LOWA Boot Care Guide: How to Extend the Life of Your Gear
Investing in a pair of LOWA boots means investing in 100 years of German engineering. To ensure your boots maintain their waterproof GORE-TEX® properties and structural integrity for years, follow this professional maintenance routine.
1. Cleaning: Remove the Grit
After every heavy use, remove the laces and the insoles.
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Dry Dirt: Use a medium-stiff brush to remove dust and dried mud.
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Stubborn Mud: Use lukewarm water and a specialized footwear cleaning gel.
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Warning: Never use regular soap or detergents; they can damage the leather’s natural oils and the waterproof membrane.
2. Drying: Patience is Key
Leather is a natural material that "breathes," but it hates extreme heat.
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The Golden Rule: Never dry your boots near a radiator, fireplace, or in direct sunlight. This causes the leather to become brittle and crack, and can weaken the adhesives.
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The Pro Tip: Stuff the boots with newspaper to absorb moisture and let them air-dry at room temperature for 24–48 hours.
3. Waterproofing: Maintain the "Bead"
When water stops "beading" off the surface and starts soaking into the leather, it’s time to re-waterproof.
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Apply a Waterproofing Spray (like LOWA Water Stop) while the boots are still slightly damp. This allows the pores of the leather to remain open, pulling the treatment deeper into the fibers.
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Pay special attention to the seams and the tongue area.
4. Conditioning: Feed the Leather
Over time, leather loses its natural moisture.
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For smooth leather boots, apply a Conditioning Cream or wax (like LOWA Active Cream) to keep the leather supple.
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Note for Suede/Nubuck (Zephyr models): Use a specialized suede conditioner to maintain the "rough" look without darkening the leather too much.
5. Storage
Store your boots in a dry, well-ventilated place using a shoe tree or stuffed with paper to maintain their shape. Never store damp boots in a plastic bag or a car trunk.