Rubber boots have been a staple of the winter wardrobe for decades. They keep your feet dry and warm, even when it’s freezing outside. However, rubber boots can be tricky to care for. Without proper care, rubber boots can become stiff and crack in multiple places. To avoid this from happening, read on for some great tips on how to keep rubber boots from cracking.
It’s often thought that water is the leading cause of cracks in rubber boots, but it’s not. Cold temps can also cause cracks on rubber boots. You can prevent this by applying a thin lubricant layer on the outer layer of your boots. If you do this regularly, your rubber boots will stay crack-free for years!
Cracked rubber boots can be incredibly annoying, so it’s important to repair any cracks as soon as you see them. Otherwise, the crack will simply get bigger and render your boot useless. Luckily, there are a few ways that you use can fix the problem. Here are a few tips on how to keep your rubber boots from cracking, so you don’t have to go out and buy a new pair anytime soon.
How to Keep Rubber Boots from Cracking
Let’s have a look at how to prevent rubber boots from cracking!
1. Cleaning Your Rubber Boots
To keep your boots in pristine condition, clean the whole exterior of your boots after each usage. You can wipe all the dirt, dust, or mud away using a sponge and prevent them from wearing out or cracking over time.
Remember to wash your boots after each usage so they don’t sit with dirt or mud on them for long periods, as this can dry out your rubber boots.
After each use usage, simply hosepipe them off, but if they are really dirty, clean with light soap and a gentle brush or rag. For the best results, you can use a dishwashing liquid and a boot brush scraper or brush.
2. Applying Rubber Conditioner on your Boots
Conditioning your rubber boots regularly is essential for extending the life of your boots. Rubber can fade and break down prematurely when exposed to direct sunlight.
It is critical to condition your boots regularly to avoid irreversible damage (which can be visible as flaked, cracked, or extremely dry rubber).
You can use a rubber conditioner once a month, after heavy use, or once every few weeks during the off-season. After cleaning and drying your boots, use a soft cloth to apply the conditioner liberally.
Allow your boots to dry overnight, and then wipe away any remaining moisture in the morning.
Some Helpful Hints to Consider when Conditioning your Boots:
- Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or direct sunshine since this can cause your boot to crack or break.
- Use a good conditioner like 303 Rubber Seal Protectant and Conditioner to condition your boots every couple of months.
- After applying it to your boots, wash off any excess and let them dry overnight.
- Allow the interior of your boots to dry naturally before using them again.
3. Storing your Boots
Store rubber boots in a temperature-controlled room, such as the basement or closet, when not in use.
If kept outside, the rubber in the boots will shrink and grow as the temperature changes from day to night. The result could be your boots cracking.
Additionally, try not to fold your boots; instead, you can opt to hang them upside down or leave them upright on the boot rack.
Lastly, to increase the life of your boots, use a conditioner after wearing them a few times.
How to Fix Cracked Rubber Boots
Unfortunately, your boots can still crack even if you follow all of our suggestions. Crack prevention isn’t a guarantee that your boots will last forever.
When this happens, here are some ways to fix cracked rubber boots:
1. Patching the cracks with a waterproof adhesive, such as Shoe Goo
Use a little bit of Shoe Goo to patch the cracks in your boots.
Apply the adhesive to both sides of the boot, press them together, and then wipe off any excess with a paper towel. Then, let it sit for 24 hours before wearing it again.
2. Sealing the rubber with a high-quality silicone sealant
Sealing your cracked rubber boots is also an option if you want to avoid using extra adhesives on your shoes.
Use epoxy glue or spray-on waterproofing sealant on both surfaces of each crack and allow it to dry overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Shouldn’t I Use On Cracked Rubber Boots?
Avoid using petroleum products on your shoes that have cracks since this can damage them further. Additionally, avoid using superglue to fix boot problems as this will only add to the problem.
2. Why Do My Rubber Boots Keep Cracking?
Cracks on your boots can be frustrating and lead you to buy new ones.
There are several reasons why this happens, including:
1. Use of unapproved cleaners
2. Exposure to direct sunlight
3. Wearing the same pair during winter and summer conditions
3. How Can I Avoid Cracking My Rubber Boots?
One way to ensure you don’t crack your boots is to clean and condition them regularly, making it easier for you to spot potential signs of wear.
Additionally, use a boot rack (or hang them up) instead of stacking one on top of another after each use. This action can cause damage due to compression from weight and pressure from being squeezed together.
4. What Do I Do If My Rubber Boots Have Cracked Soles?
If your boots have cracks on their soles, then they are no longer suitable for use as they will not provide the required grip. You can contact your local cobbler about fixing them, or you can purchase a new pair.
As you have seen, there is a host of ways on how to keep rubber boots from cracking. However, if they do crack, you can use Shoe Goo or epoxy glue to fix them or try sealing with an all-purpose sealant.
Remember that not following the suggestions in this article does not mean your boots will surely crack; there are other factors involved, such as climate and wearing conditions.
Additionally, regular cleaning and conditioning your boots (or shoes) is part of extending their life and preventing cracks and tears on the exterior surface.