Why Caring for Your AKU Boots Matters

Your AKU boots are built with premium materials — from high-quality full-grain leather to advanced GORE-TEX® membranes — designed to deliver comfort, protection, and performance for years. But like any piece of finely crafted equipment, they perform best when maintained properly.

Outdoor use exposes footwear to mud, grit, moisture, and UV light, all of which can degrade materials over time. Without regular cleaning and treatment, dirt and moisture can break down leather fibers, clog breathable membranes, and reduce waterproofing. This can lead to discomfort, reduced performance, and premature failure.

With the right care, your boots not only last longer but also maintain their fit, function, and appearance — ensuring that every step, in every season, is supported by the performance you invested in.

Important: Poorly maintained boots may lose their waterproofing, stiffness, or degrade early — sometimes years before their expected lifespan.

AKU Footwear Care

Choose your material to see the essential steps.

1) Cleaning

  • Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush; rinse with lukewarm water (don’t soak).
  • For deeper cleaning, use a footwear-specific cleaner designed for leather and GORE-TEX®.
  • Avoid dish soap, laundry detergent, bleach, or solvents.

2) Re-Waterproofing

  • Apply a PFC-free treatment compatible with GORE-TEX® to clean, damp boots.

3) Conditioning (Leather only)

  • When leather feels dry/stiff, use a water-based leather conditioner sparingly.
Do not use oils/greases (e.g., mink oil). They can oversaturate leather, reduce breathability, impact GORE-TEX® performance, and darken leather permanently.

4) Drying & Storage

  • Air-dry at room temperature away from direct heat; stuff with paper to help maintain shape.
  • Store cool, dry, out of sun; avoid airtight containers—materials need to breathe.

5) Watch for Unexpected Wear

  • Check regularly for loose stitching, separating soles, or worn eyelets. Small repairs done early by a qualified cobbler can extend life and may prevent issues that fall outside warranty coverage.
Patch test: While many customers use products such as Nikwax® successfully, we can’t guarantee a treatment won’t change the leather’s appearance. Test in a small hidden area first.