Questions and answers

Questions about the care of hiking boots

Posted on by Christine Fischbach
02
Jan

Frequently asked questions about shoe care:

The care of hiking boots is essential to ensure their longevity and functionality. Thorough care involves several steps, from cleaning to impregnating and maintaining the material. The use of natural raw materials such as waxes and oils plays a particularly important role for high-quality hiking boots made of leather and mixed materials. The following is a detailed description of how to care for hiking boots properly.

Step 1: Thorough cleaning

Rough cleaning

First, remove any coarse dirt from the shoes. Remove the laces and insoles. The Tapir dirt brush makes it easy to remove soil, dust and small stones. It is particularly important to clean the sole profiles thoroughly, as a lot of dirt often accumulates here. Water can also be used here.

Damp cleaning

The rough cleaning is followed by wet cleaning. Our Tapir outdoor cleaner is suitable for this. This can be used for both leather (all types) and mixed materials. Add a dash of cleaner to lukewarm water and a dash to the Tapir sponge to clean the shoes from all sides. Make sure that the shoes are not completely soaked, especially leather shoes, as this can damage the material.

Drying

Leave the shoes to dry at room temperature. Do not place them near radiators or in direct sunlight, as this can dry out the material and make it brittle. Stuff the shoes with newspaper to maintain their shape and speed up the drying process. Change the paper regularly until the shoes are completely dry.

Step 2: Care with natural raw materials

Leather shoes

Natural waxes and oils are ideal for pure smooth leather shoes to keep the material supple and protect it from drying out. Tapir leather grease is recommended here, consisting of lanolin, beeswax and carnauba wax – an excellent care product for smooth leather. Apply a thin layer of the wax with a soft cotton cloth or a Tapir application brush and massage it into the leather. Leave the wax to soak in for a few hours. Any excess can be removed with a cloth.

For rough leather, Tapir recommends the impregnation for suede or nubuck leather. After cleaning, spray this generously onto the leather and spread evenly with an application brush. Allow to dry and reapply with the suede eraser.

Step 3: Impregnation and protection

Tapir moisture protection for mixed materials

Hiking boots are often made from a combination of leather and synthetic materials. This is where Tapir moisture protection comes into its own, protecting both natural and synthetic materials from moisture. Tapir moisture protection consists of natural ingredients such as beeswax, carnauba wax and wool wax.

Spray the moisture protection evenly onto the cleaned and dry shoes from a distance of around 20 cm. Make sure that all areas, especially seams and transitions between materials, are well covered. Allow the protective agent to soak in well before using the shoes again.

Step 4: Regular care

Hiking boots should be cared for regularly, depending on the frequency of use. After every hike, the shoes should be roughly cleaned and, if necessary, thoroughly cleaned and cared for. Waterproofing should be renewed at least every few months to maintain protection against moisture.

With the right care using natural raw materials and specific products such as Tapir moisture protection, your hiking boots will not only look good, but will also be functional and durable. So you are well prepared for your next hiking adventure.

We have already described all the individual steps in the above question about hiking boots, but here we repeat them again for cleaning:

Step 1: Thorough cleaning

Rough cleaning

First, remove any coarse dirt from the shoes. Remove the laces and insoles. The Tapir dirt brush makes it easy to remove soil, dust and small stones. It is particularly important to clean the sole profiles thoroughly, as a lot of dirt often accumulates here. Water can also be used here.

Damp cleaning

The rough cleaning is followed by wet cleaning. Our Tapir outdoor cleaner is suitable for this. This can be used for both leather (all types) and mixed materials. Add a dash of cleaner to lukewarm water and a dash to the Tapir sponge to clean the shoes from all sides. Make sure that the shoes are not completely soaked, especially leather shoes, as this can damage the material.

If the hiking boots are made of pure smooth leather, we also recommend Tapir Leather and Saddle Soap for cleaning. This also contains waxes and is therefore only suitable for smooth leather, provides deep care and is mild to the leather.

