Protecting Your Sperry Boat Shoes: Tips And Tricks

Sperry boat shoes are a popular and long-lasting brand of boat shoes. They are typically made of leather or canvas and have a non-marking rubber sole. While they are rugged and durable, they require some care and maintenance to keep them in good condition. This includes regular cleaning and protecting them from water damage, as moisture can negatively affect the lifespan of the shoes. One way to protect Sperry boat shoes is to use a waterproofing spray, which helps to prevent water absorption and reduce the likelihood of cracks in the material. Additionally, proper cleaning techniques, such as using leather cleaner or soap and water, can help to maintain the appearance and longevity of the shoes.

How to Protect Sperry Boat Shoes

Waterproofing spray prevents moisture absorption, reducing cracks

Sperry boat shoes are made of leather, and leather is susceptible to damage from water. Waterproofing sprays are a great way to protect your leather boat shoes from moisture absorption, which can lead to cracks.

Before applying any product to your shoes, it is important to check that the product is suitable for leather. Not all waterproofing sprays are made equal, and some may be better suited to other materials such as suede, nubuck, canvas, or polyester. It is also important to clean your shoes before applying any waterproofing product. This ensures that the spray adheres to the shoe's material and not the dust and dirt on them.

When choosing a waterproofing spray, opt for one that is semi-porous and allows the material to breathe. This will prevent moisture from being trapped inside the shoe, which can lead to discomfort during wear. Additionally, some waterproofing sprays may compromise the breathability of the leather, so it is important to choose a product that will not create a complete seal.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application, and be sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any harmful fumes. Allow your shoes to dry thoroughly after application, and consider reapplying the product once a month or as needed to ensure maximum protection.

By taking these steps and using a waterproofing spray, you can help prevent moisture absorption and reduce the formation of cracks in your Sperry boat shoes, keeping them looking their best for longer.

Clean with a leather cleaner to maintain moisture

Leather shoes require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good condition. Here are some detailed tips on how to clean and maintain Sperry boat shoes using a leather cleaner to maintain their moisture:

Remove the Laces: Before cleaning your Sperry boat shoes, remove the laces if they have any. Sperry shoelaces are often made of rawhide and need to be cleaned separately. To clean genuine leather shoelaces, soak them in a bowl of cold water and soap, then rinse them with clean water and let them air dry for about 24 hours.

Choose a Suitable Leather Cleaner: It is important to select a leather cleaner that is specifically designed for leather shoes. Avoid using water to wash the shoes, as it can damage the leather. Opt for a mild yet effective leather cleaner that is formulated to remove dirt and stains without stripping the leather of its natural oils.

Apply the Leather Cleaner: Using a soft brush or cloth, gently apply the leather cleaner to your Sperry boat shoes. Work the cleaner into the leather in small circular motions, ensuring that you cover the entire surface of the shoe, including the seams and crevices.

Allow the Shoes to Air Dry: After cleaning, let your Sperry boat shoes air dry completely at room temperature. Avoid exposing them to direct heat, as it can damage the leather. It is recommended to let them dry for at least 24 hours in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Conditioning: Once the shoes are thoroughly dry, you may want to apply a leather conditioner to moisturize the leather and protect it from drying, cracking, and scuffing. Choose a conditioner suitable for the construction and material of your Sperry boat shoes, as some treatments may slightly alter their colour and appearance.

Maintain Shape: To maintain the shape of your Sperry boat shoes while they dry, stuff them with newspaper or use a shoe tree. This helps absorb excess moisture and ensures that the shoes retain their original shape.

Reapply Leather Cleaner: After each cleaning, reapply the leather cleaner to provide ongoing protection against water, dirt, and stains. Always shake the container well before use and hold it about 6 inches away from the surface of the shoe when spraying.

Alternate Shoe Wear: To extend the life of your Sperry boat shoes, alternate their wear with another pair. This allows the leather to dry out completely between wears, preventing the build-up of moisture, which can lead to deterioration.

By following these steps and using a suitable leather cleaner, you can effectively clean and maintain the moisture of your Sperry boat shoes, ensuring they remain in good condition for extended periods.

Use a leather lotion to protect from drying, cracking and scuffing

Leather boat shoes are stiff and tough to break in, but with proper care, they can last for many years. Leather is similar to human skin, and just like our skin, it needs to be cleaned, moisturized, and touched up with makeup to maintain performance and appearance.

Leather lotion is an excellent way to protect your Sperry boat shoes from drying, cracking, and scuffing. It is important to note that leather should not be treated the same way as fabric, nubuck, or suede. While your Sperry shoes can get wet, it is not advisable to wash them with water.

