Care for the shoes you wear!

We stock Nikwax, Woly, Dubbin …

A durable water-repellent coating is often applied by manufacturers. This makes water droplets sit on the surface when it is raining and prevents it from soaking through the membranes. This is called “beading’’.

Modern waterproof and breathable fabrics such as Gore-tex allow sweat to escape and keep water out.If the surface is dirty, the dirt attracts and holds water. This will reduce the insulating qualities and breathability leading to reduced water-repellency and odours.That is why some of your favourite footwear and clothing do not work as well as when you first bought them.

“No rain, no stain!?” – The likelihood is that the UK’s unpredictable weather will mean you get rained on. However there is also the possibility of someone spilling food or drink on to your shoes. Protecting them beforehand can reduce the possibility of stains and long-term damage.

There is no real advice on the frequency of protecting your footwear. It will depend on how often the shoes are worn, the type of footwear and the elements that they have been exposed to.

When the water no longer “beads” on the surface they should be re-treated to ensure they are fully protected.

(It is worth noting that quick fixes such as baby wipes can remove any properties that the manufacturer used.)