Keep Your Sperry Boat Shoes Afloat With These Tips

Sperry boat shoes are an iconic and timeless choice for men, offering both high-performance and high-style. However, the rubber soles of these shoes have been known to harden and lose their grip over time, which can be dangerous for wearers. While the cause of this issue is not fully understood, it is believed to be due to the rubber formulation and the age of the shoes. To prolong the life of your Sperrys, it is recommended to wear them often, treat the leather with a conditioner, and replace the insoles. Additionally, wearing no-show socks can help with odour protection and comfort. If your Sperrys do start to harden, you can try sanding the soles or using a mixture of methyl salicylate and isopropyl alcohol to soften the rubber.

Use a mixture of methyl salicylate and isopropyl alcohol to soften the rubber soles

To keep your Sperry boat shoes in good condition, you'll need to prevent the soles from hardening. This can be done by limiting their exposure to heat, oils, and oxygen. Keeping them in a cool, dry, dark place, like a refrigerator, can also help.

If your soles have already hardened, you can try softening them with a mixture of methyl salicylate and isopropyl alcohol. This method is best for industrial or mechanical rubber parts, but it can be used on shoe soles that can be easily removed and reattached.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Remove the rubber soles from your Sperrys.
• Clean the soles thoroughly with warm water and a clean cloth. Avoid using detergents or solvents as they can degrade the rubber.
• Prepare the softening solution by mixing three parts isopropyl alcohol (also known as isopropanol) to one part methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen). Wear safety glasses and gloves during this process as methyl salicylate can be toxic.
• Submerge the rubber soles completely in the solution and seal the container.
• Check the soles regularly. It may take a few hours or several days to see results.
• Once the soles have softened to your desired level, remove them from the solution and wipe them with a clean cloth.
• Allow the soles to air dry. The wintergreen smell will dissipate over time.

Please note that while this method can help soften the rubber, it is also slowly damaging it. Additionally, the softened soles may not last long, and the rubber will eventually harden again.

Protect the soles from drying out and cracking by treating them with Sperry Leather Cleaner and Conditioner

To protect the soles of your Sperry boat shoes from drying out and cracking, it is recommended that you treat them with Sperry Leather Cleaner and Conditioner. This product is designed to clean and prolong the life of all types of smooth and oiled leather footwear. It is important to note that leather tends to dry out over time, so taking preventative measures is key.

• Shake the bottle of Sperry Leather Cleaner and Conditioner well before use.
• Apply the product to a damp, soft rag, sponge, or soft-bristle brush.
• Smoothly and evenly apply the product to the soles of your Sperry boat shoes.
• Use a clean, dry rag to wipe away any excess moisture and dirt.
• Allow the shoes to air-dry overnight, avoiding direct sunlight.

By following these steps, you will help prevent your Sperry boat shoe soles from drying out and cracking. It is important to incorporate this treatment into your regular shoe care routine to maintain the condition of your shoes.

In addition to using the Sperry Leather Cleaner and Conditioner, there are a few other tips to keep in mind when caring for your Sperry boat shoes:

• Wear your new leather boat shoes frequently when the leather is most pliable, as this will help them mould to the shape of your feet.
• Ensure you are wearing the correct size to allow your feet to be comfortable, with room to wiggle your toes and a snug fit to prevent them from falling off.
• Consider whether you will be wearing socks with your boat shoes, as this will impact how they mould to your feet. Socks will make the shoes feel tighter and may stretch the leather.
• Avoid direct, concentrated heat when drying your leather boat shoes, as it can stiffen and crack the material.

By following these tips and regularly treating your Sperry boat shoe soles with Sperry Leather Cleaner and Conditioner, you can help protect them from drying out and cracking, ensuring they remain in top condition.

Wear your Sperrys often when they're new so the leather moulds to the shape of your feet

Wearing your Sperrys often when they're new is a great way to ensure the leather moulds to the shape of your feet. This is because, when they're new, the leather is at its most pliable, so it will quickly take on the shape of your feet. If you don't wear them often when they're new, it may impact how well they mould to your feet.

To help break in your Sperrys, you could try wearing thick socks with your shoes. The heavy material of the socks will help the shoe take on the natural shape of your foot. You could also try loosening the knots of your shoelaces to prevent excess friction.

It's worth noting that classic leather Sperrys are easier to break in than textiles or synthetic leather. This is because Sperry leather shoes are typically unlined, so there isn't an extra layer that needs to take shape.

If you're experiencing pain when breaking in your Sperrys, you could try using a friction-block stick or Band-Aids to separate the surface of your skin from the hard material of the shoe.

If your shoes are made of synthetic materials, get your normal size as they won't stretch

If your Sperry boat shoes are made of synthetic materials, you should buy them in your normal size as they won't stretch over time. This is in contrast to Sperry's leather boat shoes, which are made of hand-sewn leather moccasin construction and will mould to your foot over time. Therefore, if you're buying leather Sperrys, it's recommended to buy a half size down from your regular size.

When breaking in your new Sperry boat shoes, it's a good idea to wear them often, especially when the leather is most pliable and new. This will help the shoes mould to the shape of your feet. If you wear your new boat shoes less often, it may impact how fast and how well they mould to your feet.

It's also worth noting that wearing socks with your boat shoes will make them feel tighter, as they add an extra layer to your feet and may stretch the leather. If you break in your boat shoes wearing socks and then switch to wearing them barefoot, they might feel loose. No-show socks can be a good compromise, providing added comfort and odour protection without making the shoes feel too tight.

To prevent odour, wear no-show socks with your Sperrys

Boat shoes are a stylish way to go sockless in the summer, but they can get pretty nasty. To prevent odour, wear no-show socks with your Sperrys.

While it may seem counterintuitive to wear socks with boat shoes, doing so can help to prevent odour and extend the life of your shoes. No-show socks are low-cut socks that won't be visible above your shoes. They can help to absorb sweat and prevent the build-up of moisture, which can lead to odour and bacteria.

In addition to wearing no-show socks, there are a few other things you can do to prevent odour in your Sperrys. Firstly, make sure to wear the right size shoe. If your shoes are too tight, your feet will sweat more, leading to odour. You can also try using medicated foot powder to absorb sweat and mask odour. Replacing the insoles once or twice a season can also help to keep your shoes fresh. Finally, make sure to clean your shoes regularly, as dirt and grime can contribute to odour.

By following these tips, you can help keep your Sperrys smelling fresh and extend their lifespan.

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