Caring For Your Sebago Schooners: A Guide

Sebago Schooner boat shoes are a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and functional footwear option. Made from premium leather and featuring a hand-sewn moccasin construction, these shoes offer both durability and comfort. To maintain your Sebago Schooner boat shoes and ensure their longevity, it is important to follow proper care practices. Here are some tips to help you keep your Sebago Schooner boat shoes in optimal condition:

- Break them in: Initially, wear your new boat shoes for a few days to break them in and achieve the perfect fit.

- Saltwater weathering: For a quicker break-in, submerge your shoes in saltwater for a few hours to help remove the topcoat and soften the leather.

- Cleaning: Use a soft cloth dipped in leather cleaner or mild dish soap solution to wipe away any dirt and debris. Avoid using any cleaners containing acid or detergents.

- Drying: After cleaning, rinse the shoes and let them air dry naturally. Avoid soaking them in water for extended periods.

- Conditioning: Apply mink oil or a leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and water resistance of the leather. For darker shoes, mink oil is recommended, while spray silicone can be used on lighter-colored leather.

- Protection: To protect your shoes from water and slipping on smooth boat surfaces, ensure they are properly conditioned and cleaned.

Cleaning with a soft cloth and leather cleaner or mild dish soap solution

To maintain your Sebago Schooner boat shoes, it is important to keep them clean. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your leather shoes with a soft cloth and leather cleaner or a mild dish soap solution:

• Prepare your work area and the shoes: Lay out some newspaper or a towel that you don't mind getting dirty. This will make cleaning up any mess easier and protect your work surface. Then, remove the shoelaces. You can put them in the washing machine or replace them if they are dirty.
• Brush off any dirt or debris: Use a soft cloth or a brush to remove any loose dirt, mud, or salt from the shoe's leather surfaces. Pay attention to scuffs and scrapes to avoid damage. Brushing off dirt regularly will make it easier to buff and polish your leather shoes.
• Use a leather cleaner or mild soap solution to clean the shoes: Dip a soft cloth or a soft shoe brush into water and mix it with a small amount of leather cleaner or mild soap. You can also use saddle soap, which is ideal for removing tough stains, scuff marks, or build-ups of wax and polish. Gently wipe the exterior surfaces of the leather shoes. Be careful not to get the leather too wet. If you are using saddle soap, wet the sponge with a couple of drops of water and begin to scrub it into the leather with light pressure.
• Remove the soap or cleaner: Once all the stains are removed, use a dry cloth to wipe away any soap or cleaner residue. Wait for the shoes to dry before proceeding to the next step. This might take 20 minutes to an hour.
• Condition the leather (optional): Leather conditioner helps protect your shoes from stains and adds shine. You can skip this step if you are using saddle soap, as it already contains conditioner. Apply a small amount of conditioner to your fingers or a cotton cloth and work it into the leather in small circles. Allow the conditioner to soak into the pores of the leather, rather than forming thick layers on top.
• Buff the shoes: After the conditioner has soaked into the leather, use a soft cloth or buffing brush to shine the shoes with short, steady swipes.
• Let the shoes dry: Allow your shoes to air-dry completely in an open space away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Do not place them in the sun or near a heater, as this can cause the leather to fade, crack, or become discoloured.

By following these steps, you will be able to effectively clean and maintain your Sebago Schooner boat shoes, ensuring they look good and last for years.

Rinsing and air-drying

Rinsing:

• After wearing your boat shoes, especially on beaches or boats, it's important to rinse them with cold water.
• Use a soft cloth dipped in mild dish soap or a leather cleaner to wipe down your shoes gently. Avoid using any cleaner that contains acid or detergents as these can damage the leather.
• Ensure you remove all dirt and debris. Pay extra attention to the soles and crevices of the shoes, as these areas can accumulate dirt.
• Once you've wiped down the shoes, give them a quick rinse. You can use a spray attachment on your kitchen sink for this step. Avoid soaking the shoes in water for extended periods.

Air-drying:

• After rinsing, let your boat shoes air-dry. Place them in a well-ventilated area, preferably away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• If the interior of the shoes becomes moist or wet, remove the insoles and let them air-dry separately. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure the insoles dry thoroughly.
• You can stuff the shoes with newspaper to help maintain their shape while drying, although this is not necessary.
• Ensure that both the shoes and insoles are completely dry before wearing them again.

