Keeping your Blundstones Good as New!

We often get the question, "how should I care for my Blundstones?", or "are these waterproof?" Well, we figured we would go directly to the source for advice. Here's what Blundstone has to say...

"With a little TLC, it's not unusual for Blundstone Boots to last for years. Our boots are crafted from the best available leathers and components, employing the expertise gained over 140-some years of boot making. Leather is a natural material so your boots will benefit from the following advice:

• If your boots get wet, stuff with newspaper to absorb the moisture and to keep the shape of the boot. Always dry them at room temperature – never with or by a heat source!

Blundstone boots require a little bit of care and maintenance to keep them performing for years and years. Below you will find specific information for the specific leathers, but in general you simply need to clean and condition them on a fairly regular basis. The frequency depends on what you are doing, and what conditions you are wearing them in.

Some clues that your boots need some attention: salt stains, colour fading, small cracks forming.

Take care of your boots, and your boots will take care of you. Step by Step Boot Care

Step One: Cleaning your boots The best way to clean your boots is with vinegar and water.

• Remove all dust and dirt from your Blundstone boots using a soft bristled brush or cloth

• Follow with a vinegar/water solution (1/3 vinegar | 2/3 water) and a clean lint-free cloth.

• Spray a small amount of the solution over the soiled parts of the boot, and wipe with a lint-free cloth.

• Wipe Blundstone boots clean and allow to fully dry away from heat. Never place close to any type of heat source.

• Repeat as necessary.

The vinegar acts to draw the minerals and dirt out of the leather, so some persistent salt stains may take a couple of treatments.Once you are satisfied that your boots are clean and dry, they need to be conditioned.

Step Two:Conditioning your boots

Much like a skin moisturizer, renovating cream nourishes and conditions, preventing leather from drying out. Specially formulated renovation cream for Blundstone leather, highly recommended for use in early stages of wear to assist in maintaining the leather and colour for a longer period.

• When the boots are clean and dry, apply a small amount of Blundstone Renovating Cream on an old (clean) rag, sock or cloth and spread evenly over the surface of the boots. One thin, even application is all that is necessary

• Wipe off any residue and set boots aside to allow the leather to absorb the Blundstone Renovating Cream

• Buff with cloth for high gloss shine if preferred

Renovating creams are not suitable for use on nubuck, suede, PVC, patent leather or nylon.

Blundstone coloured Renovating Creams are designed for use on a range of coloured leathers and may not be a perfect tint match, it is recommended to test on a small area before general use of the product to ensure you are satisfied with the results.

• Black for Black leathers

• Brown for premium Brown leathers

• Cherry for Shiraz & Redwood

• Rustic is a neutral-coloured cream that is suitable for use on full grain or flat leather styles, including Rustic Brown, Rustic Black, Antique Brown and Steel Grey. Even better—as this cream is non-pigmented, it can be used on any Blundstone leather boot. Note: Rustic Reno Cream does darken the rustic leathers initially although the boots keep the 'rustic appearance,’ the leather tends to lighten again over time. As mentioned above it is recommended to test on a small area before general use of the product to ensure you are satisfied with the results.

Another option for treating your boots is our Blundstone Polishing Pad. It is great for a quick and easy clean up. It’s a pre-saturated sponge that will spruce up your boots in seconds. Great to keep in your bag or by the back door for giving your boots a quick once over. Please note: May darken certain leathers. Not recommended for use on suede or nubuck.

• Ensure surface is free from dust and dirt. Wipe the sponge pad lightly over the surface – no buffing is necessary

If you have a care or conditioning product at home that you would like to use, please give us a call, or send us an email and we’ll give you our opinion.

Step Three:Waterproofing Your Boots

If you choose to waterproof your boots, this can be done at the end of your treatment once the conditioner has been absorbed. We offer a Blundstone Waterproof Spray that can be used on your boots.

• Shake well and spray onto dry footwear from a 15cm distance

• A second application may be necessary on old or porous leather

• Allow at least one hour between applications

• Allow to dry before use

This spray can be used independent of any other treatment or conditioner. The spray is suitable for use on suede, nubuck and canvas. As with all conditioners or sprays, please test on an inconspicuous area prior to conditioning the entire boot.

Leather Blundstone Boots

The majority of Blundstone boots are made from a weatherproof leather. This leather is treated at the factory to be as water-repellant as leather can be, without losing breathability. The boots are ready to wear the moment you buy them. To maintain the leather and the water-repellency of the boots, please follow the instructions outlined above.

Please note: we recommend conditioning your boots every 3 - 6 months depending on wear."

Source: Blundstone.ca