Boots should be stored clean, dry and properly dressed. Our red mud, and especially the acidic soils of the southern Appalacians, can rot leather footwear and should be removed upon return from a trip. Running water and a stiff brush is sufficient. Sweat and salts should be rinsed from the interior as well (remove insoles and wash separately) Stuff shoes with newspaper, replacing as it becomes damp to the touch, and reshape the wet shoes to normal shape. Air dry, never in the sun, and never, never, never over a heat source like a fire or heating vent.

If your choice of boot dressing is old fashioned petroleum or animal based grease (SnoSeal, SnowPruf, Peccard’s or Mink Oil, be sure the boot is totally dry before dressing. If using a modern water based dressing like NikWax, the dressing will “follow” the wet parts of the boot like creases to put more dressing where it is needed. Any of these dressings will help protect the uppers of your boots. Keep in mind that it is impossible to “waterproof” leather boots; “waterproof leather boots” are silicone impregnated, painted with latex on the inner surface, or incorporates a waterproof bootie between the leather and the lining. None of these are “breatheable” unless the liner is Gore-tex. It is still necessary to dress Gore-tex lined leather and fabric/leather boots to keep the upper materials from rotting.