If you're anything like us, you understand that the aftermath to a snowy adventure is often a not so glamourous boot grime. To help you restore your boots to their former glory, we've created this quick and easy snow boot cleaning guide.
We’ll explore everything you need to know about keeping snow boots clean. Plus, we’ll dive a little into what they are, what they are made of and whether they are waterproof. So, let’s not beat about the bush and instead jump right in.
What are Snow Boots?
Before we go into the nitty gritty, let’s start by understanding what snow boots are. Essentially, they are specialised footwear designed to tackle wintery conditions. They’re purpose-built to keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable in snow, slush, freezing temperatures and everything in between.
What are snow boots made of?
Snow boots are lovingly made using a combination of carefully selected materials to withstand harsh winter conditions. The make-up of these boots can be broken down to upper, lining and outsoles.
The uppers of snow boots are commonly made of durable waterproof (or resistant) materials like leather, synthetic fabrics, or a combo of both. These materials act as a shield to prevent moisture seeping into your boots.
The lining is often made from plush and insulating materials like fleece, wool (one of our favourites) or synthetic fibres.
Lastly, the outsoles are the heavy lifters of the group. Their job is to provide your boot with exceptional traction so slippery surfaces don’t feel so slippery. Normally made from high quality rubber or thermoplastic rubber, they will be equipped with deep treads or lugs to grip icy terrain and prevent slips and slides (the not fun kind).
The winning combination of sturdy uppers, cosy linings and dependable outsoles add up to make snow boots a trusty companion for your wintery adventures.
Are All Snow Boots Waterproof?
Not all snow boots are created equal. While they are designed to be water-resistant, not every pair will be fully waterproof. To determine if your boot is waterproof or not, look for a waterproof membrane listed amongst its’ features. For instance, our customer favouite Georgie Boot features “seam sealed waterproof construction” listed in features.
That way you can step confidently knowing your boots have your back, or should we say “feet”?
One last note, don’t forget that this waterproof layer is only as high as your shoelace gusset. Something to remember as you slosh through the slush.
How to Clean Your Snow Boots
Now we’ ve ticked off answering what a snow boot is and if it is waterproof, we can turn our attention to what you’ve all been waiting for… How to clean snow boots.
What you will need
There’s not much to your equipment list when it comes to washing or cleaning your snow boots. All you’re going to need to get those boots spick and span is:
- A soft bristle brush
- Cloth or sponge
- Detergent (we prefer the eco kind)
- Quality H2O aka water
How to wash snow boots
Now, onto the easy step-by-step guide for a glistening pair of snow boots.
- Shake off dirt: Begin by giving your snow boots a good shake to remove loose dirt and debris. Feel free to throw in an Elvis-worthy wiggle for extra flair (not mandatory but highly recommended).
- Gentle brushing: With your soft bristle brush at the ready, gently scrub away any remaining dirt or snow, paying extra attention to the sole and crevices.
- Soapy solution: Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of soap or detergent . Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the mixture and gently wipe down your boots. Avoid soaking. Remember, this is a cleaning sesh, not a wild water fight.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse the cloth or sponge with clean water and wipe away soap residue.
- Air dry: Give your boots some space and let them air dry naturally, away from direct heat sources. If you're not the patient-type, stuffing them with newspaper or towels can help speed up the process.
Your One-Stop-Guide on How to Wash Snow Boots
Go forth, our snow-loving friends, and let your clean snow boots leave a trail of wintery adventure in their wake.
If you’re looking for more handy tips and tricks for your outdoor escapades, make sure to head over to our blog. Or, better yet you can contact our team who are always on hand to answer any questions you may have.
And as always, listen to the call of the wild, because the outdoors is better than a cubicle any day.