Tips written by Elenor Hewitt
At Mont Adventure Equipment, we understand that purchasing high quality footwear is a big investment. With this in mind we have some useful tips that we hope will help you increase the life of your footwear, reduce waste and ensure you get the best value for money.
Climbing shoes are a very technical piece of equipment. Their materials are soft and flexible which allow you to climb at your best. They also need a bit of love to help them give you that edge.
Proper storage of your climbing shoes is crucial. After you use them, whether it’s a short session at the gym or a long multi-pitch day, let your shoes dry out away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Once they are completely dry, store them in a cool dry place away from sunlight. Not only will this help your shoes last longer but it will also assist with odour control (a little...).
Never store or leave your climbing shoes in the car. The extreme temperatures we get over Summer can melt the glue which attaches the sole to the shoe and leave your shoes unusable. The same goes for drying your shoes out in front of a fire or heater.
You can prolong the life of your climbing shoes with good footwork technique - mainly not dragging your toe up the wall in between holds. Try to focus on keeping your feet as silent as possible. Not only will this help your shoes last longer, it will also improve your technique. Also try and avoid wearing your shoes for approaches and belaying whilst outdoors. Walking around on rocks and dirt will wear the soles of your shoes down quickly.
If your shoes get dirty and start to smell a little funky, use a damp cloth to clean off any dirt from the outside of the shoe and put some scrunched up newspaper inside the shoe. This newspaper can assist with removing excess moisture and absorb odours. If they still smell, consider investing in a specific odour absorbing insert or an anti-odour powder. Never wash your shoes in a washing machine. The heat and agitation could irreparably damage your shoes.
Your hiking boots are one of the most important pieces of gear you use on a trip. Without proper care, your boots can wear out more quickly and could fail on you during a trip.
When your boots aren’t being worn, make sure you store them in a cool, dry place after completely drying them out. Never leave your hiking boots in the car. The heat can damage the glue used on your boots.
After a hike, remove the inner soles of the boots and leave them and your boots to dry in the shade. Inspect the soles of the boots and remove any rocks or other debris. Leaving rocks in the sole of your shoe can wear the sole down and decrease the life span of your boots.
You can prolong the life of your boots by cleaning them regularly. Clean them with water and a soft brush. Ensure you dry them completely as above. Cleaning your boots also helps prevent the spread of weeds.
From time to time, you may need to apply conditioning products to your boots to keep the fabric supple and hydrated. Information on which product to use, and how to apply them can vary between brands and models. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance or speak to one of the friendly staff at Mont.
Above all, the best way to look after your boots is to wear them. Without frequent use, the glue that connects the sole to the boot becomes brittle and can result in the sole becoming detached.
Your trail runners are an integral part of your running kit.
After each run, untie your shoelaces (sliding your foot out can damage the heel cup!), remove the innersoles and allow them to dry completely in a well ventilated, dry space. If there’s lots of mud on or in the sole them, rinse it off whilst it’s fresh with clean water. If the dirt won’t budge, use a soft brush. Cleaning your runners after each run will help them last longer as dried mud and dirt can wear down the fabric and materials of your shoes overtime.
Once they are completely dry, store them in a cool, well ventilated space. Never store them in the car as the heat can damage the glue.
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