You have searched high and low to find the perfect boots to wear this winter and all you need are a few simple tips and tricks to keep them in tip top shape through cold, rain and snow.
First pretreat leather and suede styles: Spray them with a silicone-free water repellent, such as Vectra-16 Spray ($13, footwearetc.com). Reapply at least twice a season. Have a cobbler attach rubber sole protectors (about $20) to the bottoms so that water won’t seep in.
When boots get wet: Stuff them with newspaper to preserve the shape and speed the air-drying process. Next, condition leather with colorless Kiwi Leather Lotion ($7, shoetreemarketplace.com). Or remove water marks on suede or nubuck with a suede eraser, and restore the nap with a brush. (Kiwi Suede & Nubuck Kit, $9, shoetreemarketplace.com.)
If boots get stained with salt: Combine 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water. Using a paper towel, dab the solution onto the spots until they disappear. (Suede boots should be cleaned by a professional.)
The Clotheshorse 