Footwear is an important part of any outfit and excursion. But good footwear is highly important when you are on a hiking trip, camping adventure, or tactical expedition. Outdoor shoes made specifically for these purposes are expensive, which is why it is always good to pay attention to your boots and take good care of them. This will not only increase the amount of comfort that you derive from the boots, but also help the boots last longer.

Break in Your Boots: If your boots are new, the first thing you need to do in order to really care for them is break them in. Wear them around the house or on short walks around the neighborhood or to the grocery store. Remember to wear your hiking socks with them to make sure you get just the right kind of give from the boots. This will help you really enjoy your actual hike, instead of just being in pain because of new boots!

Pre-Hike Check: Before you embark on your hike, make sure your boots are good to go. Check for any needed repairs and make sure to waterproof them. Check the shoelaces to make sure they are good and solid, or you might end up with broken shoelaces halfway through your hike and that’s no fun. Also check the eyelets, D-rings, for loose stitching, and for cracks in the leather. All these repairs if done properly before a hike can help your boots last longer and also save you from the fatigue of emergency repairs while on hike.

Mid-Hike Clean-up: Make sure to clean out your boot when you’ve stopped for the day at camp or at a cabin. This cleaning doesn’t have to be very thorough, but doing it keeps your boots in better shape for the duration of the hike. Bang the boots together to get rid of loose debris and dirt, and then use a pocket knife or stick to get rid of the debris still stuck in the soles of the boot. If your boots are wet, dry them overnight but never in front of a fire as the heat will crack the leather – simply stuff them with newspaper or a warm cloth and let them dry. And if you’re hiking in winter, don’t leave your boots out or the leather will freeze and crack – keep them wrapped up in a sleeping bag or use them as a headrest.

Post-Hike Cleaning: This cleaning has to be thorough and you have to make sure your boots are good and clean before you store them away until the next hike. Remove all the dirt and debris by first banging them together, then using a stick or pocket knife to remove any particles still stuck, and finally use a brush to remove any mud that has caked on. Clean the insides of the boots with warm water to remove salt from perspiration. Wash the boots in warm soapy water, or use a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Dry them away from direct sunlight or heat. Finally, waterproof the boots – this should be done before storage, not the night before a hike as some waterproofing materials require more than one application.

Following these simple steps will help your boots last longer and make your hikes more enjoyable as your feel will be much more comfortable.