Care for your footwear

So you’ve got your boots? We give you some top tips on how to make them last

ABRASION (OUTSIDE)

Mountains are unforgiving environments for boots, with razor-sharp rocks the number one enemy. It’s common sense that scraping against rocks will have an adverse effect on the boot itself; but thankfully most manufacturers plan for this in the boot’s design. The main problems are rocks cutting through stitching, slicing through thin materials and breaking lace rings. Also, grit can get embedded in the leather, which gradually wears away at it. Another problem is the loss of the proofing agents on the outside of the boot – these help prolong a boot’s life, keep it looking good and help water repellency.

DO IT Regularly reproof the outer with specific products, for example from Nikwax, Granger’s or Scarpa. Also consider the environment you’re likely to be in most when picking a pair of boots.

ABRASION (INSIDE)

A below-par pair of walking socks can act like a sheet of sandpaper, rubbing against the inner membrane of your boot. An eight-mile walk will see your foot rub up and down thousands of times, wearing against the waterproof lining and the sole. Most boots are designed to combat this; but the big problem comes if a small piece of grit is clinging to your socks – a tiny, sharp stone has the potential to rip apart your boot’s inner waterproof lining.

DO IT Invest in a good-quality pair of socks that feel smooth to the touch. And ensure there’s no grit under your foot when you put your boots on. If you feel grit enter your boots, get it out straight away.

TOENAILS

Long toenails poke through your socks and gnaw at your boots’ inner lining. Any protrusions on your feet can wear away at the lining, so if you have bony feet, or lumps sticking out, either wear thicker socks to provide extra padding or have your boots modified in the shop – some retailers can stretch boots to fit your feet.

DO IT Cut those nails. Now!

RAIN

Moisture can contribute to an early grave for your footwear. When a boot is left wet for a long time the lining becomes saturated. Boots with a membrane lose breathability, and boots without lose water resistance. But don’t just stick them in front of the fire: direct heat will cause the material to ‘bake’ and contract, stressing stitching and (in extreme cases) cracking the leather. DO IT To dry boots leave them in a warm, dry environment and give them time to dry fully.

SHEEP POO

All poo is acidic, meaning over time it attacks the fabric and stitching of boots.

DO IT If you step in some crap, wash it off, pronto.

DIRT

As our boffins at Leeds University put it, ‘Dirt is bad, very bad’. It hinders breathability as moisture from inside the boot will struggle to pass through the dirt, and can stop the boot drying out effectively. Constant flexing of the boot when walking also makes abrasive dirt particles work away on the outside of the boot, causing cracks and tears. DO IT Clean boots as soon as possible, ideally in a nearby stream. When you get home give them a proper clean and leave to dry naturally. Also, use a specific reproofing agent.

SWEAT

Your feet produce four times more sweat when hillwalking. This carries salts and oils into the materials of your boot, which, if untreated, affects its breathability, causing you to sweat even more.

DO IT Treat the inside of your boot with a specific cleaner, and leave the boot to dry naturally. If you’re a regular walker and you can afford it, get two pairs of boots and alternate. A boot deodorant will keep bacteria growth under control.