Hydrolysis is a normal material ageing process that occurs in all footwear with a cushioned PU (Polyurethane) midsole regardless of manufacturer. Prolonged storage and prolonged periods of non usage can contribute to hydrolysis. When the PU in the midsole in leather is exposed to moisture over time it starts to become more porous and will eventually disintegrate. The main impact of hydrolysis on leather military boots is that the PU starts to crumble away or separate from the rest of the boot. The damage caused by this process is usually irreversible, and not to mention costly, which is why it’s so important to know how to prevent hydrolysis in leather boots.
What Is The Main Cause Of Hydrolysis In Leather Boots?
In order to understand how to prevent hydrolysis in leather boots, it’s first of all important to understand what exactly it is that causes it. The most common cause of hydrolysis in boots is lack of use. Leaving boots at the back of a cupboard for weeks or months on end will cause the material to perish over time. This is intensified if they’re stored in damp or humid conditions rather than in a dry and aerated space. Wearing boots in wet, muddy conditions without cleaning and drying them properly afterwards can also accelerate the process.
4 Key Tips For How To Prevent Hydrolysis
With the key culprits for hydrolysis are lack of use and proper care, you can imagine that the key to how to prevent hydrolysis in leather boots is doing the opposite. The following tips will help with this:
Wear Boots Regularly
The best and easiest method for how to prevent hydrolysis from ruining your boots is to wear them regularly and avoid long periods of storage. This will provide them with the air that they need, and prevent the build-up of moisture that comes with leaving them in storage for extended periods of time.
Clean Boots Regularly
This is particularly important if you’ve been walking through wet, muddy conditions. Pesticides and chemicals found in some manures can eat away at the sole and the glue. With this in mind, always make sure to give your boots a good clean and ensure that they’re completely dry before storing them. You can read our tips on how to clean leather military boots and dry them correctly for further guidance on best practice for this. Placing boots into storage whilst they’re still damp leaves too much opportunity for the moisture to attack the properties of the soles.
Store Boots In A Dry, Well-Ventilated Space
When you do come to storing your boots, make sure to choose a dry, well-ventilated space and avoid dark, damp and humid cupboards. This is a crucial part of how to prevent hydrolysis in leather boots as it will give them the air they need to breathe, and prevent the build-up of moisture.
Avoid Direct Heat
Heat is another factor that can speed up the process of hydrolysis in leather military boots, so try to avoid exposing your boots to direct heat or high temperatures on a regular basis. This includes storing them away from direct heat sources and avoiding using hairdryers etc. to speed up the drying process.
Designed with durability as a priority, LOWA boots have been manufactured to work in opposition to the damaging effects of hydrolysis. A rubber rand runs around the edges of the boot between the upper and the outsole, protecting the leather from moisture and damage. In addition to this, the sole is attached to the upper using trusted manufacturing methods - cemented to the upper using a chemical, heat and pneumatic press combination, or fixed using LOWA’s exclusive Monowrap technology, in which the bonds are cured immediately to enhance connectivity. The outsoles are treated with a spray-on glueing process which provides exceptional connectivity, whilst still allowing the pores of the boot to remain open so that moisture can escape and air can circulate.
For more information on how to care for LOWA military boots, including what can be done if you think your boots have been subjected to hydrolysis, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Task Force team. You can give us a call on +44 (0)1752 344355 or email [email protected].
