When it comes to picking out the perfect vintage pieces for your wardrobe, care is as important as style. Vintage boots are designed to last, but with proper boot care and maintenance, you’ll be able to keep your shoes clean, comfortable, and in great shape for years to come.
We are here to help you get started. Vintage vibes are chic, sustainable, and unique, and we’re sharing the best methods for managing your vintage wardrobe.
How To Care for Vintage Boots
Vintage boots can really make your outfit stand out. With the many vintage boot options available for any purpose or style, you’re sure to find a look perfect for the next festival, gallery opening, or night out on the town.
Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your vintage boots in the best possible shape:
Consider the Material
Leather is one of the most common vintage shoe materials, but vintage boots can also come in suede, corduroy, velvet, and more. Each of the fabrics and materials will have their own methods of care and management. It’s essential that you follow best practices for that specific type of material.
It’s always important to check the materials because certain types of cleaning solutions and polishes can be ineffective at cleaning your shoes or even cause permanent damage. The more you know about what your vintage boots are made of, the easier it will be to perform the proper care.
Keep Them Clean
There are a few materials that can’t be cleaned or need to be cleaned using only specific solutions, which is one of the reasons it’s so important to know what your shoes are made of.
No matter the material, however, keeping your vintage boots clean is one of the best ways to care for them and reduce damage or further wear.
When you first purchase vintage shoes, you can give them a thorough clean to get them as close to their original beauty and style as possible. After that first time, it’s a good idea to keep up with a regular cleaning schedule. Make sure to remove any mud or buildup as soon as it occurs to prevent staining and other damage.
Patch Test When Cleaning
Because there are so many different material options for vintage boots, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test when you first begin cleaning your shoes.
Simply pick a discrete patch of material to test out your soap or cleanser, and apply a small amount of the cleaner to the surface. Watch for any signs of damage or wear before moving forward with the cleaning process on the rest of the shoe. Always allow ample time to ensure that there’s no long-term damage.
Use Gentle Cleaners
When it comes to cleaning your vintage boots, gentle soaps are always the best option. Use diluted solutions with cleaning agents like baby shampoo. These types of cleaners can help break down grease and dirt but won’t leave any lasting damage on the shoe’s surface.
If the solution isn’t effective the first time around, add a little more soap at a time until the dirt can be properly removed.
Remove the Pieces When You Clean
Some boots will have removable parts and pieces, and the best way to clean the boots is to remove each individual piece first and clean it separately. You may be removing pieces like shoelaces, insoles, trims, and more.
This will also allow you the chance to look at the condition of the individual pieces. You can determine if anything needs to be replaced or repaired before you plan the next great outfit.
Store Them Properly
Keeping your vintage boots properly stored is essential for their care and longevity. Find a safe and secure spot for your boots where there’s no risk of them being crushed or damaged.
For example, tall boots can crimp or bend, so consider adding cut pool noodles or other boot inserts. This helps keep your boots tall and straight and avoids adding crimping or damage to the neck of the boot.
You also want to keep your vintage boots in a moderate environment and out of direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures can cause the materials to warp or degrade more quickly than they otherwise might. Direct sunlight exposure can cause discoloration and fading.
If you’re worried about creating the ideal environment for your boots, boot storage boxes and storage bags can help to keep them safe.
Freshen Them Up
Scents can linger in vintage materials, and the longer your vintage boots have to absorb the scent of sweat, the more those scents settle in and become difficult to remove.
It’s always a good idea to wear proper protective footwear like socks, leggings, or tights to reduce the amount of sweat absorbed by the shoe. You also want to take measures to remove scents before they have a chance to settle in.
This can be done gently with materials like baking soda. Charcoal inserts and tea bags are also effective methods for removing and preventing scent buildup in vintage materials.
Keep the Heels Maintained
When the heels of a boot break off or wear down, it can actually affect the shape of the boot on the inside and outside as well. Broken or worn heels can be damaging to the health and wellness of your feet over time. Broken heels can also cause the shoes to appear uneven or misshapen.
As soon as you notice damage or wear to the heel of your shoe, schedule an appointment to get heel care and adjustments.
These Boots Were Made for Caring
Here at Thrilling, we believe unique vintage fashions should be available to everyone, whether you’re dressing for the office, the lecture hall, or a European adventure.
In addition to carrying a wide inventory of vintage clothes and pieces, from dresses to blazers to boots, we’re also sharing the best methods for maintaining and caring for your vintage clothes, so they can continue to have a long life to come.
When it comes to caring for your vintage boots, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure comfort, longevity, and shine.
- Make sure you wash your boots properly, which can be done with patch testing and low-impact soaps.
- Next, always remove the individual pieces, wash them separately, and check that your boots are stored properly and away from direct sunlight.
- You also want to make sure that you’re keeping your shoes fresh with baking soda or charcoal packs. Additionally, maintaining proper heel health is important to keep the shape of your boot strong and tall.
Our vintage boots help us feel confident, stylish, and ready for anything. The best way we can return the favor is by treating them with care and dedication. After all, these boots were made for walking, but first, we have to take really good care of them.
Sources:
7 Ways to Add More Vintage Styles to Your Wardrobe | Glamour
A Guide to Cleaning and Conditioning Vintage Leather | The Spruce
Best Shoe Deodorizers to Eliminate Smell Footwear | Good Housekeeping