cleaning the inside of boots

IDHUNTER

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 16, 2014
Messages
220
I have read in the past that sweat/salts/acids from your feet can build up on the inside of boots and breakdown the goretex and impact their breathability and waterproofing. I was wondering if this is accurate and if so what the best way to combat this? Periodically wash the insides with some soapy water and let dry? Something else?
 
The best thing you can do is not wear your boots two days in a row. I know that may mean another pair of boots. But the reason for this is to allow all the moisture that builds up in your footwear to evaporate. Otherwise your boots will be damp all the time and this will allow the insides to start breaking down from the perspiration. This is really important in footwear today that is made with cushion insoles instead of leather insoles. The foam cushion will start to break down pretty quick from moisture if it is not allowed to evaporate.

If your not is a position to own two pair of your favorite boots, then try to use a boot dryer, like Peets, if you have access to electricity when hunting. If not, then another way is to stuff your boots with newspaper and this will help absorb the moisture.

I would not fill your boots with soapy water and then let them soak ect. This will just enhance the breakdown of the insides of your boots. Even in the days of leather insole, or traditional insoles, you only soaked your boots if your breaking them in. The leather insole would then form itself to your foot thru out the day as it dried out. As I mentioned above with today's cushion and lining on the inside you do not want to do this as a break-in or as a cleaning method.

There are products that you can spray inside your boots to help with odor. Or you can use talcum powder.
 
Kinda hard to address boot issues on a pack hunt. You can't bring two pairs or boot dryer.

I just treat exterior and go for it. I spent 10 days in my boots. We both survived it.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.
 
No need to wash the inside of the boot. If you're wearing a proper liner sock and wool sock over it, the salts from your sweat will never reach the boot anyway, They will be trapped inside your socks.

What you should do though is back at camp for the night, open the tongue of your boot fully and also remove the insole from your boot so that everything can properly dry. Removing the insole nightly is the single best thing you can do for your boots longevity and also for your foot health as you get to start each day with a properly dry boot.
 
Back
Top