How do I care for my new Walking Boots?

Q. I have bought some leather walking boots and wondered if someone could tell me the best way to look after these i.e., if they get wet, how often should they be cleaned, what to clean them with? Is using normal shoe polish OK etc.

Any advice would be great

Andrew Gillard, Brough

A. Although it's very simple to say "follow the manufacturers instructions" I would like to elaborate on how I treat my leather non gortex boots (although it is the same for those with goretex). 1) Get a tin of Nikwax and, using your finger, rub the Nikwax into all the seams. (The heat from your finger will soften the wax and make it easier to work into the seams.) 2) Using a cloth, rub the Nikwax onto the rest of the leather. 3) Finally use good old Kiwi shoe polish and buff to a shine when dry. The dirt on your boots should be cleaned every time you get home. I then use Aqueous Wax from Nikwax when the boot is wet. Once the boot is dry apply another coat of Kiwi polish. In this way your boots will give you many waterproof hours of walking. I have been walking during the last month in very wet weather and long grass for up to six hours at a time and my feet have remained dry, even though I have no gortex lining. Hope this is of help.

Colin Mccourt, East Cowes, Isle Of Wight

A. I think the best thing to do here would be to follow the manufacturer's instructions!

Dave, Coventry

Add your answer to THIS question | Ask a NEW walking and hiking question

Return to the main list of Walking and Hiking Questions

Search for an existing Walking and Hiking Question or Answer