Winter shoe care: Common problems and how to solve them

We’ll show you how to protect your shoes from moisture, salt and frost, so they last as long as possible and retain their properties.

Winter puts barefoot shoes through their paces. Snow, salt, moisture and frost all test the materials your shoes are made from – not to mention your patience.

It all starts with choosing the right pair. For tougher winter conditions, opt for shoes with a membrane or insulated leather models to protect you from moisture and cold. But remember – even the best winter shoes need regular care. Follow a few simple rules and your barefoot shoes can serve you well for several winters.

naBOSo tip: Cold feet in winter? The problem could be the wrong shoe size or unsuitable socks. Read our article Do your feet get cold in conventional shoes in winter? They won’t in barefoot shoes.

Moisture is your shoes’ biggest enemy

Sooner or later, snow, melting ice and winter slush will find their way into your shoes. And once the material gets damp, it starts to lose its insulating properties. The result? Cold feet and a significantly shorter lifespan for your barefoot shoes.

Regular waterproofing is essential

Waterproofing treatment protects shoes from moisture and dirt, so it should be part of your routine all year round, not just in winter. COLLONIL CARBON PRO is a great choice: it’s suitable for all materials, including membranes, and creates an invisible protective barrier on the surface. Applying it regularly, ideally once a week or after every clean, will help keep your shoes in good condition.

One more important thing: alternate your shoes. Leather needs time to recover, so wearing the same pair every day will cause it to wear out faster. Ideally, have at least two pairs and alternate them every other day.

How to dry your shoes properly

When you come home in the evening with soaking wet shoes, don’t just leave them in the hallway. Remove the insoles, stuff the shoes with crumpled newspaper or insert wooden shoe trees, and leave them to air-dry at room temperature. 

The radiator? Best avoided. Radiant heat can cause cracks. If your shoes are thoroughly soaked, expect natural drying to take around two to three days. Patience pays off – your shoes will last longer for it.

Salt and chemicals – the silent shoe killers

Gritted pavements are a familiar sight in winter. Unfortunately, road salt and de-icing chemicals can be tough on your shoes. They leave unsightly white marks and dry out leather, eventually causing irreversible damage to the material.

What can you do? Every evening – yes, really, every evening – wipe your shoes thoroughly with a damp cloth. Clean water is enough, perhaps with a drop of mild soap. The important thing is not to leave salt to dry on them overnight. For leather barefoot shoes, regularly apply nourishing creams or waxes to protect the leather and keep it supple.

naBOSo tip: Wondering how to clean and care for different materials? Find out in our article With the right care, your barefoot shoes can last for years. You just need to know how.

When leather dries out and cracks

The combination of frost, dry indoor air and salt on the surface of your shoes can be disastrous for leather. The material loses its natural moisture, becomes brittle and may crack over time.

That’s why you should regularly give leather shoes some nourishing care. Smooth leather can withstand more than suede or nubuck; take care with patent leather and choose specialist products. For a deep treatment on smooth leather, use the colourless balm COLLONIL LEDERFETT or wax. If you want waterproofing and nourishment in one, use COLLONIL CARBON WAX, which is suitable for both smooth leather and suede or nubuck. 

Keeping unpleasant odours under control

In summer, shoes get plenty of air; in winter, they don’t. Moisture inside your shoes, combined with the warmth of your feet, creates an ideal environment for bacteria – the source of unpleasant odours.

Air your shoes thoroughly after each wear, remove the insoles and leave them out in the open. We recommend using COLLONIL BREEZE shoe deodorant, which actively helps prevent odours from developing.

How to store your shoes properly

When spring arrives and you put your winter barefoot shoes away, don’t forget one last little care ritual. Clean them thoroughly, apply a waterproofing treatment and let them dry completely. Only then should you store them somewhere dry and well ventilated, ideally with shoe trees or crumpled paper inside to help them keep their shape. Find more practical shoe storage tips in our article 5 tips for storing shoes properly and organising your shoe cupboard.

Good shoe care isn’t complicated

Caring for barefoot shoes in winter takes a little more attention than in summer, but it certainly isn’t complicated. Just establish a simple evening routine – wipe salt and dirt off your shoes, air them out and apply a waterproofing treatment as needed. A few minutes spent on regular care will pay off many times over, with shoes you can enjoy season after season. 

Where to go next:

• Tips for choosing barefoot hiking shoes that fit well and last
• How to care for leather barefoot shoes
• Do your feet get cold in conventional shoes in winter? They won’t in barefoot shoes
• When, how and why to choose barefoot shoes with a membrane for dry feet, even in the rain