Caring For Red Wing Boots: FAQ
Once you know how to care for your Red Wing boots and shoes, keeping them in top condition is a reasonably simple process. As well as cleaning and protecting, there are a few common questions that people have about caring for their Red Wings.
Can I get Red Wing boots resoled?
Yes most Red Wing boots can be resoled. This can be done either by sending them back to the Red Wing factory, or by taking them to a local cobbler. It’s often a good idea to look for someone who specialises in repairing Red Wings using genuine Red Wing parts. This means that your boots will come back with soles as good as new, ready to give you many more years of service.
How often should I oil Red Wing boots?
Once you know how to care for your Red Wing boots and shoes, keeping them in top condition is a reasonably simple process. As well as cleaning and protecting, there are a few common questions that people have about caring for their Red Wings.
Should I oil brand new Red Wing boots?
It’s not necessary to oil Red Wing boots right out of the box. The boots or shoes will be good to go from the factory, and it’s recommended to wear them for a few months before you first oil them. You can apply a coating of Leather Protector to new boots which will help to keep the surface clean and more water resistant without altering the colour.
How do I clean the soles of Red Wing Boots?
The soles are one area that can become dirty more quickly than the rest of the boot or shoe, simply because it’s the part that’s always in contact with the ground. Red Wings have durable soles, and these can be cleaned as often as is necessary. Simply remove any pieces of mud or dirt with a stiff brush, and use a damp cloth to clean off any remaining dirt as required. Take care to avoid getting the leather wet if you can, but if you do then leave the boots to dry after cleaning.
Can I wear Red Wing boots in the rain?
Of course. Models made from oil tanned leather are particularly recommended as this leather is naturally water resistant. If you want to improve the water resistance of your boots then products such as Mink Oil are a good choice. These help to close the pores in the leather so that water can’t get through, and provide extra protection from marks.
Can I wear Red Wing boots in winter?
Red Wing boots are a good choice for winter and can help to keep your feet dry and comfortable. However there’s often a lot of salt, dirt and moisture around during the winter months which can affect leather, so it’s wise to follow care steps to prepare them for the season, and again to clean and condition them once winter has passed to get them looking great for spring.
Do Red Wing boots require breaking in?
Red Wing makes some of the most comfortable boots around, and they only get more comfortable the more they are worn. As with all high quality leather footwear, some people find they are incredibly comfortable right out of the box, while for others there might be a short break in period required to help them mold to the shape of your foot. It really depends on how they feel, and what type of feet you have.
How do I break in new Red Wing boots?
The best way to break in a new pair of Red Wings is by wearing them. You might want to start off by wearing them for shorter periods and building up to all day wear over a period of a couple of weeks. If your new boots start to feel uncomfortable, stop wearing them and try again the next day. But don’t worry, the break in process is different for everyone and you’ll soon be able to wear your boots all day long in complete comfort.
How long do Red Wing boots last?
When taken care of properly, Red Wing boots can last a lifetime. The main things to focus on are making sure the leather is cleaned and conditioned from time to time, and that soles are replaced when they eventually wear out (although they will last for many years and many miles). If you’re incredibly tough on your boots and don’t look after them properly then you should still get a good few years of service out of them, but even the most neglected pairs can often be restored with the right care and attention.
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