Hiking boots are essential for any serious hiker, and leather hiking boots are especially popular due to their durability and support.
However, like any type of footwear, leather hiking boots are susceptible to damage from the elements, including rain, mud, and rocks.
If you want to keep your hiking boots in good condition and extend their lifespan, you’ll need to take steps to protect them.
In this article, we’ll cover the reasons why you need to protect your leather hiking boots and provide tips and tricks for doing so.
Key Takeaways
- Leather hiking boots are durable and supportive but are susceptible to damage from elements like rain, mud, and rocks.
- Protecting hiking boots is essential to prevent damage and ensure that they remain comfortable and supportive for years to come.
- Effective methods for protecting leather hiking boots include cleaning, conditioning, allowing them to dry, waterproofing, using boot covers, good maintenance, wearing the right socks, and adding extra insoles.
Contents
Why Protect Your Leather Hiking Boots?
Leather hiking boots are built to withstand the rigors of hiking and trekking, but they’re not indestructible.
Exposure to water, dirt and other elements can cause the leather to crack, dry out, or become discolored.
Hiking in wet conditions can also cause your boots to become waterlogged, making them heavy and uncomfortable to wear.
By applying the methods below to protect your hiking boots, you can prevent damage and ensure that their comfort and support last for a long time
Methods for Protecting Leather Hiking Boots
Here are some useful ways for protecting your leather hiking boots:
1. Take good care of your leather hiking boots
When it comes to leather boots care, you should always think of two main steps, cleaning and conditioning them.
- Clean
Before doing anything, you’ll need to clean your hiking boots.
Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt, debris, or mud from the boots, be careful not to scratch the leather.
You can also use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or stains. If your boots are especially dirty or stained, you can use a leather cleaner to remove the grime.
And remember, don’t forget to clean the inside of your hiking boots!
- Condition Your Leather Hiking Boots
Leather needs moisture to remain supple and pliable, but exposure to the elements can cause them to dry out and crack.
To prevent this, you should condition your hiking boots regularly. Choose a high-quality leather conditioner and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This will help to keep the leather soft and flexible, and will also help to repel water.
- Preserve
When you’re not wearing your hiking boots, it’s important to store them properly to prevent damage.
Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid storing them in damp or humid environments, as this can lead to mold and mildew growth.
Besides, don’t forget to keep them in good shape with boot trees and boot shapers. They will help your hiking boots not fold, wrinkle, or crease.
Before each hike, it’s a good idea to inspect your hiking boots for signs of wear and tear. Check the soles for wear and replace them if necessary, and make sure the laces are in good condition.
If you notice any other damage, such as cracks in the leather or loose stitching, consider taking your boots to a professional cobbler for repair.
By following these maintenance tips, you can help ensure that your hiking boots stay in good condition and last for many hikes to come.
Read more:
2. Allow Your Hiking Boots to Dry
After each hike, it’s important to allow your hiking boots to dry thoroughly before storing them.
Stuff them with newspaper or a towel to help them retain their shape, and place them in a well-ventilated area. If you are at home, using boot dryers and boot trees may help.
Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Avoid drying your boots near a heat source, such as a radiator or fireplace, as this can cause the leather to become brittle.
We have very detailed instructions about how to dry hiking boots fast and effectively here! You should take a look!
3. Waterproof the leather
One of the most important steps in protecting your leather hiking boots is to make them waterproof.
To waterproof your hiking boots, start by cleaning them thoroughly and allowing them to dry completely.
Apply the waterproofing product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, being sure to cover the entire surface of the boot.
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Let the waterproof layer dry. Don’t forget to use a cloth to remove any excess after that.
If you want more in-depth step by steps instructions, this article is for you!
4. Use Boot Covers
Another way to protect your hiking boots from external forces is to use boot covers. Boot covers are designed to slip over your hiking boots, providing an additional layer of protection against rain, mud, and snow.
They’re especially useful in wet or snowy conditions, as they can help to keep your feet warm and dry. Boot covers are available in a variety of materials, including Gore-Tex and neoprene.
- [USHTH / LOSHTH Quality PVC Fabric: All Angle Protections] - 100% high elastic PVC materials. 100%...
- [Portable Foldable and Reusable] - Every pair of shoe cover comes with a waterproof package bag, you...
- [Unique design] - 1. Safety reflector on heel; 2. Comprehensive waterproof zipper.
Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Wear the right socks
If you don’t wear socks, or choose bad ones that retain moisture, such as cotton socks, your feet can become sweaty and damp. This can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungus, which can cause odor and degrade the materials of your boots over time.
Wearing the right socks is a necessary thing for your foot and boot health, especially moisture-wicking ones. You should choose a pair of breathable, comfortable and supportive socks to put on while on the trail.
- Soft Breathable Moisture Control Fibers
- Arch Compression Support and Stability
- Ventilation Channels Enhance Air Flow
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Add extra insoles
Adding insoles to your hiking boots can be a great way to reduce the shock impact from the weight of each step and help protect your boots.
Insoles are designed to provide additional cushioning, shock absorption, and support for your feet, which can help absorb some of the impacts from each step and reduce the strain on your boots.
There are many different types of insoles available, including those made from gel, foam, or other materials.
Some insoles are designed specifically for hiking or other outdoor activities and may offer additional features like arch support or moisture-wicking properties (good to protect boots from wear out over time due to sweat).
Conclusion
Leather hiking boots are a significant investment, so it’s essential to take good care of them. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can protect your boots from damage and extend their lifespan.
Cleaning and conditioning your boots, allowing them to dry properly, waterproofing them, taking good care of them, wearing the right socks, and using boot covers are all effective ways to keep your boots in top condition.
By taking the time to care for your leather hiking boots, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable, supportive, and durable footwear to join any hike in the future.
