Care and Feeding

We like hearing your stories from all the wild places that your Oboz take you. We want you and your Oboz to be together for many miles. To keep your footwear going strong, please note the following information. If you have further questions, send us a note to info@obozfootwear.com. We’d be happy to talk tech.

Treatment/Conditioning:

Your BDRY (waterproof/breathable) shoes and boots come from the factory a DWR finish (Durable Water Repellant) on the leathers and textiles. The BDRY membrane prevents water from reaching the inside of the boot or shoe, but the upper materials may need periodic retreating. Your Oboz dealer can help you select an appropriate after-market product for your specific pair of boots or shoes. McNett, Grangers, and Nikwax all make great treatments for waterproofing and conditioning. Each has its advantages. Please note that any treatment can darken the leather.
Athough Sno-Seal and Mink Oil work perfectly for Norwegian welted boots, they can cause the cemented midsoles on your Oboz to dis-bond.
Frequency of treatment will depend on use and climate. It’s a good idea to treat your BDRY footwear at least once a season with a combination conditioner/waterproofing agent. Treat more often if needed. For non-BDRY styles, treat with the leather with conditioner once a season. Using a leather conditioner can also help soften the leathers, allowing for an easier break-in period.

Cleaning:

For running shoes and light hikers we recommend cleaning every few weeks or if you encounter heavy mud or dust. For boots, you may want to clean them after every big hike. The simplest and most effective method is to use some lukewarm water and a brush (you can buy a specific brush or use an old tooth brush) and gently brush the surface of the leather, textile, and lining. Do not put your shoes in the washer or dryer – this will send your footwear to an early grave as well as adversely affect the fit. Don’t use detergent or soap. If you feel like you need more than the water/brush method, Grangers offers great cleaning products that are safe for materials and bonds.
Avoid letting caked mud dry on your boots. The mud can draw the good oils out of the leather. Also avoid solvents and petroleum.

Drying:

Dry your footwear at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat sources (heat registers, campfires, etc.). Avoid leaving your boots in a hot car as well. You may have read this a hundred times on hang tags and websites, but heat is one of the most damaging elements for your footwear. It can dis-bond the midsole and outsole, warp internal toe/heel counters, shrink materials, and dry out leather. It’s tempting to set those boots by the fire – sometimes the priority is dry boots for the next day; just know that doing so adversely affects longevity and fit. Stuffing your boots with newspaper can draw out a significant amount of moisture without nasty side-effects.
Remember to pull out the insoles after a day of hiking or running (even in dry climates). It will help your Oboz dry faster and will cut down on odor.