Boots are an essential part of service equipment and uniforms, providing protection, support, and comfort even in challenging situations. Tactical boots often encounter difficult conditions: sand, mud, and water, prolonged stress, additional weight from gear and backpacks, as well as abrasions and impacts.
- They may come into contact with sand, mud, and water.
- They may be subjected to high loads for extended periods.
- They may have to withstand additional weight from gear and backpacks.
- They may be exposed to abrasions and impacts.
During 25 years of service in the National Armed Forces and continuing service in the National Guard, I have worn and cared for many pairs of tactical boots in a wide variety of climatic and field conditions. This guide compiles practical experience to help boots last longer.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Military Boots
To extend the lifespan of tactical boots, it is important to follow proper cleaning and maintenance procedures, which can prevent accelerated material wear. New boots do not require special care before first use, but regular leather care will ensure their longevity.
How to Clean Suede Military Boots
Suede boots are one of the most popular military boots, and they are especially durable and protective. The main threats to suede are dirt and sand, which accumulate on the surface and dry out, causing the suede to harden and crack.
If the boots are equipped with a waterproof membrane, the inside of the boots should also be thoroughly cleaned, as sand and dirt can damage the inner lining.
Before you begin leather care, remove the boot laces, which will allow care products to reach deeper areas, and remove the insole/footbed. Removing the footbed is very important, especially after longer hikes, as moisture accumulates in the footbeds.
- A soft-bristled brush or cloth (or a special shoe brush)
- Waterproofing spray for footwear
- Neutral soap or shoe care product
- An old toothbrush
- Water
5 steps to clean suede military boots
- Start from the outside, removing mud and dirt from the upper and sole. You can use a soft brush or cloth, and for hard-to-clean areas, such as lace loops, you can use an old toothbrush. If the boots are waterproof, you can use water, but do not use chemical cleaners.
- Remove the insoles and then clean out any stones and sand from inside the boots. Dirt inside the boots can cause cuts and holes in the inner lining, as well as damage the waterproof membrane.
- Completely unlace the boots and wipe the inside with a cloth to remove sweat from the lining. If necessary, you can apply neutral soap to the inner lining, but avoid washing or using aggressive agents.
- Leave the boots unlaced and allow them to dry in a well-ventilated area. Never dry boots near heat sources (stoves, heaters, or hair dryers) or in direct sunlight, as the sole materials and glues can dry out and be damaged. Allow the boots to dry even if you haven't used water, as the inner lining may have absorbed sweat.
- Once the boots are dry, remember to store them in a dry place. If you don't plan to use them, it's best to store them in their original box. If your boots have a waterproof membrane, we recommend applying a waterproofing spray (water stopper) to protect the waterproof layer and extend the life of the membrane.
Waterproofing
To apply waterproofing spray, the boots should be slightly damp. Damp leather opens its pores wider, allowing the waterproofing spray to penetrate deep into the material. Remember that the spray reaches its full effectiveness approximately 24 hours after application, and only after this time will the boots be water and dirt repellent again. The waterproofing effect may diminish after about three weeks, so impregnation should be done regularly.
Tips and Warnings
- Never put boots in a washing machine – you risk irrevocably damaging them.
- Clean boots after each use.
- If you sweat heavily, a special leather care lotion should be applied to the leather and lining from time to time, as the salty sweat from the feet can "dry out" the leather, making it brittle and hard.
- Laces can be washed in a washing machine or soaked in a sink with soap and water and hand-washed.
- If the inner lining is very wet, the boots can be filled with newspaper sheets to absorb all the water inside and maintain the boot's shape.
- Waterproofing spray can also be applied to suede boots that do not have a waterproof membrane, making the footwear water-repellent for a short time.
- The suede surface can be cleaned with a suede brush, such as "LOWA Triangle Brush," but its original appearance may suffer to some extent.
Acids, gasoline, and manure particularly strongly affect sole materials and glued areas and can cause a degradation process that can destroy your boots. Try to avoid contact with these substances and thoroughly clean your boots if they do come into contact with them.
GORE-TEX linings do not require special care, but they can be cleaned from time to time with lukewarm water and a mild soap solution. Regularly clean and condition the leather of GORE-TEX boots, as the GORE-TEX membrane will lose its effectiveness if the leather surface is not kept in good condition.
How to Clean Full-Grain Leather Boots
Full-grain leather is more valuable than suede, but at the same time, it is much more delicate and requires more care. To clean leather tactical boots, you can follow the same procedure described for boots with a suede upper.
The main difference in care is the type of product that should be applied after washing and drying the boots.
Full-grain leather is a material that needs to be nourished, and we especially recommend using full-grain leather wax. This type of product protects the leather, covers abrasions and scratches, and revitalizes the color of the surface. After applying the wax, the leather may darken, so before applying to the entire boot, you may want to test a small, inconspicuous area of the boot. To apply the wax, simply use a cloth and spread the product well over the full-grain leather parts.
We recommend familiarizing yourself with the wax manufacturer's instructions to find out how often you should apply wax to your boots.
How to Clean Synthetic Boots
Synthetic tactical boots are very lightweight and durable, but they require proper care to last a long time. The procedure for cleaning boots with a synthetic upper is the same as for suede boots, and it does not involve additional precautions. One of the advantages of synthetic boots is that they dry very quickly and can therefore be ready for use just a few hours after washing. However, we recommend removing the insoles and unlacing the boots to allow any accumulated sweat inside to dry.
If you wish, you can spray a waterproofing/impregnating agent after cleaning the shoes. This will repel both mud and water for a while.
A Quick Guide to Drying Footwear
- Leave the boots unlaced and allow them to dry in a well-ventilated area.
- Never dry boots near heat sources (stoves, bonfires, heaters, or hair dryers) or in direct sunlight, as the sole materials and glues can dry out and be damaged.
- Allow the boots to dry even if you haven't used water, as the inner lining may have absorbed sweat.
- Once the boots are dry, store them in a dry place, preferably in their original box.
- For boots with a waterproof membrane, regularly apply a waterproofing spray to extend the life of the membrane.
Conclusion
Our collection of military boots is built from tactical boot manufacturers and models that have already stood the test of time and various users. However, it is important to understand that subjecting boots to increased loads also requires more frequent maintenance than everyday casual footwear.
Looking for suitable boots or care products?
Browse our range of tactical boots and shoe care products, or visit us in person in Ādaži or Kadaga.
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