How to Care for Winter Boots

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Winter boots suffer a lot of wear and tear over the season, but care and effort will help them look better and last longer.

Step 1: Use a waterproofing product
Use a waterproofing product recommended by the manufacturer when you purchase winter boots. Apply it to the boots before wearing them to protect them from moisture.

Step 2: Clean salt lines
Clean salt lines around your boots with a desalting product, or mix equal parts vinegar and water, dab it on the boots with a rag, then rinse, dry, and buff.

Tip
Use a rag to immediately wipe salt and dirt from boots when coming indoors.

Step 3: Remove scuffs
Remove scuffs by gently rubbing them with a damp rag dipped in baking soda, wipe them clean, and then dry and buff.

Tip
Stuff boots with newspaper while they dry to protect their shape.

Step 4: Care for suede
Care for suede winter boots by cleaning them with an artist's kneaded eraser or an emery board. Then refresh the nap by brushing the suede with a toothbrush.

Step 5: Care for boot liners
Care for boot liners by removing them, if possible, and washing them in the laundry.

Tip
The washing and drying instructions will be on a tag on the liner.

Step 6: Clean and apply a leather-care product
Clean and apply a leather-care product to winter boots before storing them for the summer. Now, they'll look their best when you pull them out of the closet for another season of service.

Did You Know?
Eskimos traditionally made boots from caribou hide.