Go take a hike!
by Stormy of Monod Sports Ltd

In Monod Sports' previous article, we discussed whether you should tune-up your much loved hiking boots or whether it is time for a new pair. This time, let's talk about the use and care of your hiking boots (whether new or worn) so you get the maximum elevation gain from your hiking boots!

Use and care of hiking boots
So you either did a tune-up of your existing hiking boots or you decided to get a new pair of boots. Either way, here are some suggestions from Monod Sports on how to keep your feet happy while you're challenging yourself in the Canadian Rockies:

• LEAVE cotton socks at home! Although cotton socks feel great, they soak up sweat, dry slower than molasses (making nice, moist conditions for blisters and cold feet), and are not durable.

• WEAR padded Merino wool or synthetic blend socks like Smartwool and Patagonia. Wool and synthetic socks wick moisture from the skin, provide extra cushion at blister prone areas and dry quickly.

• RULE OF THUMB: the stiffer the boot, the thicker the sock should be.

• Remove the boot's factory insoles and use quality insoles like Superfeet instead.

• NEVER LEAVE BOOTS:
- in a car on a warm day for prolonged periods of time
- near a campfire (even when your feet are in the boots)
The reason for keeping boots away from heat is simple: 99 percent of hiking boot soles are attached with a heat activated glue: once exposed to heat, the sole WILL separate from the boot.

• WATERPROOF the boots! The boots' manufacturers finish the exterior of the boot with a DWR (durable water repellent) waterproofing, but it will come off in time (See Care below).

Ongoing boot care
To keep your hiking boots looking great for their lifespan, take care of both the outer and inner parts of the boot.

Clean and Condition the boots:

STEP 1:
• Remove laces and wash separately
• Brush all dirt off uppers with a soft nylon brush
• Rinse boots in cool water to remove all remaining grime
• Allow boots to air dry in a 20-24°C (68-74° F) location away from any heating source (heat causes leather to shrink, soles to separate and/or toe caps to deform)

STEP 2:
• Condition and waterproof leather exterior even if the boots contain Gore-Tex label**. Leather, after cycles of wet, dry and dirty, can become brittle and crack.
• Stay away from oil conditioners (ex: mink oil) as they soften leather.
• In the summer, stay away from winter waterproofing as they become sticky in the summer, thereby attracting dirt to the boots.
• Use a water-based waterproofing such as Granger's on the boots, paying particular attention to where the leather upper meets the sole and along stitch lines.
• Allow the waterproofing to completely dry before using (24 hours is standard).

** Gore-Tex is a lining placed between the leather exterior and the inner lining; it acts as a water barrier while allowing the foot to breathe at the same time. It does not protect the leather exterior.

All rights reserved © Monod Sports Ltd 2007