How to Care for Winter Boots

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.
FACT: Eskimos traditionally made boots from caribou hide.