There are a few simple key steps to follow if you’re looking for answers on how to store winter boots and shoes away for the summer.
Summer boot storage entails much more than simply storing them. You must ensure that you are properly cleaned, deodorized, and packaged.
That way, they’ll be ready when the colder, wetter (and, yes, snowier) days return!
How to Store Winter Boots and Shoes
1. Remove Dirt and Stains From Your Winter Boots
Of course, before storing your winter boots and shoes for the spring/summer months, make sure they’re clean and dry. Boots that are wet? In my dedicated post, I explain how to dry out boots.
You should clean your winter boots on a regular basis. However, if you live in a region where winter lasts the majority of the year, such as here in Canada, this can be a huge time-consuming hassle.
Before you put your winter boots and shoes away, it is critical to give them a thorough cleaning.
However, cleaning winter boots differs depending on the type of boot. Suede, leather, rubbers, and specially treated materials will require different care. That is why it is a good idea to keep the care instructions close at hand.
If you want more specific instructions, I’ve written posts on how to clean UGG boots, how to clean suede shoes, and how to clean and shine leather shoes.
However, if your winter boots and shoes are waterproof (as snow shoes should be! ), you should follow the steps below:
To Clean Dirt From Boots:
The first thing you’ll want to do is get the mud or dirt off your winter boots as soon as possible. But first, fill your boots with newspaper, clean rags, or a shoe tree.
Use a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime from the uppers. Brush suedes and pony hair with a suede brush, following the grain.
To clean your outsoles, fill a wide bucket with 1-2 inches of water and place your boots inside for a few minutes, or until the dirt, rocks, and general filth loosens and comes off. Make certain that only the soles are soaked. Allow to drip dry or dry with a rag.
To Get Rid of Salt Stains:
After you’ve cleaned your boots, it’s time to get rid of those pesky salt stains. It’s actually quite simple. You can save time by using specialized shoe wipes, such as Boot Rescue, which are my personal favorite. These shoe wipes are non-toxic, foolproof, and available in the United States and Canada.
You can also make your own salt-removal solution by combining 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar and gently dabbing it onto the salt stains with a rag.
2. Condition and treat your boots
Storing boots for the summer also entails properly caring for them before storing them. Leather requires the most care, and there are a plethora of great products to keep your leather shoes in good condition.
In addition, all winter boot materials, including leather, can benefit from a good all-over shoe spray! In my dedicated posts, you can find some of the best waterproof sprays for shoes as well as instructions on how to waterproof boots and shoes.
These shoe sealants form a water, dust, and grime repellent shield for all materials, which is useful when storing boots for the summer.
3. Repair Your Winter Boots
If you notice rips in the upper material of your boots or if the heels are beginning to thin out, have them repaired at your local cobbler.
The outsoles are the most important component because they cannot be repaired after a certain amount of wear and tear.
If you’re handy or looking for a do-it-yourself solution, check out my post on the best shoe glue! ShoeGoo or Aqua Seal can be used to repair upper materials and even outsoles.
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4. Freshen Up Your Winter Boots and Shoes
Because who wants to keep a stinky pair of shoes? Not for me! So here are a few pointers:
Begin with the insoles and remove them. If the item is washable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If they’ve been consumed and weathered, you’ll need to replace them.
To purchase replacement insoles, go to the boot brand’s website or look for similar ones online. Walmart has a fantastic selection of insoles.
If airing out your winter boots and shoes hasn’t helped, you’ll need to take extra streps. There are numerous products available to eliminate odor, ranging from shoe inserts to shoe sprays and powders.
I’ve written an entire post about how to get rid of stinky shoes, which includes a variety of products and do-it-yourself options.
If your boots are really stinky, it’s time to bring out the big guns and use a device like StinkBoss or something similar. I reviewed this particular ozone shoe deodorizer here.
5. Where Should You Keep Your Winter Boots?
Now that your boots are clean and odor-free, it’s time to put them away for a few months. Do not undervalue this procedure!
To begin, you’ll want to ensure that your winter shoes and boots retain their shape. Tissue paper or crumpled blank paper can be used to accomplish this at a low cost.
Better yet, if you can afford to spend a little more, these top-rated and simple-to-use boot shapers are fantastic. Alternatively, you can choose more solid boot forms, which are inserts that go inside your boots to keep their shape.
6. Where Should You Keep Your Winter Boots?
Personally, I keep all of my shoe boxes + dust bags, which makes for the ideal storage solution. If you don’t have either, wrap your boots in a clean plastic bag or cover them with a cotton cloth.
This will keep dust off of them. You can also buy shoe and boot bags, such as these cool ones.
Then you’ll need to find boxes to store them in. I don’t recommend putting them all in a big bin because they will weigh on each other and possibly change shape. Boxes allow you to easily store them in your closet, under your bed, or wherever you want.
Make sure to keep your winter boots in a cool, dry place and in a container that allows them to breathe (i.e., don’t seal them airtight). The last thing you want to do is risk mould growth by storing them in a damp basement.
Another option is to store your winter boots in your closet with boot hangers for the summer. Yes, this exists, and when paired with appropriate boot bags, it works wonders.
I even wrote an entire blog post about this hanging boot holder system for your closet!
Final Thoughts
Yes, going through the motions of how to store winter boots and shoes is time-consuming, but it’s worthwhile. Not only will properly maintained and stored footwear keep your favorite shoes around for a longer period of time, but it will also keep you warmer and dryer!
But, before you go, tell me: how do you normally store your winter boots and shoes? See more useful article at my website shoestorenyc.com
