Muddy paths, wet grass and daily dog walks can leave walking boots in need of some attention. A simple cleaning and care routine helps keep them ready for the next outing.
The right treatment depends on what your boots are made from. Always check the boot manufacturer's care advice alongside the instructions on your cleaning or waterproofing product.
1. Remove the mud and laces
Take out the laces so you can reach the tongue and the areas around the eyelets. Brush away loose dirt, including mud caught around the soles, using a brush suitable for the material. Avoid scrubbing delicate suede or nubuck with a harsh brush.
2. Clean before you reproof
Apply waterproofing treatments to clean footwear. For a specialist cleaner, Grangers Footwear & Gear Cleaner is suitable for leather, suede, nubuck and fabric, including footwear with GORE-TEX or eVent membranes.
Brush off loose debris, spray the cleaner onto the areas that need attention, then wipe it away with a clean, wet cloth. Follow the bottle instructions and avoid substituting ordinary laundry detergent or washing-up liquid.
3. Choose a treatment for your boot material
Fabric, suede and nubuck: a compatible footwear spray is an option when the outer surface needs its water repellency refreshed. Grangers Footwear Repel + is suitable for these materials as well as leather. Apply it evenly to freshly cleaned, damp footwear, wipe away excess and let the boots dry fully. A second coat can be applied once dry if needed.
Smooth leather: where the boot manufacturer recommends waxing, Grangers Waterproofing Wax is an option. Work a small amount into clean leather with a cloth, including seams and joins. Grangers recommends two or three thin coats, allowing drying time between applications.
Check before waxing nubuck or suede. Some leather boots need wax as part of their care routine, but it can darken the leather and change its brushed appearance. Follow the advice for your particular model rather than choosing by appearance alone.
4. Let your boots dry naturally
Leave boots in an airy place away from radiators, fires and strong direct sunlight. Direct heat can damage leather. Where removable, take out the insoles to help the boots air. Once everything is fully dry, replace the insoles and laces before storing your boots.
How often should you reproof walking boots?
There is no single timetable for every pair. Check them after walks and clean off dirt regularly. When water stops beading on the outside, it is worth checking whether the surface needs cleaning and a fresh treatment. Leather may also need care when it starts to feel dry or lose its suppleness.
A surface treatment helps water shed from the upper; it cannot repair a damaged waterproof membrane, split seams or worn-out boots.
Find footwear care at Robins of Oakthorpe
Shop the linked Grangers products online, or visit us in Oakthorpe. Unsure which treatment to choose? Bring your boots along and we can help you check the material and care guidance before you buy.
Care guidance checked against Grangers cleaner instructions, Footwear Repel Plus instructions, wax instructions and Meindl boot-care advice. Always follow the instructions for your own footwear and treatment.