Accidents happen!

We have all been there! Full of enthusiasm for a day in the field; we have misjudged the depth of that stream, boggy ditch or river and ended up with boots full of water.

It’s tempting to just put them on the radiator or pop them next to the fire to dry, but when it comes to drying leather boots, patience is a virtue, as drying them out too quickly can reduce the natural oils in the leather, making it dry and prone to cracking.

Here are some handy tips on how to dry your wet boots safely and effectively:

• Clean off any mud with a soft bristle brush
• Remove the insoles and laces – helps to speed up the drying process and helps to avoid any discolouration of the leather
• Tip the boots upside down and leave them for 10 – 15 minutes to make sure any excess water has drained out
• Stuff newspaper into the toes and again leave for 10-15 minutes to soak up as much water as possible then remove
• Pop in a pair of Dedito Pro USB Drywarmers.  The vortex effect created by the drywarmers optimises the circulation of warm air in your boots and helps to reduce drying time.  They come with a timer and the ultraviolet light helps to sanitise the boots as well!
• If you don’t have any drywarmers to hand, leave the boots tipped up in a cool, dry place to dry as slowly as possible for as long as possible
• After drying it’s always best to recondition the leather with wax to help maintain their waterproofness and keep the leather soft and supple

Investing time in your boots and looking after them properly will reap rewards in the long term!