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Guide Boots

Boot Care Guide

To make your boots last a long time, keep waterproof and comfortable.

  • Initial Proofing: Proof your boots the first 3-4 times you use them to maximize protection against moisture. Identify areas needing extra care over time.
  • Frequent Use: Wear your boots at least twice a month to help them mold to your feet.
  • Socks: Always wear two pairs of wool socks—a thin liner and a thicker pair (adjust based on temperature).
  • Cleaning: Use mild water and a brush to clean the boots, inside and out.
  • Drying: Dry boots gently, avoiding high heat sources. Maximum drying temperature should not exceed 40°C.
  • Insoles: Remove insoles after each use and stand them upright in the shafts.
  • Impregnation: Proof your boots well if storing them for a while. Lundhags Leather Grease or wax are ideal for conditioning. Avoid proofing the cellular rubber.
  • Nubuck Boots: Use Toko Shoe Proof & Care spray to maintain a suede-like finish. For a waxed patina, use grease or wax.
  • Storage: Store boots in a cool, dry place between hikes.
  • Soften Shafts: If shafts feel too stiff, leave the top 3 holes/hooks unlaced during the first few hikes to naturally soften them.

Leather Grease or Wax?

Both leather grease and wax protect our boots' leather from moisture and environmental impacts, ensuring it remains functional. They rejuvenate and soften the leather while enhancing its appearance.

  • Leather Grease:
    Made from a traditional recipe in Jämtland with a pleasant tar scent, it penetrates deeply, making the leather softer and water resistant and rejuvenating the leather, giving it longer life. Made from a family recipe of natural ingredients.
    Ingredients: Grease is derived from animal fat. Protects and rejuvenates the leather. The Tar is From trees, provides shelf life and protects from rotting. Linseed oil is for water repellancy and Beeswax creates a barrier for environmental influences and gives the leather shine.
  • Leather Wax:
    Provides similar protection but doesn't penetrate as deeply as grease, leaving the leather less softened for a stiffer feel.
    Ingredients: Carnauba wax, gives the leather shine, adds water repellency. The Jojoba oil comes from seeds of the Jojoba plant, provides shelf life and temperature resistance. Penetrates and conditions the leather. Wool grease (lanolin) comes from sheep, used for its water proofing properties and protects the leather. The beeswax creates a barrier for environmental influences and gives the leather shine.

When applying leather treatments, note that both will darken lighter leather. Grease causes more darkening than wax. For nubuck boots, Toko Shoe Proof & Care spray maintains the suede-like finish. However, for maximum waterproofing, use wax or grease, which will eventually develop a rich patina.

Quick Care Guide for Hiking Boots: Nubuck, Suede, and Full-Grain Leather

Proper care extends the life of your hiking boots. Here’s how to maintain Nubuck, Suede, and Full-Grain Leather boots:

Nubuck Leather

  • Characteristics: Velvety finish, durable but needs special care.
  • Cleaning: Remove dirt with a soft brush.
  • Protection: Use a Nubuck-specific impregnation spray.
  • Maintenance: Avoid regular waxes or oils. After treatment, use a special brush to keep the texture.

Suede Leather

  • Characteristics: Soft and velvety, made from the inner layer of the hide.
  • Cleaning: Brush off dirt gently.
  • Protection: Apply a suede-specific impregnation spray regularly.
  • Maintenance: Use a special brush after treatment to maintain the “hairy” surface. Avoid heavy waxes to keep the texture.

Full-Grain Leather

  • Characteristics: Smooth finish, very durable and water-resistant.
  • Cleaning: Use a soft brush and leather-specific cleaning agent.
  • Protection: Apply leather wax or grease regularly.
  • Maintenance: Keep the leather moisturized and nourished to prevent drying out. Properly treated leather should repel water effectively.

General Tips

  • Frequency: Maintain regularly, especially before long hikes.
  • Drying: Always dry boots thoroughly before applying any treatment.
  • Waterproofing: Reapply waterproofing if the boots start to absorb water (dark stains appear).

Boot Repair Tips from the Shoemaker

Boots may be harder to fix than a jacket tear, but it's worth trying. Wear and tear are common, especially when hiking year-round. Proper care can prevent unnecessary damage. Here are our shoemaker Jonte’s best tips.

Essential Repair Supplies

  • At Home: Contact adhesive, rubber (e.g., bicycle hose), rubber fix, sandpaper, strong thread, needle, leather patches.
  • On the Go: Same supplies as at home; note that rubber fixes need a few hours to dry.

Preventing Boot Damage

  • Clean: Remove dirt and stones after each use.
  • Lubricate: Regularly lubricate boots to keep them soft and water-resistant.
  • Dry: Always remove soles to ensure thorough drying. Never dry boots too hot (e.g., by the fire) to prevent rubber shrinkage.