Both rain and snow can play on leather’s tendency to absorb moisture, potentially decreasing it’s lifespan and quality, especially if it has not been treated with a protective coating. Applying coatings such as the LOWA Water Stop Pro Spray will help to protect leather against degradation, however, this coating must be properly maintained if it is to remain effective. Thoroughly cleaning leather boots is another way to protect against damage, as the bacteria in mud and dirt can erode leather boots and compromise their integrity.
If you want to get the most out of your leather LOWA boots this winter, then it is worth getting to know the potential pitfalls that come with Winter weather and the best solutions for fairing lengthy season of cold, sleet, wetness and snow. Please note, that the content in this post addresses European winters that tend to be wet and cold, rather than dry arctic environments.
Does Snow Ruin Leather Boots?
Snow can inflict a number of adverse effects on leather boots; cracking, staining and even rot are all potential ways to render a great pair of boots obsolete (or at least less functional). Fortunately for anyone with a penchant for leather, these pitfalls can easily be prevented by ensuring proper care is taken.
As previously stated, you can gain a head start by ensuring your leather boots have been adequately protected and waterproofed before you step out into the snow. There are a wide range of sprays, creams, and waxes available that can be used either before or after boots have been worn out in the snow, and assiduous applications will help to ensure a leather boots longevity. Should the inside of a pair of boots become damp, stuffing them with cloth or newspaper to absorb the moisture is preferable to placing them near a source of heat, as the rapid drying is liable to cause cracks in the leather.
Cleaning leather boots with a cloth or boot brush is another important activity to carry out regularly, as doing so will prevent them from being damaged by any dirt, mud, and sleet that has permeated into the leather during outings in the snow. Coatings should also be reapplied afterward, as protective layers will become less effective over time and as they are worn away. Properly maintaining them will help guard against both dirt and wetness, so it’s definitely the worth the extra minute or so.
Finally, while leather boots can provide ample protection from the elements, it shouldn’t be considered the only front against the cold. Wearing warm and comfortable socks like Bridgedale socks available on LOWA Military Boots can make a world of difference for one’s comfort levels. Just heed that thicker socks require more space to fit comfortably inside a boot; something to keep in mind when selecting which size is needed. Another option is to wear boot gaiters over your leather boots to provide an additional protective layer between the snow and the leather.
