Some leather products are washed in water. However, the hiking boots should not be washed in water. Oil will be drained from the leather, so the leather becomes hardened and cracks may occur when it becomes dry. It is rarely necessary to repair the insole, but the leather, which is the outer skin, is a natural material, so the life of the leather depends on repair.
- Cleaning order (based on Nubuck)
① If shoes become very dirty after hiking, brush off the dust from the hiking boots. (In case of coated leather, remove dirt or dust with running water)
② Soak a piece of cloth in water and wipe off dust or pollutants (mud, etc.) with the cloth.
③ Never wash hiking boots in water or in a washing machine. If hiking boots are soaked in water or washed in a washing machine using a detergent, oil will be drained from the leather so that it becomes hardened and cracks may occur. Also, if you dry hiking boots forcibly using a heat source (gas flame, hot air blower, etc.), it may damage the leather so that it may not be restored. After wiping clean, leave hiking boots in well-ventilated shade away from direct sunlight to dry off for 2 or 3 days until they become fluffy. If there is a lot of moisture inside the hiking boots, remove moisture by stuffing the hiking boots with newspaper.
④ When the moisture inside the hiking boots is removed completely, apply a leather preserving oil (wax, cream, water-repellent spray, etc.). This is because it has a great influence on the feeling you get when you wear the hiking boots and the performance of the hiking boots later. It is recommended to apply the oil using your finger directly rather than a piece of cloth because your body heat will melt the oil so it can be applied well and evenly. (In case of a spray, it is important to spray it evenly) You need to select a leather preserving oil separately according to the type and function of the product. (Normal hiking boots, Goretex hiking boots, Nubuck and Goretex hiking boots) After applying the leather preserving oil evenly, the leather becomes darker and stronger.
⑤ After cleaning, stuff the hiking boots with newspaper and tie up the shoelaces tightly to prevent deformation. If hiking boots are not used for a long period of time, they will mold even if they are completely dry. Therefore, if you apply or spray a mold-inhibiting agent on hiking boots and store them in a well-ventilated, shady area, you can maintain their original shape and function for a long period of time.