How to keep your shoes in perfect condition in any weather

Keep your shoes in perfect condition in any weather by cleaning them regularly. Footwear is bound to experience wear and tear. If proper care is taken, your gear can face the elements for years. Better still, when you invest in boots made from the finest raw materials, they are built to last.

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Whatever the weather, tackle it all by cleaning and polishing your boots regularly. 

When it comes to caring for leather boots, whether a classic Chelsea boot or the Timberland original 6-inch boot, never throw them in the washing machine. For suede, nubuck and canvas materials, be sure to clean and condition with speciality products made for the material. For more oiled, waxed, smooth and pebbled leather, a layer of polish can go a long way to lift scuff marks. 


How do you clean walking boots?

The best way to clean walking boots is to hold them under warm water and scrub very gently with a soft brush. If your new boots are soaked in water stains, dampen the affected area to eradicate pesky watermarks by encouraging a uniform dry. 

Remember to dislodge dirt before soaking your boots. For built-up grime, you can use a bit of washing up liquid or a relevant cleaning product as a solution. For salt stains, use a mixture of vinegar and water and then wipe away any surface residue. While grease stains are even more daunting, an absorbent powder can do the trick. 

 

How do you clean white trainers?

Are you wondering how to get your trainers sparkling white again? White trainers can be tricky, but you can bring them back to life with a bit of cleaning liquid. Soon enough, your favourite pair of shoes will look like new. 

  • Step 1: Remove excess mud. Bang the soles together to remove excess dirt. For more stubborn clumps of mud, use a knife or horsehair brush to dislodge caked-on grime with ease.

  • Step 2: Clean the surface. Gently wipe the surface of your trainers with a damp cloth and a drop of washing up liquid. For tougher stains, use a combination of baking soda and water, and work the paste onto the affected area.

  • Step 3: Scrub rubber or leather soles. Wipe the soles of your shoes and the toecaps. For smooth surfaces, a simple cloth will suffice. For more textured rubber, try using an old toothbrush for a deeper clean.

  • Step 4: Soak the laces. Brightening up the laces is key to a crisp, white look. Simply unthread from your trainers and soak separately in a strong cleaning solution for at least 15 minutes. 

  • Step 5: Air-dry naturally. Once you’ve restored your trainers to their original shine, stuff some newspaper or tissue into the shoes to soak up excess moisture.

  • Step 6: Spray, protect, repeat. Before you head out the door, spray your shined shoes with a protector to keep them white on your next adventure.

How to polish leather shoes

When it comes to leather shoes, protection and prevention is key to prolonging the life of your product. In addition to regular cleaning and using a Water & Stain Repellent, be sure to stop dirt build-up by polishing your shoes on a regular basis. 

Here’s how to polish your shoes to give them the best shine:

  • Brush down the shoes: Use a damp cloth or a shoe brush in order to prepare the surface area.

  • Apply the polish: Gently apply the cream polish (or wax polish) to the shoes with a soft, clean rag. 

  • Brush away excess polish: We recommend brushing with a horsehair brush quickly and repeatedly. To guarantee an even look, only brush in one direction so that the polish can fully sink into the leather. 

  • Buff before you head out: Then, use another soft cloth to add a final bit of shine to the surface. Be sure to insert a shoe tree to help maintain shape when not in use.

  • Protect: Use a protective shoe spray to prolong the result of your polishing.

 

How to clean leather shoes 

Are you wondering how to wash leather shoes? The first step towards caring for your Timberlands is learning to handle the unexpected dirt the elements will throw your way. With a bit of advanced knowledge, you can make sure stubborn stains don’t stick around.

 

How To: Clean Your Boots | Timberland

Our guide on how to clean Timberland boots offers top tips on how to look after our leather, suede and nubuck styles to prolong their lifespan.

How To Clean & Protect Your Timberland Boots: A Guide

To remove dirt from leather boots, lightly brush your boots down to lift salt and excess mud. Then, clean the surface evenly with a soft sponge soaked in soapy water. Use saddle soap a few times a year for a deeper clean. Gently dry with a towel and leave them to dry naturally overnight in a ventilated area.

 

Keeping clean whatever the weather

Whatever the weather throws at you, you should now be fairly confident in keeping your shoes and boots in tip-top condition. It might even be worth considering a Shoe Care Travel Kit to maintain your footwear while on the move. 

Come rain or shine, keep your Timberland boots, shoes, and accessories at their best with the right product care. Then, seek out tough terrain from day one.

Now your boots are squeaky clean and good as new, find out how to style them.

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