Classification and Care of Boots of Different Materials

How can you extend the lifespan of leather footwear, especially boots? How can you keep them looking pristine even after enduring the scorching summer heat?

"Maintenance" becomes the best approach. Just like we care for our skin with skincare products and maintain our bodies through a healthy lifestyle, we always want beautiful things to last, and the same goes for shoes. Furthermore, different boot materials require different care methods.

To properly care for leather, you must follow the characteristics of the material. Common boot materials on the market are mostly animal hides, artificial leather, patent leather, and so on. Different materials require specific care and maintenance. After all, only good care can extend their lifespan and ensure your boots, along with you, showcase your stylish and confident side.

Cow Leather
Cow leather is often used in handicrafts because of its fine texture, durability, and durability. Cowhide leather also offers advantages such as breathability, heat dissipation, sweat absorption, and moisture resistance. It's also durable and moth-free. Furthermore, cowhide is plentiful and not as expensive as other animal skins, making it more affordable for the general public.

Cowhide Care:
Use a soft brush to remove dust from the boot surface. Next, apply a cowhide shoe cleaner to a large area and then wipe it in smaller areas. Lightly brush the boot surface, transferring any excess oil to the boot shaft. Finally, wipe lightly with a clean cloth.

Sheep leather:
Sheep leather offers excellent elasticity, toughness, breathability, comfort, softness, and durability. It is also odor-resistant and resists deformation. Winter boots are often made of sheepskin, offering excellent warmth.

Sheepskin Care:
Clean the boot surface as described above, then apply shoe polish. Place in a dry, shaded area to dry. Finally, lightly wipe the shoe surface with a clean cloth.

PU leather
PU leather, also known as artificial leather, is a synthetic material used to make shoe uppers. Generally speaking, any upper material other than natural leather is artificial leather. PU leather's greatest advantages are affordability, a wide variety of styles, varying degrees of softness and hardness, and ease of availability. 

PU leather care:
First, wipe away dust with a soft cloth. Then, wipe the upper with a soft cloth dampened with water. Then, polish with a polishing cloth and finish with leather conditioner.

Patent leather
Patent leather comes in two types: genuine patent leather, which is cowhide treated with a resin coating. The other is transfer leather, made by adding a layer of glossy leather to the split layer of genuine leather. Patent leather is characterized by its glossy, natural color, water and moisture resistance, resistance to deformation, and ease of cleaning.

Patent leather care:
Use a damp soft cloth to wipe away dust. For minor stains, use a cleanser made with a 50:2:1 ratio of water, hand soap, and alcohol. Wipe the patent leather with a damp, soft white cloth (no dripping water). Allow to air dry in a well-ventilated area.

Velvet

Velvet is a general term for cut-pile silk fabrics. It has a fuzzy surface, typically formed by splitting specialized warp yarns. Because the fuzz is parallel and evenly spaced, velvet has a unique sheen. Boots made of velvet always give off a luxurious, "wealthy" vibe. Their only drawback is that they easily attract dust and fuzz.

Velvet care:

Use a specialized multi-faceted brush. First, use a squeegee to remove surface stains, then brush the boot surface in a uniform direction. Silicone spray is also recommended to protect the boots from stains and moisture.

It's worth mentioning that regardless of the material of boots or leather shoes, there are some key details to consider when caring for them:

• Avoid direct sunlight or fire to prevent the leather from aging and cracking;
• Never wash the leather with water; keep it away from moisture;
• Avoid stepping hard on the heels when removing shoes to prevent deformation;
•  If light-colored leather is stained, gently rub it with white shoe polish;
•  Dry boots in a well-ventilated area to prevent bacteria from growing inside. Place shoe trees inside the boots to prevent deformation, and then cover them with dust bags.
• Regularly remove dirt from the shoe surface and apply shoe polish or other leather-specific cleaning and care products.

#boots #bootscare