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Caring for leather boots in the correct manner is simple, and absolutely essential for them to last - sometimes even for decades!
Here are our tips for keeping your leather boots as good as new.
Keep them clean
After each outing or hike, take a few minutes to clean your boots thoroughly: equip yourself with lukewarm water and a soft cloth (or soft brush, the important thing is that it does not have hard bristles - they could scratch or damage the leather), and gently remove all soil and dirt residues that have stuck.
Apply cream or wax
Without proper care, the boot leather tends to dry out and crack, so regular maintenance with a special cream or wax is necessary to keep the leather soft and supple.
How to apply the wax? Take a small amount of product and apply a thin layer all over the boot (remember: not too thick, otherwise you'll clog the pores of the leather!), then leave to dry for a few hours.
Air-drying
As with all shoes, leather boots should be left to air dry in a dry, protected place. It is extremely important to avoid direct sunlight and heat fluctuations (i.e. away from radiators or fireplaces), so as not to dry out and damage the leather.
Care for the inside
When cleaning your boot, take a moment to clean the inside too: remove the insole and laces, wipe all the insides with a damp cloth and leave to dry, inserting newspaper sheets to absorb the moisture.
Maintain water resistance
When buying leather-specific wax or cream, make sure it is also waterproofing: this is essential to maintain the waterproofing of the boot, preventing water infiltration from ruining both the leather and the interior.
Re-sole regularly
The sole is the part of the boot that is subject to the most stress, and therefore most easily damaged - exposing you to the risk of discomfort due to loss of ergonomics or injuries caused by loss of grip on the ground: this is why boots should be resoled regularly, as soon as the first signs of wear are seen.
We can also resole your Gronell boots here at the company: to request this service, please contact us at gronell@gronell.it
Store them correctly
The way you store your boots in the wardrobe when not in use also makes a difference in keeping them in the best condition:
don't wrap them in plastic, just keep them in their box;
tie the laces to keep their shape;
leave dry newspaper inside;
don't leave them in places that are too hot, too cold, too humid or exposed to excessive temperature changes.
Beware of sweat
If you go on particularly long or strenuous walks, take several pairs of clean socks with you: as the boot is waterproof, the moisture created by the foot's sweat cannot escape and stays all inside, risking damaging the shoe; changing socks often helps to absorb this moisture and avoid damage.
Check the soles
When you pick up your boots, even if they have not been used for a long time, check the condition of the soles: even non-use can ruin them, and expose you to the risk of discomfort or injury.
Also take care of hooks and buttonholes
When applying cream or wax, don't forget the hooks and buttonholes: to prevent them from being ruined by wear and tear, simply remove the laces and treat them with a light coat of Vaseline or wax.
...and for any other doubts or questions, don't hesitate to contact us: our experts will give you the best advice on how to take care of your Gronell boots!
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