Kids are tough on what they own, partly from a lack of worldliness, partly from laziness, and partly from a lack of responsibility. But hey, they’re kids. That’s what kids do.
As the parent, the bill falls to you when it’s time for new shoes or clothes, and as these things go, kids’ combat boots are among the more expensive items.
Therefore, it behooves you to try to extend their lifespan as much as possible. Here are some ways to make sure your kids’ combat boots go the distance.
Don’t Leave Them Wet
Your kids’ combat boots are going to get wet. What matters is not this, but what you do afterwards. When your kid comes home and sloughs them off, don’t leave them wet.
This will just allow mold, mildew and other nasty things to grow. Bring them inside and place them somewhere warm and dry, with good airflow, to dry them out.
Don’t Dry Them Out Too Fast
One caveat on the above; while it is disastrous to leave footwear wet for a prolonged period of time, it’s even worse to dry them out too quickly.
Don’t put the boots near a stove or too close to a heater. This can cause the leather to warp or crack as it dries.
Instead, stuff them with dry newspapers and change these as needed every few hours as they get saturated. And again, place the boots in a warm, dry place with good ventilation.
Don’t Leave Them Outside or in the Sun
Your kid might have a bad habit of kicking off his or her boots and leaving them outside. But this will expose the boots to rapid shifts in temperature, rain, and worst of all, direct sunlight.
All weather will cause weathering – hence the name – but the UV in sunlight will not just destroy the leather, it’ll destroy the laces, the rubber in the soles, the stitching, everything. Pretty much the only thing UV won’t destroy are metal eyelets.
The solution? Bring the boots inside.
Don’t Let the Leather Crack
Not all kids’ combat boots are made with leather uppers, but if your kids’ are, make sure to periodically condition the leather with a leather treatment. Let’s say to do this once per month.
This is actually a good teaching experience for your kid that will encourage responsibility and pride of ownership.
Don’t just do it for your kids. Bring them in and involve them in the process, and explain how conditioning the leather is a part of taking care of the boots.
It’s a bit of work, but at some point, your kid is going to have to learn what’s required to take care of leather goods. If he or she is going to own leather combat boots, early is a good time to teach that lesson.
Don’t Let the Kid Wear Lug Soles on Concrete or Asphalt
Lastly, lug soles, with their deep treads, are designed to be worn on earth, whereon they will provide good protection. They are not designed to be worn on finished surfaces.
If your kid has a pair of combat boots with lug soles, don’t let him or her wear them on concrete or asphalt. That will just wear down the soles faster and you’ll need to replace the boots prematurely.
Time for a New Pair of Kids’ Combat Boots?
Here for a new pair of kids’ combat boots because the last pair gave up the ghost? Take a look at what’s in stock at Fatigues Army Navy. They carry a wide range of kids combat boots along with other outdoor gear for hiking, camping, paintball, airsoft and much more.
For more information about Prepper Supplies and Alice Pack Please visit: Fatigues Army Navy & Surplus Gear Co.
