Leather, EVA, PU, Nylon, Rubber, PVC... whether you own safety shoes, waterproof boots or winter boots, each material requires specific care.
Here's a simple guide on how to care for the different types of materials commonly used in our footwear to extend their life and maintain their effectiveness.
Maintenance guide 101
1. Cleaning
- Before you start, remove the laces for a thorough cleaning.
- Use a soft damp cloth to remove dirt, debris, mud and stains from the surface and outsole. A soft brush can also be used.
2. Use Appropriate Products
- Leather: Use a specific wax for the type of leather of your footwear to maintain flexibility and avoid cracking. Never use products containing silicone. It is not necessary to apply a protector to previously treated leathers with sealed seams. Be careful with water when cleaning: too much water can cause the leather to dry out and crack.
There are 2 types of leather wax:
- Boot cream: nourishing care, penetrates leather more easily, for robust leather. This is the most popular and widely used wax.
- Boot paste: Prevents drying out, waterproofing, greasy, shines. It is mainly composed of wax.
Our leather types
Full-grain leather
Oiled leather / Helcor leather
Nubuck leather
Italian leather
Classic leather
- EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate): Molded in a single piece, EVA has no joints and is therefore 100% waterproof. Air-dry away from a heat source such as a radiator or wood-burning stove.
- PU (polyurethane): Durable, avoid extended exposure to sunlight. Clean with mild soap. Air dry.
- Nylon: Clean with mild soap. Use a waterproofing spray if necessary and avoid rough surfaces to prevent damage.
- Rubber: Avoid using aggressive chemicals such as detergents or alcohol to wash rubber boots. Do not apply protective products. Store in a dark place, neither too dry nor too damp. Rubber can degrade under the effect of the sun's UV rays, so avoid extended exposure.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride): PVC retains its properties well, but it can melt in high-temperature situations, so be careful.
- Felt: Felt can be washed in the washing machine on delicate mode. Then leave to air-dry.
Psst... Don't forget the hygiene of your insoles! Remove removable insoles and let them air out. Use a soft bristle brush and mild soap to scrub the insoles. To neutralize odors, apply a deodorant. Replace worn insoles with original ones for greater comfort.
3. Drying
- Always air-dry in a dry and ventilated area.
- Remove laces, insoles and felts for complete drying.
CONCLUSION
Buying safety footwear can be expensive, but over time, if you do shoe care with the right products and in the right way, you maximize your chances of them lasting a longer time.