• First, remove the laces from your shoes. Sperry laces are often made of rawhide and need to be cleaned separately. Soak the laces in a bowl of cold water and soap, then swish and rinse them with clean water. Allow the laces to air dry for about 24 hours.
• Next, clean your Sperry shoes with a leather cleaner to remove any dirt and stains. This will help maintain the moisture in the leather.
• Once your shoes are clean, open them fully and remove the insoles and laces. Let the shoes dry at room temperature, making sure to avoid exposing them to heat.
• After your shoes are completely dry, it's time to apply the leather lotion. Make sure to choose a leather lotion that is suitable for the construction and material of your Sperry shoes, as some treatments can slightly alter the color and appearance. You can find leather care products at your local supermarket or shoe repair shop.
• Apply the leather lotion to your Sperry shoes according to the product instructions. Pay close attention to areas that are prone to drying, cracking, or scuffing.
• Allow the leather lotion to absorb into the leather. You may need to apply multiple coats, especially if your shoes are very dry or cracked.
• Finally, buff your shoes with a soft cloth to restore their shine and smoothness.

By following these steps and using a leather lotion, you can effectively protect your Sperry boat shoes from drying, cracking, and scuffing. Proper leather care will ensure that your shoes remain in top condition and last for many years.

Clean leather laces with cold water and soap, then air dry

Leather boat shoes are the trickiest type of boat shoe to clean and maintain. Sperry boat shoes, in particular, require special care. Before cleaning your Sperry boat shoes, it is important to remove the laces as they are often made of rawhide and need to be cleaned separately.

To clean leather laces, start by removing them from your shoes. Next, use a small brush, or your hands, to scrub off any loose dirt or debris. Then, fill a bowl with cold water and add a small amount of soap. Swirl the laces in the soapy water, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. After they are clean, rinse the laces with fresh water and gently squeeze out any excess water. Finally, allow the laces to air dry for about 24 hours. It is important to note that you should never use direct heat to dry leather, as this can cause the material to stiffen and crack.

Once the laces are clean and dry, you can move on to the next step of cleaning the shoes themselves. It is recommended to use a leather cleaner to remove any dirt and stains from the shoes. This will help to maintain the moisture of the leather. After cleaning, allow the shoes to air-dry for 24 hours in a cool, dry place away from heat or sunlight. To absorb excess moisture and maintain the shape of the shoes, you can stuff them with newspaper.

To protect your Sperry boat shoes from drying, cracking, and scuffing, it is recommended to use a leather lotion. This will help to keep your shoes looking their best and extend their lifespan.

Deodorise with baking soda to absorb sweat and reduce odours

Sperry boat shoes are a stylish way to embrace the sockless lifestyle during warmer seasons. However, they can be a bit of work to keep clean. One of the most important aspects of boat shoe maintenance is addressing the issue of smell.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an effective way to deodorise your boat shoes and absorb sweat. It works by neutralising the acidic pH of moisture in shoes where bacteria thrive and odours from human sweat. It also has mild antibacterial properties.

Sprinkle Baking Soda Directly into Your Shoes

• Remove the insoles and sprinkle about a tablespoon of baking soda directly into each shoe, using a little more for larger shoes.
• Shake the shoe around to distribute the powder evenly across the insole.
• Let the powder sit in your shoes for a full 24 hours to fully absorb odours. If you're in a hurry, you can leave it for 12 hours or overnight.
• Shake out any excess powder before wearing your shoes again. If they still smell, repeat the process.

Baking Soda Sachets

• If you're using baking soda on leather or suede shoes, it's best to use a sachet to prevent the baking soda from damaging the material.
• Take an old sock or any piece of cloth that can be tied together and fill it with baking soda.
• Add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender, to the sachet for a pleasant fragrance.
• Place the sachets in your shoes each time you take them off and leave them there for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours for optimal odour elimination.
• You can reuse these sachets multiple times.

Baking Soda and Essential Oil

• Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 5 drops of essential oil in a small bowl or jar. Stir with a fork or shake the jar until the mixture is well combined.
• Measure out 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the heel of each shoe, tilting the shoe downward so that the mixture covers the toe area as well.
• Let the shoes sit for several hours, preferably overnight or for a full 24 hours, to allow the baking soda to absorb odours.
• Dump the mixture into the trash or sink and repeat the treatment as needed.

By using these methods, you can effectively deodorise your Sperry boat shoes with baking soda, leaving them smelling fresh and reducing the presence of odour-causing bacteria.

Frequently asked questions