Drying

Leave the shoes to dry at room temperature. Do not place them near radiators or in direct sunlight, as this can dry out the material and make it brittle. Stuff the shoes with newspaper to maintain their shape and speed up the drying process. Change the paper regularly until the shoes are completely dry.

See above:

The care of hiking boots is essential to ensure their longevity and functionality. Thorough care involves several steps, from cleaning to impregnating and maintaining the material. The use of natural raw materials such as waxes and oils plays a particularly important role for high-quality hiking boots made of leather and mixed materials. The following is a detailed description of how to care for hiking boots properly.

Step 1: Thorough cleaning

Rough cleaning

First, remove any coarse dirt from the shoes. Remove the laces and insoles. The Tapir dirt brush makes it easy to remove soil, dust and small stones. It is particularly important to clean the sole profiles thoroughly, as a lot of dirt often accumulates here. Water can also be used here.

Damp cleaning

The rough cleaning is followed by wet cleaning. Our Tapir outdoor cleaner is suitable for this. This can be used for both leather (all types) and mixed materials. Add a dash of cleaner to lukewarm water and a dash to the Tapir sponge to clean the shoes from all sides. Make sure that the shoes are not completely soaked, especially leather shoes, as this can damage the material.

Drying

Leave the shoes to dry at room temperature. Do not place them near radiators or in direct sunlight, as this can dry out the material and make it brittle. Stuff the shoes with newspaper to maintain their shape and speed up the drying process. Change the paper regularly until the shoes are completely dry.

Step 2: Care with natural raw materials

Leather shoes

Natural waxes and oils are ideal for pure smooth leather shoes to keep the material supple and protect it from drying out. Tapir leather grease is recommended here, consisting of lanolin, beeswax and carnauba wax – an excellent care product for smooth leather. Apply a thin layer of the wax with a soft cotton cloth or a Tapir application brush and massage it into the leather. Leave the wax to soak in for a few hours. Any excess can be removed with a cloth.

For rough leather, Tapir recommends the impregnation for suede or nubuck leather. After cleaning, spray this generously onto the leather and spread evenly with an application brush. Allow to dry and reapply with the suede eraser.

Step 3: Impregnation and protection

Tapir moisture protection for mixed materials

Hiking boots are often made from a combination of leather and synthetic materials. This is where Tapir moisture protection comes into its own, protecting both natural and synthetic materials from moisture. Tapir moisture protection consists of natural ingredients such as beeswax, carnauba wax and wool wax.

Spray the moisture protection evenly onto the cleaned and dry shoes from a distance of around 20 cm. Make sure that all areas, especially seams and transitions between materials, are well covered. Allow the protective agent to soak in well before using the shoes again.

Step 4: Regular care

Hiking boots should be cared for regularly, depending on the frequency of use. After every hike, the shoes should be roughly cleaned and, if necessary, thoroughly cleaned and cared for. Waterproofing should be renewed at least every few months to maintain protection against moisture.

With the right care using natural raw materials and specific products such as Tapir moisture protection, your hiking boots will not only look good, but will also be functional and durable. So you are well prepared for your next hiking adventure.

Leather shoes require regular care to maintain their longevity and attractive appearance. Greasing leather shoes is an important part of this care. How often leather shoes should be lubricated depends on several factors, including the frequency of wear, weather conditions and the type of leather. Here are some guidelines to help determine the optimal frequency of care for leather shoes:

Frequency of wearing

If you wear your leather shoes every day or very often, they should be greased approximately every two to four weeks. Shoes that are only worn occasionally can be greased every two to three months.

Weather conditions

Leather shoes that are frequently worn in wet or extremely dry weather conditions require more frequent care. Moisture and humidity can dry out the leather and make it brittle, while strong sunlight can also lead to dehydration. In these cases, it is advisable to grease the shoes every two to three weeks to keep the leather supple and prevent cracks.

Condition of the shoes

In addition to the factors mentioned above, the condition of the shoes should also be taken into account. If the leather shows the first signs of dryness, such as fine cracks or a dull shine, it is time for a greasing, regardless of the last care carried out. A regular inspection of the shoes helps to identify the optimum time for care.

