STEP 1 - BREAKING IN
Before embarking on a long hike, you need to ensure that your boots or shoes are comfortable.
Time required to break them in will depend on various factors such as the material and how you walk.
STEP 2 – CLEANING
Brush - Brush off dirt with a soft, dry brush.
Dry - Stuff a towel into the boot/shoe to dry up any moisture.
Wash - Rub specially formulated cleaner into the outside of the boot with a damp cloth, rinse under warm running water.
Dry - Stuff with newspaper and leave inside (not in the sun). When the newspaper is damp, replace with new to promote the drying process.
STEP 3 - CONDITIONING
Regularly apply conditioner to leather uppers to feed and moisturise it. All leather care wax would be the most suitable for our Ridgemonts.
STEP 4 - MAINTAIN WATERPROOFING
Most hiking boots are already waterproof so you won’t have to worry for a good number of years.
Apply waterproofing cream or wax to the leather upper getting good coverage and don’t forget the seams.
STEP 5 - STORAGE
Once you have cleaned them we recommend that you store your hiking boots & shoes on a shoe tree to help maintain their shape.
Can you put hiking boots in the washing machine?
You must not put your hiking footwear into the washing machine as this will damage the integrity of the boot. All soaps and detergents are not good for hiking boots, which is why one uses special boot cleaner to get your hiking boots into tip-top shape.
How can I protect suede shoes?
The best way to protect your suede shoes straight out of the box is to apply a protectant. As mentioned, Ridgemonts come with a DWR coating applied at the factory. It never hurts to apply another coating though.
There are plenty of good spray protectants on the market, and if you stop into a good shoe store or shoe repair place, they'll surely have a good suggestion for you. We like NanoProtector or Scotchgard. A quick, even coating when they're brand new is just about the quickest and easiest way to ensure that they'll be cleanable if they get mucked up. Reapply about every six months.
How can you stop hiking boots from smelling?
To stop your boots from smelling, make sure that you buy good-quality hiking socks that will give your feet the chance to breathe while you’re on the trails. Most hiking socks are made out of wool and, although they are pricier than their synthetic alternatives, they regulate your feet’s temperature.
Also, you can spray deodorising spray into your boots (even when they don’t smell) and make sure that you thoroughly dry your boots – after every hike – so that you get rid of any signs of moisture as this could lead to your boots smelling.
How can you reduce cracks and dry leather?
To make sure that you reduce leather boot cracks and instances of dry leather, apply specialised oils and conditioners to your boots. A word of caution: ensure that whatever you apply to your boots doesn’t soften the leather because you want your boots to be as rigid as possible.
What is the fastest way to dry hiking boots?
The best way to dry hiking boots is, as we mentioned previously, to stuff them with newspaper and let the paper soak up any moisture. However, if you’re running short on time, you can put them in front of a fan – not a heater as the heat will damage the leather.