Boat Shoe Maintenance: To Polish Or Not?

Boat shoes are a type of footwear designed for boating and other outdoor activities. They are typically made from leather or suede and are known for their casual, weathered appearance. While some people choose to polish their boat shoes to maintain their appearance and extend their lifespan, others believe that polishing boat shoes goes against their intended purpose and casual nature. In this debate, various methods for cleaning, conditioning, and protecting boat shoes are discussed, with some favouring a more natural weathering process and others opting for specific products like leather conditioners, shoe trees, and salt water baths.

Pros and cons of polishing boat shoes

Boat shoes are a type of footwear designed for both water and shore wear, offering protection and comfort. They are made from leather or suede and are known for their durability and water resistance. While some people choose to polish their boat shoes, others believe that polishing goes against the casual nature of boat shoes. This article will explore the pros and cons of polishing boat shoes to help you decide whether or not it is the right choice for you.

Pros of Polishing Boat Shoes:

• Polishing can help to replenish the oils in the leather, keeping it supple and extending the life of the shoes. This is especially important if you wear your boat shoes in all weather conditions, as the leather can dry out.
• Polishing can improve the appearance of boat shoes, making them look well-maintained and shiny. This may be preferred by those who want their boat shoes to look neat and tidy.
• Polishing can help to protect the leather from scratches and scuffs, keeping the shoes looking newer for longer.

Cons of Polishing Boat Shoes:

• Polishing boat shoes may be seen as unnecessary or even contradictory to their intended use. Boat shoes are meant to be casual and are expected to endure seawater, salt, and sun. Some believe that polishing goes against the relaxed nature of boat shoes.
• Polishing boat shoes can be time-consuming and require specific products, such as shoe polish, mink oil, or leather conditioner. This may be inconvenient for those who do not have the time or inclination to maintain their boat shoes regularly.
• Polished boat shoes may be slippery on boat decks, which could be a safety hazard. Additionally, the polish could potentially rub off on the boat's surfaces, causing stains.

Ultimately, the decision to polish boat shoes is a matter of personal preference. Those who prioritise the appearance and longevity of their boat shoes may choose to polish them, while those who prefer a more casual and low-maintenance approach may opt to simply clean and condition their boat shoes as needed.

How to clean boat shoes

Boat shoes are typically made of leather or canvas and require different cleaning approaches. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean your boat shoes:

Cleaning Leather Boat Shoes:

• Remove caked-on dirt and dust with a soft-bristled brush. Use a rubber-bristled brush instead of a nylon one as it is gentler on the leather.
• Create a cleaning solution by mixing water and mild dish soap.
• Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and use it to clean your shoes. Apply firm pressure and rub in a circular motion to remove dirt and scuffs. Avoid getting the leather too wet, as this can damage the leather fibres.
• Wipe your shoes dry with another microfiber cloth, using the same circular motion.
• Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner to your shoes and let it absorb for 10-20 minutes. Then, remove the excess with a dry cloth.
• Shine your shoes with shoe polish, using a soft cloth to apply it in a clockwise motion. Use a separate cloth to remove the polish in a counterclockwise motion.
• Buff your shoes with a microfiber cloth, applying direct pressure. For extra shine, add a few drops of water to the cloth.

Cleaning Canvas Boat Shoes:

• Mix warm water and liquid detergent in a bucket. If you don't have liquid detergent, you can use powdered detergent.
• Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution and scrub your shoes. Avoid submerging the shoes completely to prevent mildew.
• Rinse your shoes with warm water, using a soft cloth to wipe away any soap residue.
• If stains remain, put your shoes in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cool water and a small amount of laundry detergent.
• Air-dry your shoes in the sun, removing the insoles to dry separately. Stuff your shoes with newspaper to preserve their shape.

Additional Tips for Boat Shoe Care:

• It is recommended to clean your shoes daily for minimal upkeep.
• When drying your boat shoes, avoid direct sunlight as it can cause the leather to crack and fade.
• To deodorize your shoes, sprinkle baking soda onto the insoles and let it sit for several hours before dumping out the excess.
• To maintain the shape of your shoes, some people use shoe trees, but others argue that boat shoes should be allowed to develop a worn, casual look.

How to weather boat shoes

Boat shoes are the perfect footwear for a day of sailing or yachting. They are designed to protect passengers from slipping on the smooth, slick boat surfaces and to keep the sailor's feet dry.

To weather your boat shoes, you can use the following method to break them in and give them a more worn-out look in a shorter amount of time. Take a flat plastic container that can fit your pair of boat shoes horizontally and fill it with saltwater, ensuring the water level doesn't reach the interior of the shoes. Let your shoes sit in the saltwater for at least 4 hours. The saltwater will help remove the topcoat of the shoe and soften the leather, giving it a more relaxed and worn-out look. After soaking, simply rinse the shoes with cold water and let them air-dry.