Greasing procedure

  1. Cleaning: Before greasing, the shoes should be thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and dust. Use a Tapir dirt brush or shine brush or Tapir leather and saddle soap for wet cleaning.

  2. Drying: Let the shoes dry completely before you start greasing them.

  3. Applying the grease: Apply a thin layer of Tapir leather grease with a soft cloth or a Tapir application brush. Massage the leather grease into the leather to ensure that it is well absorbed.

  4. Allow to take effect: Leave the grease to soak in for a few hours or overnight. Excess grease can then be wiped off with a soft cloth.

  5. Polishing: If necessary, polish the shoes with a soft polishing brush from Tapir or a cotton cloth.

Regular care and oiling of leather shoes ensures that the material retains its flexibility and durability, which significantly extends the life of the shoes. A well-maintained pair of leather shoes is not only more durable, but also looks attractive and high-quality for longer.

Regular shoe cleaning is essential to prolong the life of your shoes and keep them looking their best. The frequency of cleaning depends on various factors, including the material of the shoes, the frequency of use and the weather conditions to which the shoes are exposed.

Leather shoes for example, should be cleaned at least once a week if they are worn regularly. Leather is a natural material that absorbs moisture and dirt. Regular cleaning and care keeps the leather supple and protects it from cracking. After regular cleaning with a dirt brush and cleaneror saddle soap, we recommend Tapir’s wide range of products for greasing, protecting or shining.

Shoes made from syntheticmaterials or fabric require different care depending on the degree of soiling. With regular use, cleaning every two weeks with Tapir cleaner is often sufficient. Here too, the coarse dirt should be removed first. And then impregnate with Tapir moisture protection to keep dirt and moisture out.

Sports shoesthat are exposed to intensive use should be checked for dirt after each use and cleaned if necessary. Especially in bad weather or off-road, more frequent cleaning is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the materials.

Overall, it can be said that regular shoe care is an important part of general shoe hygiene. In addition to cleaning, shoes should also be aired regularly and stored in a dry place to prevent the formation of odors and bacteria. This not only keeps your shoes looking good for longer, but also keeps them hygienic and functional.

Nubuck leather is a particularly sensitive material that impresses with its velvety surface and elegant appearance. Proper care and stain removal are therefore of great importance in order to preserve its high-quality appearance. There are two tried and tested methods for cleaning nubuck leather: dry cleaning and wet cleaning.

For dry cleaning, we recommend using the Tapir suede eraser or a Tapir brass brush. The suede eraser has been specially developed for treating stains on nubuck leather. With gentle, circular movements, stains and soiling can be effectively removed without damaging the sensitive material. The fibers of the leather are moved and the dirt can be “rubbed out”.

A brass brush can also be helpful to remove stubborn stains and restore the fibers of the leather. You should work carefully and without strong pressure so as not to damage the leather.

Tapir’s cleaner made from natural raw materials is an excellent choice for wet cleaning. This cleaner is specially formulated to gently clean and care for the material at the same time. To remove stains, apply a small amount of the cleaner to the enclosed Tapir soaking sponge and carefully wet the stain. Leave to work and only then carefully rub off. The leather should then be wiped with a clean, damp cotton cloth to remove all cleaning residues. It is important to allow the leather to dry slowly and at room temperature after cleaning to avoid deformation.

Regardless of the method chosen, it is advisable to regularly care for the nubuck leather in order to protect the material and prolong its life. In addition to stain removal, nubuck leather should also be impregnated regularly to protect it from moisture and further soiling. This preserves the elegant appearance of the leather and allows you to enjoy your nubuck leather shoes or accessories for a long time. Tapir recommends impregnation for suede, nubuck and suede leather.

Tapir Leather Grease is a high-quality care product made from natural raw materials and is particularly suitable for dry and stressed leather. It contains a carefully selected blend of natural waxes and oils, including beeswax, carnauba wax and lanolin, which together provide intensive care and lasting protection.

