huffingtonpost - 15 days ago

Person in walking boots on wet ground!function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement( iframe );t.display= none ,t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement( script );c.src= //cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js ,c.setAttribute( async , 1 ),c.setAttribute( type , text/javascript ),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document);(new Image()).src = https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=8b034f64-513c-4987-b16f-42d6008f7feb ;cnx.cmd.push(function(){cnx({ playerId : 8b034f64-513c-4987-b16f-42d6008f7feb , mediaId : 05a1c7f5-5cf4-4f52-aed2-21ad8d8d8a97 }).render( 6904bbf3e4b00c26f0713ce5 );});Winter can be dreary, dark, and dull, but if you ask me, frosty walks more than make up for it. If you also love a cold-weather hike, though, you might have another reservation about the season – if there’s so much as a millimetre-long rip in your boots or a single patch in its waterproofing membrane, you’ll feel every drip of the storms, rain, and snow. This, sadly, can happen despite the best of care. Costwolds Outdoor says that after about 5-10,000 miles of road, even the best-built boots can start to fail. But according to experts, three common mistakes could lead to premature leaking, too. 1) Not wearing the right-sized shoesOften, the lining of your boots includes a waterproof membrane. A tear in this can lead to water entering your shoes. And speaking to The Guardian, James Turnbull of outdoor clothing specialists Outside said something as small as your toenails can create that devastating rip – especially if your shoes are too small.“Good fit is crucial when it comes to longevity,” Turnbull stated. 2) Not cleaning your shoes after wearing them “Bear in mind that upland soils are often slightly acidic, so caked-on mud won’t be doing the leather and stitching any good,” Jeremy Stevens from Ellis Brigham shared in the same Guardian article. Over time, that could increase your boots’ risk of taking on water. Use a brush to remove dirt, removing the laces, REI Co-op said. And air-dry them if they’re wet – never turn to a tumble dryer or radiator, as this could make them warp. 3) Not reproofing your bootsMountain Warehouse points out that “Over time and without proper care, leather can dry out and crack as natural oils and moisture are lost”. This increases your risk of leaks. But luckily, there’s a relatively easy (and cheaper than replacement) option – reproof, or re-coating your shoes, can bring their waterproofing qualities back. Per ski and boot specialists Black Country UK, this involves cleaning and thoroughly air-drying your boots before coating them in wax, creams, or conditioners (this will change according to your boots’ materials ― see a guide here). This is key, the site reads, because “if the outer [of your boot] isn’t treated it will become waterlogged during normal use and the membrane will lose its breathability, resulting in wet feet due to moisture vapour inside the boot being unable to pass through the membrane and outer fabrics.” Related...I Just Learned Why Coats Have Shoulder Buttons, And They re More Useful Than I KnewHere s What Your Neck Size May Tell You About Your Heart HealthSo THAT s Why You re Getting More Running Injuries This Month

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