To maintain your boat shoes, it is important to use the right products to ensure they remain in good condition and are protected from the elements. Before wearing your new leather boat shoes, dust them to prepare the leather for maintenance. Then, clean them with a soft brush to remove any daily dirt and stains. Finish by polishing the shoes to breathe new life into the leather. Be careful to choose a polish that is either the same colour as your shoes or a natural translucent polish to avoid discolouration.

To clean your boat shoes, use a soft cloth dipped in leather cleaner or a mild dish soap solution. Avoid using any cleaner that contains acid or detergents. Wipe the shoes with the damp cloth to remove dirt and debris, then rinse and let them air-dry. Avoid soaking the shoes in water. To maintain their shape, you can fill the shoes with newspaper, or use shoe trees. To make your boat shoes more water-resistant, apply mink oil or a leather conditioner. For darker-coloured shoes, mink oil is recommended, while a spray silicone is more suitable for lighter-coloured shoes.

For cold weather, there are several options for boat shoes that provide warmth and comfort. Insulated rubber duck boots, such as LaCrosse Burley's or Muck Boots, are recommended for colder climates. Xtratufs are also a popular choice, known as the gold standard in the Alaska fishing industry. For milder winters, insulated Crocs with thick socks can also do the trick.

How to maintain boat shoes

Boat shoes are the perfect footwear for a relaxing day on a yacht or boat. They are designed with the wear-and-tear of sailing life in mind, with non-marking rubber soles that provide traction on a wet deck and durable stitching.

Breaking in Your Boat Shoes

To get your boat shoes to fit at the ultimate comfort level, you'll want to take a couple of days to break them in. Many boaters swear that the more seawater, salt, and sun their boat shoes endure, the more comfortable they feel. A long-standing method of breaking in boat shoes in a shorter amount of time involves soaking them in saltwater for at least four hours. The saltwater will help remove the topcoat of the boat shoe and soften the leather for a more relaxed and worn-in fit. After soaking, rinse the shoes with cold water and let them air dry.

Cleaning and Protecting Your Boat Shoes

To protect your boat shoes, you should clean them with a soft cloth dipped in a mild dish soap solution or a soft brush to remove dirt and debris. It is not recommended to use any cleaner that contains acid or detergents on leather. After cleaning, rinse the shoes and let them air dry. Do not soak the shoes in water, and avoid using a dryer.

To maintain the shape of your boat shoes, you can put newspaper or shoe trees inside them, although this is not necessary.

To keep your boat shoes water-resistant, you can treat them with mink oil, leather shoe oil, or a leather conditioner. Mink oil is recommended for darker-colored boat shoes, as it tends to darken lighter-colored leather. For lighter-colored leather, you can use a spray silicone to make the shoes water-resistant. It is best to apply the conditioner before wearing the shoes for the first time and then again before each boating season.

Storing Your Boat Shoes

Keep your boat shoes in a safe place, protected from temperature changes and humidity.

Wearing Your Boat Shoes

Boat shoes are preppy and coastal by nature, so it's best to lean into those vibes. They work well with chino pants or shorts, linen shirts, or loose-fitting crew neck tees. When wearing boat shoes, avoid visible socks. Instead, opt for invisible ankle socks or go sockless, but be prepared for possible blisters, odor, and sweat damage to your shoes.

How to dry boat shoes

Boat shoes are designed to be durable and withstand water, so there's no need to panic if they get wet. In fact, many boaters swear that the more seawater, salt, and sun their boat shoes endure, the more comfortable they feel.

• Start by removing any excess moisture with a clean, dry towel. Be careful not to rub suede shoes too forcefully, as this could smudge the dye.
• Take out the insoles and let them dry separately. This will help your shoes dry faster and prevent the insoles from deteriorating due to frequent exposure to water.
• To maintain the shape of your shoes while they dry, stuff them with newspaper or a rolled-up pair of socks.
• Place your shoes in a cool, dry place to air dry. Leather shoes, in particular, should not be dried using direct heat, as this can cause cracking, flaking, and shrinkage.
• If you want to speed up the drying process, you can put your shoes in front of a fan or in a sunny spot outdoors. Just be careful not to leave them for too long, as the sun can cause discolouration.
• Once your shoes are completely dry, treat them with a leather protectant or conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple and to add a mild waterproofing layer.

Remember, it's best to avoid packing your boat shoes while they're still wet, as this can trap moisture and lead to mildew. So, if you're out on the water, let them air dry in the sun or towel them off as best you can before storing them.

Frequently asked questions