One of the outstanding features of Tapir leather grease is its ability to penetrate deep into the leather and nourish it from the inside out. The natural ingredients keep the leather supple and soft, which is particularly important for dry and stressed leather. The leather grease ensures that the material not only looks well-groomed on the outside, but also retains its flexibility and durability.

Another advantage of Tapir leather grease is its protective effect. It forms a protective barrier on the surface of the leather, protecting it from moisture, dirt and other environmental influences. This is particularly important for leather products that are exposed to frequent and intensive use, such as shoes, bags or equestrian accessories. The protection against moisture also prevents the leather from becoming brittle and cracked.

As Tapir Leather Grease is made exclusively from natural raw materials, it is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. It contains no synthetic chemicals or solvents, which is not only good for the environment, but also for the health of the user. The absence of artificial additives also makes Tapir Leather Grease particularly skin-friendly and pleasant to use.

All in all, Tapir leather grease is the best choice for anyone who wants to optimally care for their dry and stressed leather. It offers intensive care, reliable protection and is also environmentally friendly and kind to the skin. Tapir leather grease keeps your leather soft, supple and durable so that you can enjoy your leather products for a long time.

The correct application of Tapir impregnation is crucial to ensure the best possible protection for the leather. Tapir waterproofing, made from natural raw materials, offers an environmentally friendly and effective solution to protect your shoes, bags and clothing from moisture and dirt. But how long does Tapir impregnation need to be left on to achieve optimum results?

After evenly spraying on the Tapir impregnation and massaging it in with the Tapir application brush, the treated material should be left to dry for at least 24 hours in a well-ventilated place. This exposure time is necessary so that the natural ingredients can fully penetrate the fibers of the material and develop their protective effect. It is important that the impregnation has sufficient time to set and form an effective barrier against moisture and dirt.

The treated object should not be used during the application time to ensure even distribution and absorption of the impregnating agent. The leather must be completely dry before it comes into contact with water or dirt again. The natural composition of Tapir impregnation not only ensures excellent protection, but also preserves the breathability of the material, which is particularly beneficial for footwear and outdoor clothing.

The Tapir leather care cream made from natural raw materials is a first-class product that has been developed to not only care for your leather shoes, but also to give them a radiant shine. This cream contains a carefully balanced blend of natural oils and waxes, including beeswax and carnauba wax, which penetrate deep into the leather and provide intensive care.

When using Tapir leather care cream, first remove dirt and dust from the leather. Preferably with one of our brushes or with Tapir leather and saddle soap. Then apply a small amount of the cream to the leather with a soft cloth or an application brush in circular movements. The natural ingredients nourish the leather, make it supple and protect it from drying out and cracking. The cream takes effect after just a short time and gives the shoes a silky shine. The leather care cream is available in 5 colors: colorless, brown, black, red-brown and blue.

For those who want to give their shoes a particularly high shine, Tapir offers the leather balm. This balm is applied after care with the leather cream and further enhances the shine effect. The leather balm also contains natural raw materials such as beeswax and carnauba wax, which are known for their shiny properties. After the balm has been applied and allowed to work in for a short time, the leather is polished with a polishing brush or soft cloth. The polish intensifies the high-gloss effect and gives the leather an elegant, shiny finish. This shine can be further enhanced with the Tapir goat hair brush.

Nubuck leather is an elegant and high-quality material that impresses with its unique look and feel. It is a special type of cowhide that is lightly sanded on the grain side to create a velvety surface. But how do you recognize nubuck leather?

Nubuck leather first catches the eye with its velvety and soft surface. Compared to other types of leather, it has a matt, velour-like texture that is very pleasant to the touch. If you run your hand lightly over the leather, this often leaves visible marks or color changes, as the fine fibers of the material change direction.

Another indication of nubuck leather is its susceptibility to water and stains. A drop of water falling on nubuck leather is quickly absorbed and can leave a dark stain that only disappears after drying. Nubuck leather is therefore more sensitive than many other types of leather and requires special care products from Tapir to preserve its beauty.

