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Storage & Drying
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AKU footwear is built for real outdoor use. A simple routine after wet or muddy days helps protect comfort, keep materials performing as intended, and extend the life of your boots or shoes. The key principle is straightforward: dry naturally with airflow, and store in a ventilated place. |
- Comfort & hygiene: drying properly helps reduce odour build-up and keeps linings and footbeds fresher between wears.
- Material protection: leather and fabrics perform best when moisture leaves slowly and evenly — not when they are shock-dried with direct heat.
- Long-term durability: storing footwear while damp, or sealing it in plastic bags or airtight containers, can trap moisture and accelerate ageing of materials.
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Do
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Avoid
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| 1 |
Remove surface dirt
If your boots are muddy, allow the mud to dry first, then remove it with a soft brush. For stubborn dirt, wipe with a cloth moistened with cold water. |
| 2 |
Open the footwear up
Loosen laces fully and open the tongue/upper so that air can circulate. |
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Remove insoles (and liners if removable)
Taking out internal parts helps the inside dry more evenly and keeps the footbed fresher. |
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Dry naturally, away from direct heat
Place footwear in a dry, well-ventilated place and allow it to dry slowly. Do not dry on radiators, next to fires or stoves, or in direct sunlight. |
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Use paper to speed safe drying
Stuff the boots lightly with newspaper to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape. Replace the paper as it becomes damp. |
Please avoid: drying on radiators, stoves, fires or in direct sun; washing machines; pressure washers / jet washing; sealing damp footwear in plastic bags or airtight boxes.
Correct storage matters as much as drying. Storing footwear damp or in an airtight space can trap moisture and accelerate material ageing. For best results:
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated place with a stable temperature.
- Keep away from heat sources (radiators, hot cupboards, heated floors) and avoid very humid spaces.
- Do not store footwear in plastic bags or airtight containers.
- If storing away, a cardboard box is recommended.
- For long periods of inactivity, remove insoles/liners and stuff lightly with newspaper to help keep shape.
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After drying: keeping materials performing
Once footwear is fully dry, leather benefits from occasional conditioning to keep it supple. Periodically applying a protective spray can also help support water repellency on leather and fabrics. If you are unsure what material your model uses, check the product description on the relevant product page or contact our team. |
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Find out more in Care & Maintenance →
Storage & drying FAQs
| How should I dry my AKU boots after a wet walk? | Dry naturally in a dry, well-ventilated place. Open the boots up, remove the insoles, and let air circulate. Avoid direct heat sources such as radiators, stoves, fires and direct sunlight. |
| Can I dry my boots on a radiator or near a fire? | We do not recommend it. Direct heat can damage materials and reduce long-term performance. Allow footwear to dry naturally with airflow. |
| Should I remove the insoles to dry them? | Yes. Removing insoles helps the inside dry more evenly and can reduce odour build-up over time. |
| What is the safest way to dry the inside faster? | Use newspaper. Lightly stuff the boot to absorb moisture and support shape, and replace the paper as it becomes damp. Keep the footwear in a well-ventilated place away from direct heat. |
| Can I store boots in a plastic bag or airtight box? | No. Avoid plastic bags and airtight containers. Store footwear in a ventilated space; a cardboard box is suitable for careful storage. |
| Where is the best place to store my boots between trips? | Store them dry, in a well-ventilated place with stable temperature, away from heat sources and very humid areas. |
| Can I put AKU boots in the washing machine? | We do not recommend machine washing. Clean using a soft brush and a cloth with cold water where needed. |
| Can I use a pressure washer / jet wash to clean them? | No. Pressure washers can damage uppers and construction. Use a soft brush for dried mud and a cold-water cloth for stubborn dirt. |
| How do I clean muddy boots before drying? | Let mud dry first, then brush it off with a soft brush. For remaining dirt, use a cloth moistened with cold water. |
| I’m storing my boots for months — what should I do? | Make sure they are completely dry. Remove insoles/liners, lightly stuff with newspaper to help keep shape, fasten them, and store in a dry, ventilated place (not in plastic or airtight containers). |
