Don't Let Your Boots Crumble: Essential Maintenance Tips
Costing upwards of $500 or more, I need them to last across many seasons and expeditions.
Through trial and error combined with expert recommendations, I've learned the optimal ways to care for them.
Follow this boot maintenance guide to add years of life to your double mountaineering boots.
I'll share everything from my post-trip cleaning routine to tips on weatherproofing and long-term storage.
Consider bookmarking this page - I reference it myself before and after each trip!
Post-Adventure Cleaning
After returning home from a multi-day hike or climb, you'll want to thoroughly clean your boots before storing them. Here are the key steps I follow:
Remove the inner boot and insole. Clean separately with warm water and gentle soap. Air dry.
Use a small brush like an old toothbrush and wipe away dirt on the outer shell and hardware.
Create cleaning solution of warm water, gentle soap, and small amount of rubbing alcohol. Dip soft cloth into solution and gently scrub boots.
Stuff boots with newspaper or shoe trees to retain shape as they dry. Let air dry for 48 hours, away from direct heat.
Pro tip: I always scrub the toes, heels, and edges extra since those high-friction areas collect the most grime.
Weatherproofing
The rugged materials used in double mountaineering boots can still absorb moisture over time, degrading their insulating abilities and leading to mildew or bad odors.
That's why I re-weatherproof mine at least once per year using these steps:
Once boots are fully dry, clean them again with rubbing alcohol using a soft cloth
Apply boot wax by warming a small amount with a hairdryer and rubbing gently into all exterior surfaces
Allow wax to set for 2 hours before buffing with a horsehair brush
Spray all seams and stitching with seam sealer, allow to cure overnight
Re-applying wax and seam sealer annually will ensure moisture, dirt, and debris won't penetrate your boots' protective outer barriers. This prevents the inner insulating layers from compressing or becoming ineffective.
Table 1: Recommended Weatherproofing Schedule for Mountaineering Boots
Storage Tips
How you store your boots between adventures also plays a key role in their longevity. Follow my storage checklist before packing them away:
✔️ Fully dried after last cleaning
✔️ Insoles removed and cleaned
✔️ Boot shells stuffed with newspaper
✔️ Stored in cool, dark place away from direct heat or sunlight
✔️ Outside of boots cleaned and re-weatherproofed
Additionally, don't keep other gear or heavy objects stacked on top of your stored boots, as this can lead to compressed insulation.
If planning to store longer than 6 months, apply extra weatherproofing wax and seam sealer before packing away. I also recommend airing out the insides once per season.
With heavy-duty use, components of your boot will eventually wear out. Assess damage using this guideline on when to repair vs. replace your boots:
Repair when:
Minor cosmetic damage/scuffs
Lace eyelets need replacing
New insoles needed
Seams coming undone
Replace when:
Major tears or holes in outer material layers
Insulation layers compacted and ineffective
Soles completely worn down with no tread
Of course, preferences vary on when it makes sense to invest in those shiny new boots. But with proper care, top-quality double mountaineering boots should last roughly 300-500 miles before needing replacement.
By cleaning and weatherproofing regularly while properly storing my double mountaineering boots in between adventures, I've enjoyed using the same trusted pair for years.
Apply my tips outlined above and you'll keep your boots going strong no matter how many peaks you plan to summit!
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