Some of the most common questions from clients are about their boots! They can be a pretty puzzling piece of the wardrobe, both in terms of storage and maintenance. Most of us only break out our boots for a few months out of the year, so dedicating lots of space to them in the closet isn’t the most functional solution for some people! At the same time, if you’re investing in nice knee-high leather boots, you want to ensure they’re not being damaged in the off-season, so they’re around for many winters to come! Depending on the style and material of boots in your collection, the level of care can vary widely — rubber-soled winter boots can take a beating, and present more of a storage struggle. However, delicate designer suedes and leathers need special attention each time they’re put away into the closet! Here, I’m offering up some of my favorite products and storage strategies to keep your boots in stand-up shape!

STORAGE

First and foremost you have to decide how best to store your boots! If your collection mainly consists of fashion boots, I usually recommend boot trees and shapers to help prevent unsightly stretching, wrinkles, and permanent creases in the leather. Not only are these a great tool to keep your boots upright and looking tidy, they will also extend the life of the suede and leather so they stay looking new for longer! Consider installing a rod to hang your boots for a more custom look!

If you really aren’t wearing your boots for a long portion of the year, you might prefer to store them out of sight. A storage box can be a great way to discreetly stow away large seasonal items, and will help prevent against dust or accidental scuffs in the case of softer materials. If you do opt for a box, make sure it’s large enough for the boot to lay flat, otherwise you won’t like the misshapen mess you find next time you go for your favorite pair! If you keep your dust bags, store the boots inside them for an added layer of protection.

CARE + MAINTANANCE

Before your boots ever leave the house, there are steps you can take to keep them looking their best, and your future self will thank you! Suede can be prone to permanent spots after getting wet, so prevention is the best form of maintenance. A water repellant like Scotchgard will prepare your boots for the elements, making it much easier to care for them after wear.

If you’ve worn them in the rain or snow, ensure your boots are totally dry before inserting a shaper, as stretching is never a good thing, and sometimes permanent!

There are also preventative steps you can take for your leather boots — products like Guardsman’s Renew & Protect are meant to prep your boots to take on the world. Not only will your boots look better, they will feel better, as this 3-in-1 conditioner is specifically made to condition your leather boots! This way, they’ll be easier to break in, less prone to wrinkling / cracking, and best of all easier to clean!

The best thing you can do for your boots (or anything in your closet) is never to put them away dirty! Cleaning the soles and sides of your boots will keep debris and dirt from settling into the material, staining, and also from tracking it into your closet. This brush is a great tool to scrape away any loose debris you might be unknowingly saving for next winter! Just give the soles a quick once-over each time the boots go back in the closet, and your boots will magically look newer for longer.

No matter how proactive you are with your favorite pair of boots, a little wear and tear is inevitable. However, with the right set of tools, you can usually restore a quality pair back to their shiny like-new condition! You should always remove any dirt or dust before it settles in, and using a method appropriate for the material of your boots. For leather, I like to recommend a handy set of leather wipes, as they’re easy to keep in the closet, and they make cleaning a quick single step process! These should be used regularly, and especially after a few days of wear. It’s a great way to maintain a shiny finish between conditionings, and keep the dust to a minimum.

For suede, the cleaning process is a little different — you don’t want to use wipes that could leave uneven wet marks or damage the nap of the suede permanently. A suede eraser and brush is your new best friend! Designed specifically for removing dirt and stains, this is a simple two step process that can work miracles before your eyes. Suede can be tricky, and improper care can really age a pair of boots quickly so it’s important to always handle unsightly marks sooner than later.

In the event of an unwanted scrape or scuff on the toes of your leather boots, which is inevitable, you should also keep a scuff repair kit on hand! This isn’t to be used regularly, but it will give you peace of mind when you step out in those perfect patent boots you love so much. This quick application is available in black and brown, and white versions, and will instantly give your boots a like-new look without much headache at all.