5 Ways to Keep Your Kids' Boots in Good Shape All Winter

Ensure maximum wear from your kids' boots with a few simple strategies. Whether your child has rain boots, snow boots or a pair of each, there are some ways you can extend the life of their footwear and keep their shoes looking great all season. It doesn't take a lot of work to keep kids' winter boots in good condition, especially if you choose a durable, weatherproof boot that's made for harsh conditions.

Buy the Right Kind of Boot for the Climate

Smart shopping goes a long way toward making sure your child's fall and winter footwear stays in good shape. It's a good idea to make sure your child has a pair of rain boots for rainy fall and winter days, rather than sending them out in their regular shoes. For example, a pair of ballet flats for girls may be appropriate for a warm fall day but could get ruined if it rains. Having a pair of rain boots that your child can change into ensures their everyday shoes don't incur water damage.

The same concept goes for snowy weather, as shoes like sneakers and leather boots can easily be damaged by the snow and ice. Even road salt can cause damage to kids' shoes. To prevent this type of damage, opt for a pair of snow boots that are designed for snowy and icy conditions. These boots are waterproof so moisture won't seep through, and they're insulated to keep feet warm.

Clean Your Kids' Boots the Right Way

To keep your kids' boots looking their best, clean them regularly. A good cleaning can also prevent stains caused by pollutants like dirt, mud, grime, and salt. How to clean the boots depends on the material from which they're made. For example, rubber boots can be rinsed with water to keep the exterior clean. To clean the interior lining, use a disinfectant wipe or a mixture of vinegar and water and gently rub with a soft cloth. Make sure not to saturate the lining and allow the boot to air dry.

Winter snow boots can also be cleaned this way because they're waterproof. What you don't want to do is clean suede or leather boots by rinsing them, as water can damage the material. There are leather and suede cleaners on the market made specifically to clean these materials without causing any damage. You might also want to invest in a leather conditioner to keep the boots supple and shiny.

When it comes to how often to clean kids' boots, you can do so whenever they get dirty. If your child doesn't wear their boots a lot or doesn't get them very dirty, a cleaning every few months should suffice. It all depends on how much wear and tear the boots receive and the conditions in which they're worn.

Use Newspapers for Wet Boot Interiors

Sometimes, even with waterproof boots, the insides can get wet. If your child has been playing in deep snow or splashing in puddles, they may come home with moisture inside their boots. It's easy to dry them by stuffing wads of newspaper up into the toes of the boots. Leave the newspaper there until it's saturated with moisture, then replace it with dry newspaper until the boots are dry. It may be necessary to replace the newspaper several times throughout the day. Once the interiors of the boots are dry, you can spray them with an antibacterial spray to prevent any mold or mildew from forming.

Invest in a Pair of Boot Forms

Boot forms are inserted into boots to help them hold shape. Although you can use newspapers for this purpose, you'll get a better result if you use actual boot forms. You might also hear these implements referred to as boot shapers because that's exactly what they do. Kids' snow boots usually don't require boot forms or shapers, while leather and suede riding boots can benefit from them. Using boot forms for leather boys and girls boots not only helps them retain a structured look but also ensures they fit comfortably, even if your child wears them every day.

Consider Professional Weatherproofing

Another way to keep your kids' boots in good condition is to have them treated professionally. Your local shoe repair store is a great resource when it comes to learning how to care for different types of shoes and finding the products you need to do so. A shoe repair professional can treat leather and suede kids' boots to increase their resistance to moisture and wear.