A Guide to Caring for Your Leather Boots in the Winter
Leather boots should be a staple in everyone's closet, especially during the colder months. Of course, if you want your leather boots to last for a long time, you'll have to learn how to properly care for them. While it’s not difficult, taking care of leather boots requires some deliberate practices that sometimes slip our minds. To help you keep them in tip-top shape, we’ve outlined some of the best ways to care for our men’s and women’s leather boots during the winter.
Keep Them Dry
One of the most important things to remember is that leather is a natural material – it needs to breathe, and it will absorb moisture. We know it may be unavoidable to walk through snowy and icy weather in your boots, and they might get wet. So when you’re done with your winter adventures, it is critical that you put your boots somewhere they can dry out. Many people are inclined to remove their boots in the garage or on a stoop outside, but this may present some issues in the long run. If your boots are wet and you leave them outside in freezing temperatures, the moisture may freeze and cause damage to your boots. If you have the option, we recommend storing your boots inside your home at a higher temperature. That way, they can dry out between wears.
Clean Them Regularly
If you have salt stains from snow or dirt marks from everyday wear, properly cleaning your boots is one of the most important things you can do to protect them in the winter. For salt stains, use a soft cloth and an equal mix of white vinegar and water. Allow your boots to dry, and buff with another soft cloth when finished. If possible, remove salt stains as soon as they occur, and try to wipe them quickly with a damp cloth before they dry. For general dirt, try using an all-natural leather cleaner. This will help to remove unwanted substances, absorb odors, and keep your leather boots looking good as new.
Keep Your Leather Moisturized
After carefully cleaning your leather boots, it's important to properly moisturize and condition them. This is because dry and unconditioned leather can easily crack in the winter, especially if it has been exposed to water. To help prevent cracks, we suggest using a soft cloth to apply a leather conditioner to your boots. This works to moisturize, maintain flexibility and strengthen the leather, extending the life of your boots. If your boots are especially dry or haven't been treated in a while, you may need more than one application to thoroughly recondition them.
Protect and Seal
If you live in a particularly wet climate, you should take an extra step to protect and waterproof your boots - even if they have been treated. You can save your leather boots from the harsh elements of winter by applying a leather sealant or weather protectant. This will help protect them from excess moisture and salt stains.
Invest in Quality Leather Care Products for Your Boots
Depending on how often you wear your leather boots, it may be necessary to repeat these steps more frequently in the winter. Properly taking care of your leather boots will ensure they last a lifetime, and only look better with age. All Adelante men’s and women’s leather boots are Goodyear welted, which gives them a watertight seal, but they still need some TLC. The best shoes deserve the best care, so we recommend investing in some high-quality leather care products to keep your leather boots in great shape for years to come. If you have any questions about our products or how to properly care for your leather boots, don’t hesitate to contact our team!