Boot Care
While our boots are designed to withstand tough conditions, it’s important that you care for them to help prolong their life. Different uppers require different care and cleaning methods—find out how to take care of your John Bull boots below.
Cleaning Leather
- First, remove any caked dirt on your boots with a soft bristled brush or damp cloth, and leave your boots to air dry. Please ensure that your boots are away from direct sunlight or any heaters when drying, as this can dry out the leather.
- Apply leather polish or wax/cream to the leather to help maintain your boots. If you are using a polish for the first time, try it on an inconspicuous area of the boot to check whether it alters the colour or appearance.
- If using a polish, apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a polishing cloth or brush and rub onto the shoe in circular motions.
- Apply a waterproof spray to help maintain the leather.
- Wipe away the residue and again leave to dry.
Cleaning Nylon Fabric
- For light soiling, remove any caked dirt from your shoes with a dry soft bristled brush or damp cloth then immediately leave them to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Ensure that your shoes are air dried away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Never dry shoes in a clothes dryer.
- For a more comprehensive clean, remove the footbed and surface wash the shoes sparingly with water and a minimal amount of mild detergent then rinse with warm water—ensure that water does not penetrate excessively inside the shoes. Hand wash only—do not soak the shoes or use a washing machine as doing so may cause permanent damage.
- Wash the footbed with mild soap and water and air dry flat.
- When air drying, stuff the shoes with clean dry paper (i.e. paper towels), then lie them flat on a clean surface. Once the shoes are dry, remove the stuffing and reinsert the dry footbed.
- Apply a waterproof spray to help maintain the fabric.
- Repeat cleaning as required.
Cleaning the Sole
- Remove any large pieces of dirt/debris from your boots
- Using a stiff nylon brush to clean between the tread to remove any excess dirt. Should dirt remain, soak your boots in a shallow bath/bucket of warm water for two hours. Again, use a stiff nylon brush to remove.
- Finally, use a damp cloth for an overall clean before allowing them to dry naturally.
Extra Tips:
- Never dry your boots by an open fire or artificial heat source, as this will cause the leather to harden, shrink and crack. It can even cause the leather to pull away from the sole. Always dry your boots naturally at room temperature.
- Always store your boots in a well ventilated, cool place away from sunlight or any heat which will tarnish the leather.
- You should use a leather conditioner on your boots whenever they need them. If your boots are looking a little scuffed and worn, always remember to use a conditioner.
- Avoid exposing your boots to chemical contamination. Solvents, strong acids and alkalis will do irreparable damage on leather, whilst commonplace substances like milk and salt are also highly damaging. In the event of exposure, clean the boots immediately.
- You should only use good quality cleaning substances and ones specific to the material of your boots.
