Biker Boots
Make Your Biker Boots Last Longer
When riding or driving a motorcycle, you know how important wearing protective gear is. Unlike riding in a car wherein its metal body acts like an almost impregnable armor, a motorcycle rider, in contrast, is exposed to the elements—wind, dust, snow, rain, sun, debris—and accidents.
Even the motorcycle itself poses a danger. The motorcycle engine is as place chock full of hazards. When running, the engine becomes extremely hot. Unfortunately with most motorcycle designs, the feet come very close to this dangerous part of the motorcycle. The extremely hot temperature can cause severe burns to unprotected feet.
That is why biker boots are worn by most professional motorcyclists. This protective gear prevents your feet from getting burned. The boots also protect your feet from dust, dirt, and debris that the motorcycle tires kick out.
Since biker boots are an essential part of protection, they should be maintained properly. Here are some tips on how to take care of them.
1) A wet boot should not be ignored. It should be dried as soon as possible because wet leather, if left for a long time, swells.
If the boots are just dusty, you can just wipe the boots with a damp cloth. However, if the pair is extremely dirty and is caked with dirt, you may need to give it a thorough washing.
It is also important to dry the boots naturally. Force drying them by heat (such as that from a hair dryer) can cause the leather dry and shrink.
2) When the biker boots are completely dry, give it a thorough scrub with a soft shoe brush. Light deposits in kinks can be brushed away with a light toothbrush.
3) After brushing the boots, it is time to waterproof them. Although most modern biker boots have waterproof lining and are treated with a water repellent, it is usually best to re-waterproof them.
There are several products that make the Harley Davidson boots water repellent; just make sure that the repellant is compatible with your motorcycle boots. They include beeswax (used by ancient Egyptians and is still effective today) and newer products such as lanolin, petroleum jelly, pitch and pine tar, or neatsfoot oil. Several applications may be needed; the substance must penetrate the leather material.
4) It is a good idea to also apply a fluoropolymer. This substance protects your boots for stains and oils. Originally, fluoropolymers are designed and intended for stain protection in textiles. It will work equally well with leather boots. They are superior to stain repellents such silicon oil or mineral oil.
5) Once the water repellent and fluoropolymer protector are dry, apply polishing cream to restore the boots’ shine. Buff with a soft cloth or a soft brush.
6) The cleaned biker boots should be stored away from direct sunlight. UV rays can damage the leather the same way as direct heat does. In the same manner, do not store the boots in damp places. The water can penetrate the leather and induces swelling, bad odor, and the growth of molds.
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