2. Condition (leather)

Owning a pair of CRISPI® boots is an investment in your performance. To ensure your boots remain waterproof, breathable, and durable for years, you must follow a specific maintenance routine.

The best way to clean leather boots is with a "Less is More" approach. Follow these steps to remove grit without damaging the technical GORE-TEX® liner:

• Remove Laces: Always start by removing laces and insoles to reach dirt trapped in the tongue and hardware.
• Dry Brush: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove dried mud, dust, and debris from the leather and outsoles.
• Gently Scrub: Use lukewarm water and a soft rag or brush. Avoid hot water, which can damage the leather’s fibers.
• Use Mild Soap: If mud is stubborn, use a dedicated cleaner like Nikwax® Footwear Cleaning Gel or Ivory® Liquid Soap
  
  • Warning: Never use DAWN® dish soap (it strips natural oils) or saddle soap (it can damage the GORE-TEX® breathability).

• After Every Hunt: Brush off mud and dust.
• Seasonally: Perform a deep clean and conditioning before and after your primary hunting season.
• Visual Cues: If the leather looks "thirsty," lightens in color, or if water stops beading off the surface, it is time to condition.

• Full-Grain or Nubuck Leather: Use CRISPI® Waterproofing Conditioning Cream. It hydrates the leather without sealing the pores.
• Synthetic or Suede Boots: Use CRISPI® Waterproofing Spray. This maintains the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating on technical fabrics.
• What to Avoid: Never use animal-based products (mink oil, bear fat, beeswax) or petroleum-based oils. These create a "seal" that traps moisture inside, leading to premature leather rot and killing GORE-TEX® breathability.

Apply your treatment after cleaning while the boots are completely dry. This allows the leather's pores to pull the conditioner deeper into the material as the water evaporates.

Always keep your boots away from heat sources. * Do Not Use: Fireplaces, floor vents, or direct sunlight.

• The Risk: Rapid drying causes leather to shrink, wrinkle, and crack. It also weakens the adhesives holding your rubber rands and soles together, leading to separation.
• The Correct Way: Let them air dry naturally in a cool, ventilated space.

Proper storage prevents "storage rot" and maintains the boot's structural integrity between seasons.

• Clean First: Never store boots dirty; residual dust draws essential oils out of the leather.
• Maintain Shape: Use a boot tree or stuff the boots with rolled-up paper (from toe to ankle) to maintain shape.
• Environment: Store in a cool, dry place. Use a CRISPI® Boot Bag to protect them from dust and UV light while waiting for your next hunt.

Improper care—such as using excessive heat or unapproved oils—is the leading cause of boot failure in the field. Issues like leather cracking, boot shrinkage, and stitching or rand failures are almost always preventable. Because these issues are caused by neglect rather than manufacturing defects, they are not covered under warranty. Spending ten minutes on maintenance now ensures your boots remain the most reliable tool in your kit for seasons to come.