CARING FOR YOUR FOOTWEAR
Much like your waterproofs, your walking boots will last longer if you take care of them. Rapid drying, heater drying, and not nourishing the leather of the boots can all lead to a boot cracking and eventually splitting.
- Caring for your boots is simple, and here are a few things to remember:
- Clean your boots, thoroughly removing all mud and debris
- Boots need nourishing when they look dry
- Reproof little and often
- Do not dry boots in a hot room or near a heater; this can cause leather and material to shrink and crack
- Stuff with paper to help dry.
Caring for your leather boots
First, remove the in-sole and laces. This will allow the boot to be opened up fully and allow them to air properly. It is also beneficial to empty the boot by a good shake to remove grit and debris that can damage the GORE-TEX® membrane.
Now your boot is in an “open pore” state. You now need to close “the pores” and replace the leathers substances that have been lost through dirt, grit and washing. We recommend Berghaus Conditioning Cream. This should be done whilst the boots are still damp. Impregnating the leather prevents water absorption. The leather still keeps its breathing properties. If these substances are not replaced the leather will dry out and eventually break up beyond repair. We suggest applying this with soft a cloth which helps manipulate the cream into the leather. Don’t forget extra attention on stitch areas and eyelets. Additionally the cloth can be used to help buff the cream.
Never place your boots next to a radiator, or too close to the blowers in the car. Wet leather “burns” very easily (it becomes brittle and shrinks). This often results in rips in the leather where is becomes creased when walking. Hooks and eyelets also become weakened. They should be opened up and allowed to air dry in room temperature. Stuffing with newspaper can help speed the process up. It is also important not to dry your boots in direct sunlight.
We recommend storing your boots in a dry, well aired place. Never store wet boots in damp rooms or in the car- they WILL go mouldy! If your boots are still damp we recommend stuffing them lightly with newspaper, this will absorb the moisture and helps keep the shape; do not over stuff and stretch the leather.
If you have managed to treat your boots successfully water will form droplets on the leather. This means that the leather is protected. Congratulations! The right kind of treatment and care can significantly lengthen the lifespan of your beloved walking boots. Happy Adventures!
Suede, nubuck and textile boot care
First, remove the in-sole and laces. This will allow the boot to be opened up fully and allow them to air properly. It is also beneficial to empty the boot by a good shake to remove grit and debris that can damage the GORE-TEX® membrane.
If your boots are very dirty we suggest you use Berghaus Cleaning Spray designed to remove the toughest of dirt. Brush the dirt off under lukewarm running water . Make sure your brush is not too stiff which may cause harm to the leather. Giving the leather a good scrub allows the leather to breathe again and its properties will be revived. The leather is now in an unprotected state and will absorb water instantly.
Now your boot is in an unprotected state. You now need to protect the upper again. We recommend Berghaus Protector Spray. This should be done whilst the boots are still damp. The upper still keeps its breathing properties. Don’t forget extra attention on stitch areas and eyelets. Spray an even amount across the whole upper.
Never place your boots next to a radiator, or too close to the blowers in the car. Wet leather “burns” very easily (it becomes brittle and shrinks). This often results in rips in the leather where is becomes creased when walking. Hooks and eyelets also become weakened. They should be opened up and allowed to air dry in room temperature. Stuffing with newspaper can help speed the process up. It is also important not to dry your boots in direct sunlight.
We recommend storing your boots in a dry, well aired place. Never store wet boots in damp rooms or in the car- they WILL go mouldy! If your boots are still damp we recommend stuffing them lightly with newspaper, this will absorb the moisture and helps keep the shape; do not over stuff and stretch the leather.
If you have managed to treat your boots successfully water will form droplets on the leather. This means that the leather is protected. Congratulations! The right kind of treatment and care can significantly lengthen the lifespan of your beloved walking boots. Happy Adventures!