Get out of the consumer mindset that you need a new pair of boots every year. While many manufacturers are taking advantage of this mentality, the truth is there are still quality hiking and combat boots out there that will last many seasons.
With proper care, that is.
Having said this, here are some pointers on keeping your jungle boots in good shape, year after year.
Keeping Them Clean
First and foremost, you need to keep your jungle boots clean if you want them to last much more than one year.
Dirt is abrasive and it wears down not only the uppers but the soles. Use a stiff brush and a pick if necessary in order to dislodge dried, caked mud, sand, gravel and grime from the treads of the soles, they’ll last longer that way.
Also, as for the uppers, you can use a stiff brush (albeit perhaps a bit softer) to keep them clean.
One special note, for those of you that wear jungle boots in the winter. The salt that we use on the roads to keep them ice free will wreak havoc on your boots, whether they have leather, canvas, or some sort of synthetic upper.
A brush alone will not remove this. You’ll need a damp rag to help moisten and loosen the salt deposits. A few cleaning sessions may be required, but it’s well worth it.
Another two areas of focus are the laces and the tongue of the boot. Unlace the boots and shake out any dust and debris, then pull the tongue out and wipe it clean. This is an area where dirt and abrasives can accumulate, wearing out the boots prematurely.
Keeping Them Dry
Jungle boots are actually designed to be used in chronically wet environments, so they’re well suited for this type of wear. But that doesn’t mean they should be left wet.
Not only will wet boots smell terrible, but high humidity and damp boots will foster the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Therefore, after you wear them it is critical that you dry your boots between uses.
What you don’t want to do, however, is dry your boots out too quickly. Don’t stick them in front of the fire or next to the wood stove, that is.
Instead, get a boot dryer, or, if you want to do this the cheap way, get some newspaper, crumple it up, and stuff it in the boots. Wait an hour and then replace with fresh paper.
After a few changes most of the moisture will have been removed. Then it’s just a matter of storing your boots in a cool, dry place for a few days to completely dry them out.
Keeping Them Conditioned
Most jungle boots are made with canvas or synthetic uppers, so you can skip this step. If, however, your boots have leather uppers, then you need to make sure you periodically condition them.
Conditioning leather boots with an appropriate agent will keep the leather soft and supple and help prevent it from drying out and cracking. Get a good leather treatment and use it as the instructions indicate about once a month, if not just a little less frequently.
One area to focus on is at the sides of the balls of your feet, where the base joints of your toes are. This is where the boot will flex most aggressively and therefore is one of the first areas to split or crack. Keeping the leather soft and flexible here will extend the lifespan of the boots considerably.
Here for a New Pair of Jungle Boots?
Whether you’re here for a new pair of jungle boots to replace last season’s trashed pair, or you just want a spare, check out what’s in stock over at Fatigues Army Navy. They carry a wide range of jungle boots, plus a whole lot of other field gear and equipment you’ll need when you’re out there. Visit their website or get in touch with them if you have any questions.
