has left a stain on your boots, don't worry! It's not too late!! Whether your boots are leather or rubber, take a clean cloth and pour a tiny bit of white vinegar. Gently rub the stained area and rinse well with lukewarm water (especially leather!!). Warning: may leave you with a strong desire to eat salt and vinegar chips!!
There you go! Keeping your feet warm in winter is extremely important, so maintaining your boots is not negligible. Especially if you don't want to change boots every winter!!
Ahhh, the snowy sidewalks, the slush, the calcium marks on your boots... the joys of winter, right! No, but back to the calcium, is there really a worse disappointment than seeing your beautiful winter boots ruined by salt? Because, believe me, salt can *really* ruin boots...