When it comes to everyday footwear, perhaps nothing takes a beating like the boots
we lace up every fall and winter. Faced with harsh weather and
everything that comes with it - freezing temperatures, melting snow,
sidewalk salt - boots need to be extra tough. As one of the most
widely-used materials in footwear, leather is usually durable enough to
withstand the challenge. But, it does require some proper care.
Roger Huard, Vice President of Product Development at Wolverine,
knows a thing or two about caring for leather. The Michigan-based
footwear giant has been in the leather boot business since 1883, and has
generations of devoted fans to prove it.
Here, Huard has outlined
for us several quick and easy tips for caring for your leather boots.
Follow these rules to add seasons to their lifespan and keep them
looking good as they age.
Avoid wearing your boots two days in a row. By "giving them a day to rest and breathe between wearing them, you will extend the life of the boots," Huard says.
Weather permitting, you can always swamp them out for a pair of timeless white sneakers or a retro style.
Keep your boots clean. "Dirt abrades and harms stitching and leather," Huard cautions.
Condition or polish boots regularly. Huard recommends giving your boots a once-over at least one to two times per month. "This maintains the integrity of the leather and replenishes its natural oils keeping it supple and protected," he says.
Keep your leather boots dry. Be aware that the upper - the part of the boot that covers the top and sides of the foot - isn't necessarily the only part of the boot constructed from leather. Wolverine 1000 Mile boots for example, also have leather outsoles. Huard says air drying is your best bet. "Do not use heat, and try not to wear them again while they are still wet," he says, for fear of warping the leather and causing irreversible damage.
Resole or re-heel your boots when needed. If your the soles or heels of your boots become worn down, consider replacing those parts, which is often less expensive than buying a new pair altogether. And take note: Huard warns that "if you wear them too long without proper repair, they will get to the point where they cannot be re-furbished.
