Clean: After each wear, give your boots a quick wipe with a cloth to keep them in condition. For a deeper clean, brush off any clumps of dirt with a shoe brush, remove the laces (these can be washed separately, even in a machine), then clean the uppers with a moisturising soap such as vegan saddle soap. Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth. Never use regular soap, as it dehydrates the vegan leather.
Drying: Always let your boots dry naturally, away from direct heat sources like radiators or boilers — forced drying can crack the vegan leather and damage the waterproof membrane. Allow around 24 hours. If your boots get thoroughly soaked, remove the laces and insoles, stuff them with newspaper (replacing it as it absorbs the water), and stand them in front of a non-heated fan or hang them upside down to dry. Don't wear damp boots between uses, as this affects how well the waterproof lining keeps your feet dry — switch to another pair if you can.
Polish: Reapply polish roughly monthly or as needed, both to refresh the look and to help protect against dirt. Apply in circular motions and buff off any surplus, steering clear of the stitching and laces, which polish can stain.
Waterproofing: WVSport boots get their final finish on the production line, but there's usually a gap before they reach you, so it's worth checking yours when they arrive. Drop a little water onto the vegan leather — if it doesn't bead up and slide off, it's time for a waterproofing treatment. We recommend treating about once a month depending on use, after cleaning and drying. Spot test any product first. Sprays and treatments that work well on our materials include Collonil Organic Protector Spray, Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof, Clarks suede and nubuck protector, Punch Instant Protector, Vegetarian Shoes Dubbin, and Kiwi Parade Gloss Shoe Polish.
Salt & grit: Road salt in icy conditions can degrade vegan leather and leave white marks, so deal with it promptly. Wipe the boots with a cloth, mix two parts water to one part vinegar, gently clean the affected areas, then rinse off with a damp cloth and pat dry with a towel.
Insoles: Insoles take a lot of moisture and impact, and over time they can lose their cushioning. They can be replaced with a fresh pair — ours are designed to fit WVSport footwear perfectly.
Looking after them: Break your boots in indoors before heading out — this beds them in, confirms the fit, and lets you spot any manufacturing issue early. Use a shoe horn to protect the heel shape when putting them on, store them with a shoe tree to hold their form, protect them in a boot bag when travelling, and replace worn laces as needed.
