THE BASICS: SHOE CLEANING AND SHOE CARE

At Hanwag, we choose to make all our footwear using high-quality and complex techniques that require a high level of craftsmanship. As a result, all our footwear is particularly long-lasting and resoleable. By following a few simple steps to clean and care for your boots, you can easily extend their service life and enjoy even more adventures with them

CLEANING

remove footbeds and laces

Outside: Brush off your boots after every tour. If there is really stubborn dirt, remove it under running water. Special leather cleaners should be only applied if nothing else helps. Avoid soap – it damages the waterproofing and most types of leather.

Inside: Fabric linings (as in most GORE-TEX boots) and leather linings are best cleaned with clear water and a sponge. Do not use hot water.

IMPREGNATION

to protect fabric sections and regularly refresh the waterproofing of leather uppers.

Hanwag Waterproofing Spray (PFC-free) maintains the weatherproof protection of fabric upper sections (and gives leather footwear additional waterproofing for very wet conditions). Apply to dry footwear after cleaning.

Important!

Only use outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Apply the high-concentrate waterproofing spray carefully to your footwear at a distance of 30 cm. Don’t forget the laces and those difficult to reach areas (e.g. around the tongue). Allow to dry.

LOOKING AFTER LEATHER

with Hanwag Shoe Wax

Leather is a natural product that needs to be looked after. Otherwise, it can dry out, crack and become brittle. The best way to look after leather is with wax, such as Hanwag Shoe Wax. Never use grease or oil. Apply wax sparingly to clean, dry shoes using a soft, lint-free cloth made of cotton or microfibre or a soft brush. Rub it into the leather.

SHOP NOW

Please note!

Using Hanwag Shoe Wax on smooth leather gives it a deeper, darker and richer colour, as shown in the picture. The rough, textured surface of nubuck and suede will get slightly darker and smoother every time you apply wax.

There are two ways to deal with this:

1. It is possible to roughen up the outer leather again and remove any excess wax using a special suede brush. However, it’s not possible to make it lighter. The darker patina reflects that your leather footwear is being well looked after. The surface of the leather will also get slightly greasier over time. As a result, your shoes will tell the rich story of every step you have ever taken.

2. To care for your Hanwag leather footwear without altering its appearance, use the Hanwag Care Sponge (see 3b) and Waterproofing Spray. They nourish and care for leather, only not as intensively as with wax.

LOOKING AFTER LEATHER

with Hanwag Care Sponge

The Hanwag Care Sponge is particular suitable for footwear made of nubuck or suede leather. It conditions and nourishes the leather deep down, refreshes the colour, and keeps it soft and supple without altering its natural, textured appearance. Simultaneously, the Hanwag Care Sponge waterproofs the leather and also protects rubber parts, such as the rubber rand.

SHOP NOW

For best results, apply the Hanwag Care Sponge ideally after proofing, to clean and dry footwear. Press the sponge lightly onto the leather and squeeze the bottle. Work the care product into the leather and allow to dry. Don’t forget those difficult to reach areas (e.g. around the tongue). Allow to dry overnight at room temperature (never dry boots and shoes on or next to the heating).

DRYING

and storage after a tour

Drying: Dry your footwear in a well-aired, dry and shady place with the tongues wide open. For leather-lined footwear, stuff them initially with absorbent paper (NOT newspaper). The same applies to GORE-TEX® boots which dry faster and more effectively when stuffed with paper (again, DO NOT use newspaper, as the ink may damage the laminate and membrane)

Important! Change the paper regularly to remove moisture from your footwear as quickly as possible. Never dry boots and shoes on or next to the heating!

Storage: Store boots upright; in a dry, dark and well-aired place.

FURTHER ADVICE

Keep footwear away from petrol, diesel or slurry. Clean your footwear immediately if it comes into contact with these substances.

After a longer period of storage, roughen up the tread slightly, using a wire brush or fine sandpaper. Brush off your boots after every tour.

For greater protection in wet conditions, reproof your boots once you have cleaned them.

Please note! Never leave wet boots in the trunk of your car, or in a plastic bag or in the cellar or other such places. Never dry your boots in front of the fire or near any other source of heat. The leather will dry out and become hard and liable to cracking. This even might cause your footwear to completely lose its shape.