Caring For Boat Shoes: A Guide To Longevity

Boat shoes are a stylish and comfortable option for a day on the yacht or boat, but they require care and maintenance to keep them in top shape. The process of breaking in a new pair of boat shoes can be uncomfortable, and the stiff build of leather boat shoes can make them particularly tough to break in. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can speed up the process and ensure your boat shoes remain comfortable and durable for years to come.

Use salt water to weather new boat shoes

Salt water is a great way to weather new boat shoes and make them more comfortable. The salt helps to remove the topcoat of the shoe and softens the leather, giving it a more relaxed and worn-in look and feel.

To do this, you'll need a flat plastic box or bucket that is long enough to accommodate your pair of boat shoes horizontally. Place the shoes inside the box with the sole flat on the bottom. Fill the box with enough saltwater so that it reaches the top of the boat shoe. Ensure that the water does not reach the interior of the shoe. If it does, empty some of the water and try again. Let your boat shoes sit in the saltwater for at least 4 hours.

Once the time is up, remove your boat shoes from the saltwater and rinse them with cold water. Let them air dry. If the interior is moist or wet, remove the insole and let it air dry separately.

This method will help you break in your new boat shoes and make them more comfortable and flexible. It's a long-standing technique used by boaters to weather their shoes and improve their fit.

However, it's important to note that saltwater can cause damage to leather shoes if not properly cared for. Always make sure to rinse and dry your shoes thoroughly after exposure to saltwater and consider using a leather conditioner or mink oil to maintain their suppleness and water resistance.

Clean leather boat shoes with a mild solution

Leather boat shoes are an investment, and with just a little bit of care, they can be comfortable and durable for years. Here is a guide on how to clean leather boat shoes with a mild solution:

Firstly, it is important to note that leather boat shoes should not be washed in a washing machine. The leather will deteriorate and lose its natural oils as a result of this. Instead, use a mild solution to clean the shoes.

To clean your leather boat shoes, start by removing any caked-on dirt with a soft-bristled brush. Using a soft toothbrush or a bristle brush, gently brush away any dirt, dust, or debris. Brush the leather with soft strokes in the same direction to avoid leaving scars on the leather. It is recommended to use a rubber-bristled brush rather than a nylon-bristled brush as this will be easier on your shoes.

Next, make a mild cleaning solution with water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Avoid using too much soap as this may be difficult to remove and could leave a residue. Dip a soft microfiber cloth into the solution and wring it out so that it is damp, not wet. Use the cloth to clean your shoes, applying firm pressure while rubbing in a circular motion to remove residual dirt and scuffs. Be careful not to get the leather too damp, as excessive moisture can make the leather fibres less supple.

Once you have finished cleaning the shoes, dry them with another microfiber cloth, using the same circular motion as before. Continue wiping until your shoes are completely dry.

Finally, to condition the leather, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner to your shoes using a soft cloth. Allow the conditioner to absorb into the shoe for 10-20 minutes, then remove any excess with a dry section of the cloth.

By following these steps, you can keep your leather boat shoes looking their best and extend their lifespan.

Avoid direct heat when drying leather shoes

Leather shoes can be tricky to dry, and direct heat from sources such as hair dryers or radiators can cause more harm than good. The heat can dry out the natural oils in the leather, causing it to crack and become irreparably damaged over time. Therefore, it is best to avoid direct heat when drying leather shoes.

Instead, opt for air-drying your shoes. This method may take 24 to 48 hours, depending on the thickness of the leather and how wet the shoes are. Place the shoes in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This will ensure that the leather dries evenly and helps prevent cracking or warping.

If you need to speed up the drying process, you can stuff the shoes with newspaper, paper towels, or scrap paper. These absorbent materials will help draw out moisture from the inside while helping the shoes retain their shape. You can also wrap the newspaper around the outside of the shoes to absorb exterior moisture. Just be sure to replace the newspaper with fresh, dry sheets every 1 to 2 hours.

Another option for quicker drying is to use a portable fan. Hang the shoes in front of the fan, ensuring that the interior of the shoe is facing the airflow. This will push air into and over the shoe, drying it more rapidly. As with the previous method, be sure to condition and polish your shoes if they appear dried out after drying.

In summary, avoid direct heat when drying leather shoes to prevent damage. Instead, opt for air-drying or use absorbent materials like newspaper to speed up the process. With proper care, your leather shoes will last for years to come.

Use a toothbrush and water to scrub canvas boat shoes

Canvas boat shoes are the simplest type of boat shoes to clean, but they are also the most susceptible to dirt, grime, and everyday wear and tear. To scrub your canvas boat shoes, you will need a toothbrush and some water.

Firstly, dip the toothbrush in water and use it to scrub away any stains on the canvas. You can also use dedicated canvas shoe cleaners if you want to be more thorough. A mixture of water and white vinegar can also be used as a cleaning agent. However, avoid using any direct, concentrated heat to dry the shoes, as this can cause the material to stiffen and crack.

After scrubbing, rinse the shoes with water and let them air dry. Avoid soaking the shoes in water, and instead, give them a quick rinse. You can use the spray attachment on your kitchen sink for this.

Additionally, to maintain the shape of your canvas boat shoes, you can put newspaper inside them while they dry.

Use foot powder to absorb sweat and odour

Boat shoes are notoriously difficult to break in and keep clean. They can also get pretty nasty, with sweat and odour building up over time. To keep your boat shoes in top shape, it's important to care for both the insides and the outsides of the shoes.

One of the most effective ways to absorb sweat and reduce unwanted odours is to use medicated foot powder. Foot powders can be messy to apply, so it's recommended to be careful when applying them, as they can make surfaces very slippery when mixed with water. If you're not a fan of the traditional powder application, there are also spray can options available for a mess-free experience.

Experiment with different brands of foot powder to find the one that works best for you. For example, Gold Bond is a popular brand that offers a "friction defence" stick, which is a wide-set chapstick dispenser for your feet and can help reduce friction and prevent blisters.

In addition to foot powder, replacing the insoles of your boat shoes once or twice a season can help keep them fresh and comfortable. Terrycloth insoles are a good option, as they are thin enough to not affect the sizing of your shoes, while still providing adequate absorption.

By following these tips and taking care of both the interior and exterior of your boat shoes, you can extend their lifespan and ensure they remain in top condition.

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