The smell can also be an indicator. Nubuck leather often has a characteristic, natural leather smell that synthetic materials lack.

Finally, nubuck leather can be recognized by its fine grain structure. Unlike suede, which is made from the flesh side of the leather, nubuck leather comes from the grain side, which gives it a smoother and more uniform appearance.

Overall, nubuck leather can be easily identified by its velvety surface, the visible traces when touched, its sensitivity to water and its fine grain structure.

The care of smooth leather shoes is essential to prolong their life and maintain a well-groomed appearance. Smooth leather tends to dry out and lose its shine due to the effects of weather, dirt and wear and tear. Regular care is therefore essential.

Leather grease, leather care cream and leather balm from Tapir are excellent products for nourishing smooth leather shoes and keeping them supple. Leather grease penetrates deep into the leather, protects it from drying out and makes it more resistant. The leather care cream is ideal for regular care of the leather and to create a shine, it also revives the color. Leather balm made from natural waxes is the shoe polish for professionals, it provides intensive care and makes the leather particularly shiny.

Tapir impregnation spray is recommended for regular care without excessive shine and, above all, protection. This forms a protective barrier against moisture and dirt without impairing the breathability of the leather. Regular impregnation ensures that your smooth leather shoes are protected from the weather and look like new for longer. This comprehensive care not only keeps your shoes visually appealing, but also functional and durable.

Nubuck leather is characterized by its velvety, suede-like surface, which gives it a sophisticated look. To maintain this look and remove stains or dirt, the right care is crucial. Special tools such as the Tapir suede eraser and the Tapir brass brush are used to effectively clean and roughen the leather.

Use of the suede eraser:

The suede eraser is a small, handy tool that has been specially developed for cleaning and caring for suede, nubuck and velour leather. To use it, proceed as follows:

  1. Prepare for cleaning: Make sure that the leather is dry. Moisture can make cleaning more difficult.

  2. Use the eraser: Take the suede eraser and gently rub the soft side over the soiled or shiny areas of the nubuck leather. Be careful to work with even, circular movements so as not to damage the velvety surface. For stubborn stains, use the harder side made of natural rubber.

  3. Removing residues: After using the eraser, there may be small eraser residues on the leather. These can be easily removed with a soft brush or cloth.

Use of the brass brush:

The brass brush is another useful tool for caring for nubuck leather. It is particularly suitable for roughening and restoring the original texture of the leather:

  1. Prepare for cleaning: Make sure the leather is dry for best results.

  2. Use brushes: Hold the brass brush at a slight angle and brush gently over the nubuck leather. Work in one direction and apply only light pressure so as not to damage the leather. The brass bristles lift the fibers of the leather and remove dirt particles, restoring the velvety surface.

  3. Post-processing: After care with Tapir impregnation and drying of the leather, the fibers can be set up again with the brush.

Regular use of the suede eraser or brass brush keeps the nubuck leather in a well-groomed condition. These tools help to remove stains and preserve the characteristic velvety texture of the leather. This keeps your nubuck leather clothing or accessories beautiful and attractive for a long time.

White leather shoes are elegant and versatile, but also particularly susceptible to dirt and discoloration. Proper care is therefore essential to preserve their radiant appearance. The first step in caring for white leather shoes is cleaning, which can vary depending on the material. For smooth leather, we recommend Tapir’s leather and saddle soap, which, like all products, is made from natural raw materials and cleans gently but effectively in depth. For mixed materials, we recommend the cleaner that does not contain waxes.

After cleaning, it is important to care for and protect the leather. Greasing is the next step for smooth leather. Tapir leather grease, also made from natural raw materials, is ideal for this. It nourishes the leather, makes it supple and protects it from drying out and cracking. Apply the leather grease in circular movements and allow it to absorb well.

Waterproofing is the preferred protection for shoes made of nubuck or suede. Use Tapir waterproofing spray to create a protective barrier against moisture and dirt. Spray the waterproofing agent evenly and leave it to work for at least 24 hours. This preserves the breathability of the leather and your white shoes are optimally protected and look like new for a long time.