How to care and store winter boots?
Founded over 60 years ago in a country known for winter – Canada – Sorel has designed and manufactured many types of snow boots. Our intimate knowledge, in-depth understanding and expertise about snow and winter allow us to create premium quality footwear ideal for all weather conditions. We use superior materials and of-the-moment designs to bring you function-first fashion. Every pair we create shows our resolute dedication to using an unparalleled balance of construction and protection. You can rest assured that Sorel will deliver the excellence you have come to expect in all our footwear.
Once you have bought the perfect pair for snow, learning how to properly care for and store them is essential to maintaining their longevity. Caring for them not only keeps them looking good, but also ensures they perform well. These simple steps will guide you to ensure they remain waterproof, warm and in impeccable condition.
Cleaning your boots
Regular cleaning will help keep your winter footwear looking good and ensure no performance issues. Cleaning them is easy because we use exceptional materials in all our footwear.
Simply wipe away any dirt and debris with a damp, clean cloth. You can also use a soft-bristled brush for more stubborn areas. Then, let your boots air dry. We recommend doing this regularly. Some of our models use natural materials like leather and suede for the upper. Other styles use synthetic materials like nylon, canvas or faux fur. Fortunately, all the materials used in Sorel footwear, including rubber and felt, can be cleaned in the same way.
If they get particularly muddy after a winter hike, remove all the mud and wipe with a damp, clean cloth. Over time, leaving mud on your footwear can break down the fabric, leading to cracked outsoles and water ingress.
Prepare your footwear for storage at the end of each winter by giving them one last cleaning. At this stage, it is particularly important that they dry out completely.
Maintaining the shape of your boots
Once the winter season is over, you will want to begin storing your boots. However, storage is much more than just tossing them in the cupboard under the stairs or in the garage.
After giving them a final clean, ensure they can maintain their shape. You may want to invest in shoe trees that replicate the natural shape of feet. These will help preserve the integrity of your winter footwear by allowing the boot to retain its natural shape. Footwear trees made of cedar have the added benefit of absorbing any lingering moisture.
If buying shoe trees is outside your budget, try stuffing the toes with crumpled newspaper, tissue paper or clean cloths. Like cedar, newspaper will also help draw out any moisture.
Storing your boots
After cleaning and finding a way to uphold the shape of your winter footwear, the last step is to store them for the following year.
Consider using a breathable storage box or bag for each pair to avoid damage. You can also store your footwear in the original box. While it might be tempting to save space by putting more than one pair together, you risk scuffing both. Although not essential, labelling your storage can assist with a smooth transition between seasons. You can also use a shoe or boot rack to store your winter footwear.
Store footwear in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. This will ensure that the integrity of the fabric is not compromised.
A great pair of winter boots, like those from our extensive collection of snow boots for women, can help you enjoy all of winter’s adventures. Our tips and tricks will help extend your Sorel footwear’s lifespan so you can don them season after season. Furthermore, properly caring for and storing your winter footwear will ensure that you will not need to replace snow boots as often.
However, you must still watch for signs of wear and tear on the soles and treads. Despite using premium materials and providing great care, footwear eventually will succumb to age and use. If it is time to purchase a new pair, check out our helpful guides on choosing snow boots and when to buy snow boots.