Hunting boots are a great investment for anyone who is planning to take the sport seriously. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is important if you are embarking on a long hunt, as it allows you to focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about blisters or cramp. Your hunting boots are also essential for keeping warm during the colder months and for keeping the rain out. However, if you do not maintain your boots properly, then they could end up in a state of disrepair. If leather boots become too dry from mud caking, they can end up cracking, whereas if they are not dried out properly they can develop mildew. Proper hunting boots don’t come cheap, so it is important to look after them properly to make sure they last long. If you want to keep your boots fresh and functional as the years go by, here are some tips to help to you maintain them. 

Maintaining Your Boots 

In terms of long-term maintenance, there are a few different options when it comes to this, each of which will both protect your boots and maintain their appearance. If you own sturdy Harkila Boots or similar, they tend to be very resilient and will only need to undergo this process two or three times per season, rather than after each hunt. As a conditioner for leather, you can rub a natural oil paste onto the external leather of your boots in order to restore the surface and give added protection. Alternatively, if your boots are made from synthetics rather than leather you can use a chemical conditioner. 

Regular Cleaning Equipment  

For cleaning after each hunt, you will need to get the proper equipment. You will of course need soap and water, along with a soft cloth. On top of this, if your boots are leather, you’ll need a specialist leather treatment, a bristled brush and a toothbrush for getting in all the nooks and crannies. If they are non-leather, then baking soda can come in handy, too. 

The Cleaning Process for Leather Boots 

First of all, you should dry brush your boots to remove any loose dirt, then you should brush in some soap and water to get rid of any more stubborn mud or markings. You can dampen the cloth with your cleaning solution in order to clean inside the boots and use a toothbrush to clean around the laces. When leaving your boots to dry, avoid putting them near a heat source like a radiator, as this can cause cracking in the leather. Instead, let them air dry naturally. Once they have fully dried out, you should use a leather treatment to give an added layer of protection. Opt for a waterproof leather treatment in order to maintain your boots’ weather resistant qualities.  

The Cleaning Process for Non-Leather Boots 

For non-leather boots, you can be more liberal with the water as they do not carry the same risk of cracking as leather boots. You can also utilise baking soda not only as an abrasive but as a means to extract any nasty odours – see online guides for more tips on how to keep your boots smelling fresh. 

By caring for your boots properly throughout the year, you can ensure their longevity and effectiveness well into the future.