When warm weather arrives and your knee high boots retire for the season, how you store them determines whether they'll emerge months later ready to wear or damaged and disappointing. Proper storage prevents creasing, cracking, mould, and pest damage while maintaining the shape and suppleness you love. This guide walks you through everything needed to store your boots like a professional.
Pre-Storage Preparation
Never put boots away dirty. End-of-season care is just as important as regular maintenance, perhaps more so since issues that develop during months of storage can become permanent.
Deep Cleaning
Give boots a thorough clean before storage. Remove all surface dirt with a brush, then wipe down with appropriate cleaners for your boot's material. For leather, use a leather-specific cleaner and soft cloth. For suede, brush with a suede brush to remove dirt and restore the nap. For synthetics, a damp cloth usually suffices. Pay attention to crevices, welts, and any decorative stitching where dirt accumulates.
Complete Drying
Boots must be completely dry before storage. Any residual moisture creates a breeding ground for mould and mildew, particularly problematic in Australian climates with high humidity. After cleaning, allow boots to air dry at room temperature for at least 24 to 48 hours. Never rush this step with heat sources.
Conditioning and Protection
Apply a final conditioning treatment to leather boots before storage. This prevents the leather from drying out during months without wear. Follow with a light application of waterproofing spray, which helps protect against humidity damage even in storage.
If you're unsure whether boots are completely dry, stuff them with newspaper overnight. Check in the morning. If the paper is damp, boots need more drying time before storage.
Maintaining Boot Shape
Knee high boots are particularly susceptible to losing their shape during storage. The tall shafts can collapse, crease, and develop permanent creases if not properly supported.
Boot Shapers and Trees
Purpose-made boot shapers are the ideal solution. These insert into the boot shaft, maintaining its upright position and preventing creasing. Options range from shaped plastic inserts to inflatable versions that adjust to your specific boot dimensions. Investing in quality boot shapers protects your investment in quality boots.
DIY Alternatives
If boot shapers aren't in your budget, several household items work effectively. Pool noodles cut to length are lightweight and maintain shaft shape well. Rolled magazines secured with rubber bands provide good support. Even empty wine bottles can work in a pinch, though they add weight that may stress zippers over time.
Position Matters
Store boots standing upright, never folded or lying on their sides. The weight of the boot pressing on itself creates permanent creases that leather memory can never fully release. If your storage space lacks vertical room, consider hanging boots using boot hangers, clips that attach to boot pulls or shafts and allow them to hang in a closet.
The Golden Rule
Never, ever fold knee high boots for storage. A few months of creasing can permanently damage shafts that took years to break in perfectly.
Environmental Considerations
Where you store boots matters as much as how you prepare them.
Temperature Control
Avoid extreme temperatures. Hot environments like non-insulated garages or attics in summer can dry out leather and melt certain synthetic materials. Cold environments aren't as damaging but can stiffen leather, requiring extra conditioning upon retrieval. Room temperature storage in climate-controlled areas of your home is ideal.
Humidity Management
Australia's humid coastal climates pose particular challenges for boot storage. Excessive humidity encourages mould growth, while very dry conditions crack leather. Aim for moderate humidity, around 40 to 60 percent. Consider placing silica gel packets in boot boxes to absorb excess moisture, replacing them periodically during storage.
Light Exposure
Direct sunlight fades and dries leather over time. Store boots away from windows and bright lights. Even ambient room light can affect colours over months of exposure, so enclosed storage like boxes or cloth bags is preferable.
Never store leather boots in plastic bags. Plastic traps moisture and prevents the leather from breathing, creating perfect conditions for mould and mildew even in seemingly dry boots.
Choosing Storage Containers
Breathable Fabric Bags
Cotton or canvas storage bags allow air circulation while protecting against dust. Many quality boots come with fabric dust bags for exactly this purpose. If your boots didn't include them, consider purchasing dedicated boot bags or using old pillowcases as an economical alternative.
Cardboard Boxes
The original boot boxes work well for storage, being designed with appropriate ventilation. Stand boots upright in boxes with shaft shapers inserted. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of boot boxes, as pressure can distort the boots inside.
Specialized Boot Storage
Various products exist specifically for boot storage, from hanging organizers with individual boot pockets to standing racks that keep multiple pairs organized and shaped. These are worthwhile investments if you have a significant boot collection.
Periodic Checks
Don't simply store boots and forget them until next season. Check stored boots every month or two to catch any developing problems before they become serious.
- Look for any signs of mould or mildew, appearing as fuzzy spots or musty odour
- Check that shapers remain in position and boots maintain their shape
- Ensure storage environment hasn't become excessively humid or hot
- Rotate boot position slightly to prevent pressure points
If you notice any mould developing, address it immediately by cleaning affected areas with a mixture of water and white vinegar, then allowing boots to dry completely before returning to storage.
Preparing for Next Season
When cool weather returns and boot season arrives again, don't rush straight from storage to wearing. Give boots a light clean to remove any dust accumulated in storage, apply fresh conditioning, and wear them around the house for short periods before committing to all-day wear. The leather may need brief re-breaking-in after months of storage.
Proper storage takes minimal time but pays significant dividends. Your boots will emerge from their seasonal rest looking and feeling as good as when you put them away, ready to provide another season of stylish service.