How to Care for Leather and Wool Barefoot Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

As avid mushroom foragers, my husband and I spend countless hours trekking through forests, fields, and muddy paths. After a recent adventure, our trusty barefoot walking boots were in dire need of some TLC. If you’re like us and enjoy the outdoors, you know how quickly your shoes can wear down after a muddy journey. This week, we set aside some time to recondition three pairs of our barefoot shoes—here’s a step-by-step guide to keep your leather and wool shoes in top shape, along with tips on using some of our favourite products.

Caring for Leather Barefoot Shoes

Leather shoes can last for years if they’re well-maintained. Here’s what we did to bring our boots back to life after our muddy adventure.

1. Brush Off Excess Mud
Start by brushing off any hard clumps of mud. Knock the boots together outside to release any dried-on dirt and debris.

2. Remove the Laces and Wash Them
Take the laces off and pop them into the washing machine. Clean laces make a big difference in the overall look of your boots!

3. Rinse the Boots with Warm Water
Next, rinse the muddy boots off with warm water. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining dirt. You don’t need soap—just water will do.

4. Let Them Dry Naturally
Once clean, allow your boots to air dry completely. Don’t use heat sources like radiators, as this can damage the leather.

5. Apply Leather Balsam
Now it’s time to recondition the leather. We used Renapur Leather Balsam (affiliate link) to restore moisture and protect the material. Follow the instructions on the product you use, and remember to patch test—leather treatments can sometimes change the color of your shoes. Rub the balsam into the leather, making sure to cover all areas.

6. Let the Boots Dry
After applying the balsam, let the boots dry naturally again, allowing the product to absorb fully.

7. Apply a Waterproofing Spray
The final step is to protect your boots with a waterproofing spray. We used Nikwax Waterproofing Spray (affiliate link). Spray it from 15 cm away, leave it to set, then wipe off any excess. Once finished, your boots should look as good as new and be ready for your next adventure.

Note: using any product on natural leather may disturb the colour. Ensure you patch test first. Here’s the colour difference that the leather balsam made on my husband’s Xero Glenn shoes. Incidentally, we love the colour a little darker.


Caring for Wool Barefoot Shoes

Leather boots aren’t the only shoes that require maintenance—wool shoes, like my beloved Wildling Shoes, need care too. Wool shoes are excellent for colder weather, but after a few years of wear, they can look tired and dirty. Here’s how I revived my wool shoes.

1. Brush Off Excess Dirt
Just like with leather shoes, start by brushing off any loose dirt. Wool can trap debris, so a gentle brush will help clean the surface. Remove laces and wash separately.

2. Soak in Wool Detergent
To properly clean wool, I used this wool detergent (affiliate link). I added one cap of detergent to a small basin of lukewarm water and let the shoes soak for about 30 minutes. Wool is a delicate material, so avoid agitating them too much.

3. Gently Rub and Rinse
After soaking, I gently rubbed the shoes together to lift the dirt—boy, did the water turn filthy! Then, I rinsed them thoroughly in the shower to remove any detergent.

4. Dry Naturally
To dry, I squeezed out any excess water (without twisting), and hung the shoes on the line to air dry. Wool dries slowly, so be patient, and make sure they’re completely dry before wearing them again.

5. Address Worn Insoles
After cleaning, I noticed the lining on my fixed insoles was threadbare. My plan is to order replacement insoles from Wildling soon to ensure the shoes stay comfortable.


Final Thoughts

Whether you’re reconditioning leather or wool shoes, the key to keeping them in great condition is regular care. Leather needs moisture and protection, while wool requires gentle cleaning and air drying. With the right steps, your barefoot shoes can last for many adventures to come. And don’t forget to replace parts like insoles when necessary to keep them comfortable and functional!

Looking after your shoes not only prolongs their life but ensures you always have a pair ready for the next adventure—mud and all!


Affiliate Links:
If you’re interested in any of the products I mentioned, check them out through my affiliate links. Your purchase helps support my work at no extra cost to you!

Brit👣

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