We’re not sure about you, but we live in our wellies! They’re a versatile, everyday shoes and we absolutely love that they can take us from morning to night, in rain, hail or shine. So, it’s only telling that we really want to look after them so that they last for as long as possible.
Our top tip? Keeping our Wellington boots stored in a cool, dry place and away from sunlight makes them last longer. Why? Because it’s been shown that extremely hot or cold temperatures can destroy the rubber. If you want to make sure that your favourite wellie boots don’t come into contact with any harsh elements, try storing them on a rack specifically designed for shoes.
Because we want you to get the most out of your boots, we’ve listed a few ways that’ll help keep your wellies in pristine condition, for as long as possible.
6 steps to help protect your wellies
Buying a new pair of Wellington boots every year can get expensive, not to mention inconvenient. Follow our recommended tips care tips and you’ll have them lasting years, while saving some money in the process.
1. Be gentle when taking them off
This might sound pretty simple, but the way you take your boots off is key. We’ve all been guilty of pinning one heel down with one foot to quickly tug the other foot out of our wellie. But this isn’t great for our wellies and can actually damage them.
Knowing how to take off Wellington boots properly is a game changer that can help to make them last longer than you’d ever expect. How? By using a boot jack: a simple and fast way to help take your wellies off while keeping them damage-free.
2. Keep them squeaky clean
Cleaning your boots can help to make them last longer. Our recommendation? Use a mild detergent (like dishwashing liquid) to remove any marks from the rubber or neoprene. Leaving excess dirt on your boots can actually dry out the rubber or fade the colour over time.
3. Dry them ASAP
Our wellies often get wet when we're out on adventures, which is why we love that they’re 100% waterproof and keep our toes toasty warm. But once we’re done with wearing them, drying them with a cloth or an old newspaper helps to remove any excess moisture that could stay on the shoe.
P.s. Drying the inside of the boot will prevent any bad smells that might pop-up as a result of bacteria build up.
4. Moisturise your boots? Yep, that’s right!
Just how we apply moisturisers to our skin, our wellies also need a bit of TLC and pampering to prevent them from drying up and cracking. Using silicone-based rubber boot treatments like what you’ll find in the Merry People Care Kit will help protect your wellies and keep the natural rubber moisturised. This means avoiding potential cracks and keeping your boots merrier for longer!
5. Home is where the wellies are
The best place to keep your wellies? You got it! Inside your home. Some people like to store their Wellington boots in the car or on the front porch but the best place to keep them is in a cool, dry place, like inside the house, where they are safe and sound from the elements. Consider popping them on a Wellington shoe rack that's in a well-ventilated area and away from direct sunlight.
Psst! Avoid extreme temperatures because this type of environment can crack rubber.
6. Treat them like you want them to last forever
Ever thought about investing in a dedicated boot bag? We love them. It can help preserve the wellies by keeping them cool when it’s extremely hot. Plus, it makes it easier to carry them around whenever we’re on the go!
Caring for your wellies properly will see them lasting a long time, but it’s also super important to learn how to fix Wellington boots if they happen to tear.
