Hunting Boot Care Guide
This article is part of the Hunting Boots 101 series.
Are you an avid hunter? If so, you know that your gear is an investment, including hunting boots. A pair of high-quality hunting boots are built to endure tough conditions and terrain, but they require frequent care to keep them at peak performance. A proper care routine prevents the materials from cracking and can extend the lifespan of your boots.
Our Hunting Boot Experts outline a simple, three-step process for caring for your hunting boots: cleaning, drying, and conditioning.
Why is Proper Hunting Boot Care Important?
Investing a little time and effort into properly caring for your hunting boots not only increases their lifespan but also ensures they perform the next time you’re in the field. To understand why care is so important, it helps to understand the main elements of high-quality hunting boots:
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Leather Uppers and Waterproof Membranes: These two components work closely together. Think of the leather upper like skin—it is durable and naturally breathable. However, if the leather is left untreated over time, it will begin to absorb water, dry out, and crack, ultimately destroying the boot. While the internal waterproof membrane will do its job of keeping the water out, it relies on the leather being properly treated so it can "breathe."
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Rubber Outsoles: The outsoles provide excellent traction for tackling uneven terrain. Keeping the treading and lugs free from rocks, dirt, and debris is essential for maintaining optimal grip and performance.
Step 1: How to Clean Hunting Boots
Whether you own leather or synthetic boots, the first step is removing the grime from your latest hunt so your boot's materials can breathe properly.
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Prep the Boot: Always start by removing the laces to get better access to the boot’s tongue and seams. If your laces are dirty, wash them with mild soap and water, then hang them to dry.
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Remove Debris: Use a soft boot brush to gently brush off any large chunks of dried dirt, bark, or mud from the upper. For the rubber outsoles, use the brush to clear rocks and dirt from the treading, being careful to avoid the boot's stitching.
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Washing Leather Boots: Use a cloth, water, and mild soap to gently wipe away remaining stains. Avoid harsh chemicals. Note: If you have suede leather boots, skip the water and use a dry, soft-bristled brush instead.
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Washing Non-Leather Boots: Synthetic boots are not prone to drying out and cracking, so you can safely submerge them in water and scrub them until clean.
Step 2: How to Safely Dry Hunting Boots
Never expose your boots to direct heat sources like heaters or direct sunlight. Artificial heat will dry the leather too quickly, causing it to crack. High heat also breaks down the boot's adhesives, ruins the waterproof membrane, and causes the laminated rubber rand break down. Below are two ways to effectively dry your boots:
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Air Dry: Allow your boots to air dry naturally in a cool, well-ventilated area. Slow drying is key for leather.
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Use a Boot Dryer: For a quicker method, use a premium, low-heat or no-heat boot dryer. These dryers use gentle, controlled airflow to remove sweat and moisture safely without damaging the boot's adhesives.
Step 3: Conditioning & Waterproofing Your Boots
Once your leather boots are clean and dry, you’ll want to treat the surface with a conditioning cream. Conditioning your boot’s leather will improve its breathability, durability, and waterproofing abilities, extending the lifespan of your boots.
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With your hands, take a generous amount of conditioner and rub the whole boot down. The natural friction and body heat from your hands will warm the wax enough to melt it perfectly into the leather.
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Sanded, porous leather will soak up the wax quickly. Be completely liberal with the application, ensuring you get deep into the lacing hooks and the folds of the tongue. You do not need to avoid the ventilation holes, as they are internally protected by the waterproof membrane.
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Take a clean rag and wipe off any excess wax. Keep in mind that conditioning will naturally darken the leather's appearance.
For Synthetic Boots: Skip the leather cream and use a waterproofing spray designed specifically for synthetic materials to maintain the boot's durable water-repellent coating.
Step 4: Storing Your Hunting Boots
When the hunting season comes to an end, it's important to store your hunting boots properly. Find a dry, cool area to keep them away from moisture and extreme temperatures. Avoid storing them near direct sunlight or heaters as this can damage the boot’s materials.
Frequently Asked Questions about Caring for Hunting Boots
By following these simple steps for caring for your hunting boots, you can ensure their longevity and optimal performance, enabling you to fully enjoy the great outdoors. With any further questions regarding caring for your hunting boots, stop by your local SCHEELS to speak with a Hunting Boot Expert.