Will's Vegan Shoes WVSport vegan hiking boots and shoes are engineered for demanding trails and diverse terrains. Designed and made in Italy, they combine technical efficiency with cruelty-free materials seamlessly. In this blog post, we will walk you through how to extend their life span, keep them in prime condition, and ensure they're always ready to tackle your next outdoor adventure.
Taking care of your Will's Vegan Shoes WVSport vegan hiking boots and shoes is key to preserving their durability and quality. Just like any investment, a proper maintenance routine is crucial to extend their life.
Even the best vegan leather, like other top-tier materials, requires a consistent upkeep routine to stave off the inevitable effects of wear and tear. A little cleaning after each use goes a long way. When you're done wearing them for the day, a quick wipe down with a cloth can help maintain their look. Always remember to store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat sources like radiators or boilers.
Subjecting your boots to forced drying can result in cracked vegan leather and a compromised waterproof membrane, leading to potential leakage. Consistently donning damp boots can likewise impact the efficiency of the waterproof lining in maintaining dry feet. Thus, if your boots get wet, give them ample time to dry naturally, or switch to another pair in the meantime.
Protecting your vegan boots and shoes:
Part of your boot care routine should involve the application of a protective treatment.
While WVSport products are given their final finish just before they leave the production line, there is typically a gap between the manufacturing process and the customer's purchase. Hence, as a precaution, you might want to check whether your boots or shoes could use a touch-up upon acquiring them. An easy way to determine this is by dropping some water onto the vegan leather. If the water doesn't bead up and slide off, it's time for a waterproofing treatment.
A plethora of products exist for waterproofing vegan leather boots. We advise treating our waterproof products with a suitable waterproof treatment about once a month, depending on use.
The following list comprises products compatible with our materials, although we highly recommend performing a spot test first. It's a modest list currently, but if you've had success with a product not mentioned here, we welcome your feedback and can add it to this list:
- Collonil Organic Protector Spray
- Clarkes suede and nubuck protector
- Punch Instant Protector
- Vegetarian Shoes Dubbin
- Kiwi Parade Gloss Shoe Polish
- Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof
Maintaining your vegan hiking footwear:
- Use a shoe brush to dislodge clumps of dirt.
- Detach the laces (they can be laundered separately, such as in a washing machine).
- Use a moisturising soap, like vegan saddle soap, to clean off any residual dirt.
- Wipe away the remaining soap with a damp cloth.
- Allow the boot to dry naturally, ideally for 24 hours.
- Deal with stubborn grime.
- Reapply polish as a preventive measure against future dirt accumulation- steer clear of stitching or laces which the polish can stain. Apply the polish in circular motions and remove any surplus.
- Polish should be used approximately monthly or as needed.
- Reapply the waterproof treatment.
If your vegan boots or shoes become thoroughly drenched:
- Avoid removing them with the other foot, as it can cause damage.
- Take out the laces and insoles.
- Stuff the boots with newspaper, replacing the soaked paper until the footwear is dry.
- Position the boots before a non-heated fan or hang them upside down.
- Keep the boots away from heat sources to prevent the vegan leather from cracking.
- Once the boots are completely dry, treat them again.
If your vegan boots or shoes come into contact with salt (e.g., road grit in icy or snowy conditions):
Salt or grit can gradually degrade vegan leather and cause white discolouration. If your boots have encountered salt or snow, take the following steps promptly to minimise harm:
- Wipe the boots with a cloth.
- Combine two parts water with one part vinegar.
- Clean the boots gently with the solution.
- Rinse the solution off with a damp cloth.
- Pat the boot surface dry with a clean towel.
General recommendations:
- Wear your vegan boots or shoes indoors to break them in properly before exposing them to the elements. This also ensures they fit well and verifies there are no manufacturing defects.
- Use a shoe horn when putting on your shoes, as it helps maintain the heel's shape.
- Protect your boots during travel with a boot bag.
- Never use regular soap on vegan leather boots- it dehydrates the vegan leather. Opt for a vegan saddle soap.
- Preserve the form of your vegan leather shoes with a shoe tree. • Replace worn-out laces.
- Insoles can take quite a beating, absorbing moisture and impacts. Over time, they might lose their cushioning effect. They can be replaced with a new pair. Our insoles are designed to fit our footwear perfectly.