During winter, outdoor footwear is susceptible to the elements, with wetter weather causing walking routes to become muddy and waterlogged. You still want to enjoy the outdoors, especially on those crisp and sunny winter days, but the terrain can be a potential hazard for your waterproof footwear.
Mud and dirt that collects on footwear will cause problems for the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. If you do not clean footwear regularly, the dirt will start to impair the DWR and prevent it from what it is there to do – which is to keep your feet dry. Dirt attracts water, so a build-up of mud will mask the DWR and the breathability rapidly diminishes. The result? Your feet will start to feel clammy as moisture will build up on the inside of the footwear and comfort is greatly reduced.
Why use Nikwax footwear aftercare?
Regular footwear cleaners often contain water-attracting properties, thereby affecting the DWR coating, resulting in loss of water repellency.
Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel is a specialist high performance water-based cleaner that does not contain water-attracting residues. It is completely safe to use on your trusty outdoor footwear and it will revive the DWR – meaning you don’t need to re-proof as often as you would otherwise! You will also save yourself money because your footwear will last for longer by caring for it with Nikwax.
Footwear Cleaning Gel is easy to use!
It could not be simpler to clean with Footwear Cleaning Gel and the benefits are amazing. Here is our quick step-by-step guide!
- Brush away any loose mud and then rinse the outer surface to get the footwear nice and damp.
- Shake the bottle of Footwear Cleaning Gel, press the sponge applicator on to the footwear and apply generously all over the area you need to be cleaned.
- Should your footwear require it, use a stiff brush to remove further dirt.
- Rinse thoroughly in cold water.
- Leave your footwear to dry naturally. Be aware that by drying footwear next to a fire or radiator could lead to them cracking because they will dry too quickly.
- Once dry your footwear is ready to use again! The DWR will be revitalised – water will bead up on the surface once more, rather than being absorbed. Breathability is also maintained, helping your feet stay dry.
- Once you know that cleaning alone is not reviving the DWR, it will be time to re-proof using the appropriate Nikwax waterproofer. For smooth leather footwear use Waterproofing Wax for Leather and for combination footwear use Fabric & Leather Proof.
There you are – it really is as easy as that and your feet will thank you for it as you can continue stepping out, no matter what the weather, to enjoy all the great outdoors has to offer!
