Once clean, stuff the shoes with newspaper or tissue paper and allow the boots to dry naturally, do not place near direct heat.

If you are walking on more even ground then you may prefer a waterproof walking shoe. Walking shoes can give you more freedom of movement and are lighter weight than a boot which allows for extra mobility and flexibility. They will not provide the same levels of support and protection that boots can offer however for a shorter distance walk in warmer weather, walking shoes may be more suited. Fabric boots can be re-proofed whilst wet or dry. You may prefer to clean and dry out your boots, apply the reproofer the following day and leave to dry overnight again before next use. Although this takes a little longer, you will be able to see where you have sprayed the proofer on much easier than spraying on to wet boots.

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Whether you apply to wet or dry boots, once the proofer has been applied, leave to air dry completely before wearing. The waterproof ability of hiking boots depends on many factors including how often you wear them, what kind of weather you wear them in and how well you look after them. With no aftercare, waterproof shoes and boots should last a couple of years but with proper care, you can make sure they keep your feet dry for many more trips after that. Correct aftercare includes regular cleaning and reproofing, if you are an avid hiker, we’d recommend reproofing 3 or 4 times a year. Ultra Peak Mens Waterproof Boots – Waterproof with hydrophobic suede uppers and a Hydroguard® waterproof membrane. They are equipped with RECCO® detection technology to make you searchable to professional rescuers in the event of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. They have Vibram® tsavo trekking outsoles, engineered for stability and comfort on unpredictable terrain, as well as breathable antibacterial latex insoles for long wearing comfort. With padded tongues and ankles for added comfort and support, these boots would be perfect for your next outdoor adventure. To keep little feet warm and dry this winter, we’d recommend kids snow boots. The Caribou Adaptive Boots are designed to be snow proof, with sherpa lining and a high traction outsole for grip. The touch strap fastening leaves them secure on kids’ feet. The Whistler Adaptive Snow Boots use elastic laces which mean your child can adjust their footwear more easily on their own. These boots retain heat with a fleece lining, so feet stay warm all day.

When selecting footwear it is important to consider location – the most suitable footwear is dependent on the terrain and environment you plan to be walking/hiking in. There are generally two types of cut for a walking boot- mid and high. There is no such thing as a low cut walking boot, this would be a walking shoe. These boots also have a super high traction Vibram outsole which is great if you appreciate a little extra support when out on the trails. This isn’t to say the Odysseys have the most technical sole we’ve ever seen, but they certainly offer more grip than most budget hiking boots on the market. Using a re-proofing spray, spray all over from a distance of 5cm. Make sure you have an even coating over the entire boot. An information panel described the boot as: “Waterproof – Our IsoDry membrane allows your feet to breathe whilst allowing moisture to escape the shoe, keeping you comfortable when on the move.”

Apply a small amount of dubbin wax to a cloth and rub over the leather sparingly. If the wax is too hard to rub onto your boots, use a hair dryer to soften it. Mid cut boots, opposed to shoes, protect your ankles and offer support, ideal for shorter day walks. Higher cut boots offer more ankle support on rougher terrains but do not allow the same flexibility as a mid-cut boot. The cleaning process will affect the waterproof performance so re-proofing will be required, see below advice.

The water level was 20mm above the feather line, and the flexing angle was 25 degrees. It said the TM230 test was the industry standard test for waterproof footwear, and was used extensively in the outdoor industry. Leave to dry before use. Don’t try to dry your boots faster with a hair dryer or heat source, allow them to air dry naturally. Ultra Typhoon Mens Waterproof Overtrousers– Fully waterproof, essential for wet days out, festivals, or cycling. They are constructed from heavy duty stretchy, waterproof and breathable fabric with taped seams. The side two-way zip legs allow you to easily pull the trousers over your shoes. If you’re going to be walking for a longer distance on uneven ground a waterproof walking boot is recommended over a shoe. The higher cut provides ankle support and protection which is beneficial when walking on uneven ground where it can be very easy to twist your ankle. Boots also offer padding around the ankle, which some people may find more comfortable than a shoe. Covering your ankle also keeps in more warmth, making boots useful in colder temperatures.The part of the boot placed into the water was from 20mm above the feather line to the sole of the boot (roughly the bottom third of the boot). No water penetration was found in the boot after 15,000 cycles. A High Street outdoors retailer has been told it can’t use an advertisement that claimed one of its boot models was waterproof. Brush your boots or shoes with a soft bristle brush to remove loose dirt. Be careful not to damage the material surface with abrasive brushes/ sponges. Use a hairdryer to gently heat your boots up, this will help them absorb the dubbin. Be careful not to position the hairdryer too close to the boots and always use a low heat, the boots only need to be warmed slightly.