Waxing Boat Shoes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Boat shoes are designed to protect sailors' feet from water and prevent slipping on boat decks. To ensure boat shoes remain in good condition, it is important to care for them properly. This includes cleaning them with a soft cloth and a leather cleaner or mild dish soap solution, as well as applying products like mink oil or leather conditioner to maintain water resistance. While some recommend waxing leather boat shoes, others suggest this is unnecessary and may discolour the shoes. Instead, a good quality leather dubbin can be used to provide protection and enhance water resistance without altering the colour.

Weathering your boat shoes

A well-worn pair of boat shoes can be a badge of honour for sailors, but if you want to speed up the weathering process, there are a few tricks you can try. Firstly, get your shoes ready by giving them a quick clean with a soft cloth and some leather cleaner or a mild dish soap solution. Be sure to remove any dirt and debris, then give them a quick rinse and let them air dry.

Now, grab a flat plastic container that's long enough to fit your shoes horizontally. You can use a bucket or even a Tupperware container. Place your shoes inside the container with the soles flat on the bottom. Next, fill the container with saltwater until it reaches the top of the shoes. Be careful not to let the water get inside the shoes. If it does, just pour out some of the water and try again. The salt in the water will help to remove the topcoat of the shoe and soften the leather.

Let your shoes soak for at least 4 hours. When the time is up, take them out and rinse them with cold water. Let them air dry again. If the interior is a little damp, remove the insoles and let them dry separately.

And that's it! Your boat shoes should now have a more relaxed and worn-in look and feel. This method is a great way to break in new boat shoes and make them more comfortable for long days on the deck.

Cleaning your boat shoes

Boat shoes are the perfect footwear for a day on the water, but they need to be properly maintained if you want to keep them in good condition. Here are some tips to help you clean and care for your boat shoes:

Firstly, it's important to note that you should avoid using any cleaner on your boat shoes that contains acid or detergents, as these can damage the leather. Instead, opt for a mild dish soap solution or a specialised leather cleaner. Dip a soft cloth into your chosen cleaning solution and gently wipe down your shoes, taking care to remove all dirt and debris. Pay extra attention to the soles of your shoes, as this is where most dirt and grime will build up.

Once you've removed all the dirt, give your shoes a quick rinse with cold water, ensuring that you don't soak them for too long. You can use the spray attachment on your kitchen sink for this step. If the insoles of your shoes have gotten wet, be sure to remove them and let them air dry separately.

After rinsing, stuff your shoes with newspaper to help maintain their shape while they dry. You can also purchase special shoe inserts for this purpose. Allow your shoes to air dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

To keep your boat shoes in top condition, it's important to treat them with a leather conditioner or oil. Mink oil is a popular choice, as it helps to make the leather more supple and water-resistant. If you have lighter-coloured shoes, you may want to opt for a spray silicone instead, as mink oil can darken the leather. Apply the conditioner or oil generously to the shoes, taking care to work it into the leather.

Finally, you can use a paste-type leather shoe polish to revive the original colour of your shoes and provide an extra layer of protection. Nit wax is a good option for darker-coloured boat shoes.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your boat shoes stay looking their best and provide you with many years of use.

Drying your boat shoes

Allow Sufficient Drying Time:

Before wearing your boat shoes again, make sure they are completely dry. Depending on the shoe material and conditions, this could take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Allow ample time for the shoes to air dry, and don't be tempted to wear them before they are ready.

Opt for a Warm, Dry Location:

Place your boat shoes in a warm, dry area with good ventilation. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the shoes to crack or fade. Instead, choose a shaded spot with plenty of airflow to help speed up the drying process. If possible, stuff the shoes with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and help maintain their shape as they dry.

Remove Insoles and Stuffing:

If your boat shoes have removable insoles, take them out and dry them separately. This will help speed up the drying process for both the insoles and the shoes themselves. You can also stuff the shoes with newspaper or paper towels, as mentioned earlier, to aid in wicking away moisture.

Use a Fan or Hair Dryer:

To accelerate the drying process, you can use a fan to blow air into the shoes. Alternatively, use a hair dryer on a low heat setting, being careful not to hold it too close to the shoes to avoid potential damage. Ensure the airflow reaches the interior of the shoes, as this is where moisture can get trapped and cause odours or mould.

Avoid Direct Heat Sources:

While accelerating the drying process is helpful, avoid placing your boat shoes near direct heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or fireplaces. Direct heat can cause the shoes to become misshapen or damaged. It is better to allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area, as mentioned earlier.

Rotate Your Shoes:

If possible, have multiple pairs of boat shoes that you can rotate between wears. This will give each pair ample time to dry completely before being worn again. It will also extend the lifespan of your shoes, as they won't be subjected to constant moisture and wear and tear.

By following these tips, you can effectively dry your boat shoes, ensuring they remain in good condition and provide you with comfort and safety during your boating adventures.

Applying mink oil or leather conditioner

Mink oil and leather conditioners are great for waterproofing and preserving boat shoes. They can also be used to cover up scuff and scratch marks. However, some people believe that mink oil breaks down the leather in a destructive way, reintroducing fats that cause the leather to rot.

If you do decide to use mink oil, it is recommended to apply a coat every couple of weeks. This will make the shoes darker and develop a nice patina. It is also important to note that mink oil can stain the cuffs of your pants, so be careful when applying it.

There are alternative products to mink oil that can be used to condition boat shoes, such as:

• Lexol brand leather conditioner
• Obenauf's boot oil
• Neatsfoot oil
• Nikwax water-based leather care products
• Saphir Medaille D'Or Pommadier Cream Polish
• Bick 4 leather conditioner
• Meltonian
• Allen Edmonds conditioners
• Angelus Leather Balm

Maintaining the shape of your boat shoes

Firstly, it is important to note that boat shoes typically require a break-in period. This means that it may take some time, even up to a few years, for them to reach their most comfortable fit. To expedite this process, you can wear them often, not just while boating, but also during other activities such as walking on the beach or sightseeing. The more you wear them, the better they will mould to your feet.

If you're looking for a quicker solution, there is a popular method that involves saltwater and a bit of patience. Fill a flat container with saltwater, ensuring that the water level is below the top of the shoes. Place your boat shoes inside, sole-down, and let them sit for at least four hours. The saltwater will help remove the topcoat and soften the leather, giving them a more worn-in and relaxed fit. After soaking, simply rinse the shoes with cold water and let them air-dry. If the interior gets wet, be sure to remove the insoles and let them dry separately.

To maintain the shape of your boat shoes, some boaters recommend stuffing them with newspaper. However, this is not necessary, and there are other effective methods. One option is to use a spray silicone on lighter-coloured leather to make the shoes water-resistant. Alternatively, for darker-coloured shoes, mink oil is recommended as it tends to darken lighter leather. Mink oil also makes the leather more supple and water-resistant.

Additionally, it is important to clean your boat shoes regularly. Use a soft cloth dipped in leather cleaner or a mild dish soap solution to wipe away any dirt and debris. Avoid using any cleaners that contain acid or detergents, as these can damage the leather. After cleaning, rinse the shoes and let them air-dry. Be sure not to soak them in water, and avoid using a dryer, as this can alter their shape.

Frequently asked questions