By properly rinsing and air-drying your Sebago Schooner boat shoes, you'll help extend their lifespan and keep them looking their best. Remember always to use mild cleaning products and avoid excessive water exposure when caring for your leather boat shoes.

Applying mink oil or leather conditioner

Mink oil and leather conditioner are great for maintaining your Sebago Schooner boat shoes. They help the shoes stay water-resistant, and mink oil, in particular, makes the leather more supple.

If you have a darker pair of boat shoes, mink oil is recommended. It tends to darken lighter-coloured leather and gives it a nice patina. If you have lighter-coloured leather, you may want to use a spray silicone to make your shoes water-resistant instead.

Apply the conditioner before wearing your boat shoes for the first time. You can then apply it before each boating season.

To apply mink oil or leather conditioner:

• Clean your boat shoes with 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 all dirt and debris.
• Rinse the shoes and let them air dry. Do not soak them in water; just give them a quick rinse.
• Apply the mink oil or leather conditioner to your shoes.
• Allow the conditioner to absorb overnight.
• If you are using a wax-based conditioner, wipe off any excess product the next day.

Weathering with saltwater

Saltwater is known to have an impact on leather, and there are a few methods to help maintain your Sebago Schooner boat shoes if they come into contact with it. Firstly, it is important to understand that saltwater can be beneficial to leather boat shoes, giving them a unique, seasoned look over time. In addition, saltwater can help keep your laces tied for longer.

If your boat shoes are exposed to saltwater, it is recommended that you rinse them with clean, potable water to remove any excess salt. This will help prevent the salt from damaging the leather. You can then towel dry the shoes and let them air dry naturally. Avoid using heat to dry them, as this can cause further damage.

To speed up the drying process, you can place your shoes in a well-ventilated area or use a fan. Newspaper can also be placed inside the shoes to absorb any remaining moisture and help maintain their shape, although this is not necessary.

To further protect your boat shoes, you can treat them with a leather conditioner or oil, such as mink oil or a product like Lexol. These products will help maintain the suppleness and water resistance of the leather. It is recommended to apply the conditioner or oil prior to the first use of the shoes and then regularly before each boating season.

If your boat shoes have metal eyelets, be aware that saltwater can cause them to oxidize and turn green over time. To prevent this, you can treat the eyelets with a metal polish or wax to create a protective barrier.

By following these steps, you can help maintain and protect your Sebago Schooner boat shoes from the effects of saltwater exposure, ensuring their longevity and keeping them looking their best.

Using ortholite cushioned sock lining

The OrthoLite sockliner is a great addition to your Sebago Schooner boat shoes. This innovative insole technology provides a range of benefits that will enhance your footwear experience.

Firstly, OrthoLite foam is designed to provide long-term cushioning. Unlike traditional foam, OrthoLite foam compresses less than 5% over its lifetime, ensuring that the cushioning, fit, comfort and performance of your boat shoes remain consistent. This is especially important for boat shoes, as they need to provide stable support and comfort during maritime activities.

The OrthoLite sockliner also offers moisture management and breathability. The unique open-cell structure of the foam helps move moisture away, providing a cooler, drier and healthier environment for your feet. This feature is crucial in boat shoes, as they are often exposed to seawater and wet conditions. The high level of breathability, with 95% to 100% breathability, ensures constant air circulation, keeping your feet comfortable and dry.

Additionally, OrthoLite foam is extremely lightweight, enhancing your performance with its airy comfort. The lightweight property of the sockliner is advantageous for boat shoes, as it adds minimal weight to your footwear, making it easier to move around on boats or docks.

OrthoLite insoles are also machine washable. You can maintain the comfort and performance benefits of the sockliner by washing it, ensuring that your boat shoes remain in optimal condition.

The OrthoLite sockliner technology is a great choice for your Sebago Schooner boat shoes, providing enhanced comfort, performance and stability. By utilising this technology, you can fully enjoy your maritime adventures with confidence in the durability and support of your footwear.

Frequently asked questions