For stylish women and men, winter means putting on their boots and heading out. That “strong, warm, and stylish” feeling you get when you wear your favorite Pegia suede boots or Cool Moon snow boots is truly special. You can read reviews of products on our site to see what Cool Moon and Pegia fans think. But the moment you step outside, a small battle begins for your boots. And not against just one enemy, but an entire army!
De-icing salts scattered on sidewalks, sudden downpours, and muddy water splashing up from your trouser legs ruin our boots. And then there’s the instinct to put them next to the radiator at the end of the day… Many boots are worn out not by winter itself, but by the improper care habits that winter brings. Yet genuine leather is one of the rare materials that gets better with age when cared for properly. Smooth leather boots develop character over time; with the right protection, suede retains its elegance for years.
At Derimarket, we see boots not as a seasonal whim, but as a long-term investment. In this guide, we’ll share professional techniques you can use at home to extend the life of your boots, preserve their appearance, and help you enjoy wearing them again every winter.
What Does Winter Really Do to Your Boots?
Wear and tear on leather and suede is often not caused by “dirt”; it’s caused by the chemical and physical effects of winter. To solve the problem quickly, you first need to know what you’re dealing with.
Salt stains: Not just white marks, but a drying effect
When de-icing salts melt in the snow and mix with water, they come into contact with your boots’ surface. As the water evaporates, white marks remain. Even when left on the surface, salt tends to dry out leather. Salt stains left untreated in particular can cause the leather to become dull and stiff.
Rain and getting wet: What you say “won’t be a problem” becomes one when it happens repeatedly
Leather gets wet and dries; that’s normal. But if this cycle repeats often, it becomes less supple. What’s more, improper drying (on a radiator, stove, or with a hair dryer) wears out the leather faster.
Mud: Once dry, it can act like sandpaper
Mud contains more than just water and soil. As it dries and hardens, rubbing against the surface can wear down the texture, especially on suede and nubuck. That’s why “wiping it off quickly” isn’t always the right way to deal with mud.
Know Your Boot Type: Smooth Leather, Suede, or Nubuck?
Every material has its own care routine. The wrong product can make even the right boots look bad.
Smooth leather (nappa and similar smooth surfaces)
- Wipeable and more forgiving.
- Care routine: Clean → condition → protect the surface.
- It’s easier to restore its former shine with creams and care products.
Suede
- Because of its fuzzy texture, it “holds on to” water and dirt more easily.
- Care routine: Dry clean → brush → apply a protective shield.
- Aggressive wet cleaning can increase the risk of spreading stains on Suede.
Nubuck
- A more substantial surface than Suede, but more delicate than smooth Leather.
- Similar to Suede care, but brushing too hard can damage the surface.
Oiled or distressed-effect Leathers (crazy horse/pull-up)
- Scratches and variations in color are part of its natural character; they’re not “flaws.”
- Harsh chemicals can strip the surface of its oils; care should be “gentle and nourishing.”
Set Up a Small Care Station at Home
A trip to the cobbler isn’t always possible. A few basic items for regular at-home care can be a lifesaver:
- Suede brush (multi-purpose ones work well)
- Soft brush or microfiber cloth for smooth Leather
- Suede eraser (clean, light-colored)
- Clean, lint-free cloths
- Leather care cream (for smooth Leather)
- Water-repellent protective spray (especially for Suede and nubuck)
- Paper or a shoe tree to maintain the shape
That’s it. All that’s left is to use the right technique.
Step-by-Step Salt Stain Removal
Speed matters with salt stains, but “rushing and doing it wrong” leads to worse results.
Salt stains on smooth Leather
- Make sure the Boot is completely dry.
- Gently wipe the stained area with a slightly damp cloth. The aim is to clean the surface, not press down and strain the Leather.
- Then leave the Boot to dry at room temperature.
- Once dry, the Leather may look dull; this is normal. Now nourish it with a small amount of Leather care cream.
The key here: when removing a salt stain, it’s easy to “dry out” the Leather; conditioning it afterward is essential to restore moisture.
Salt stains on Suede and nubuck
The first rule for Suede: Don’t try to clean it by rubbing with water.
- While dry, gently brush the whitish marks off the surface with a Suede brush.
- If a stain remains, use a very lightly dampened cloth to dab it: press and lift.
- Let them dry.
- Once dry, brush the nap up in one direction.
With Suede, the aim is to lift the stain without spreading it and bring the surface back to life.
Cleaning Mud: Patience Pays Off
The biggest mistake with mud is rubbing the Boot with a cloth while it’s still wet. This can push the dirt into the surface.
The right way
1. Put the Boot in a well-ventilated place and wait for the mud to dry completely.
2. Brush off the dried mud first.
- A soft brush or cloth on smooth Leather
- A more controlled but effective brushing on Suede
3. For any remaining faint marks:
- On smooth Leather, use a slightly damp cloth.
- On Suede, gently rub it with a Suede eraser.
This method greatly reduces the risk of the Suede’s nap wearing away and the surface becoming patchy.
Rescuing a Soaking-Wet Boot: Its Fate Is Decided Here
Torrential rain, puddles, wet snow… If your Boot gets soaked, what saves it isn’t speed, but drying it properly.
Never do this
- Placing it next to a radiator
- Placing it near a stove
- “Quick-drying” with a hair dryer
These methods can harden the Leather and distort its shape.
The right drying routine
- Gently pat the outer surface with a dry towel.
- If there’s an insole, remove it and dry it separately.
- Stuff the Boot with crumpled paper (to maintain its shape and draw out moisture from the inside).
- Leave it to dry at room temperature in a well-ventilated place.
- Replace the paper as it gets damp.
It can take a day or even longer for them to dry completely. But this patience helps extend the life of your boots.
Interior Care: Fine-Tuning Boots Lined with Genuine Sheepskin
The sheepskin lining often found in Pegia and Cool Moon styles enhances comfort. Proper care helps that comfort last longer.
- After each wear, open up the boots to let them air out.
- If the inner surface gets flattened over time, you can gently brush it to fluff it up.
- If they smell: Sprinkling a little baking soda inside the boots, leaving it overnight, then cleaning it out the next day is a method some people like. (Don't use too much; the goal is to absorb moisture.)
The key idea here is that keeping the interior clean and breathable helps the boots feel “newer.”
The Protective Shield: When and How to Apply Water-Repellent Spray
“The best cleaning is not getting dirty in the first place.” This is especially true for suede and nubuck.
Protection routine for suede/nubuck
- Apply when the boots are new and clean.
- Spray evenly to create a thin layer, without soaking the surface.
- Let them dry.
- During frequent winter use, it's a good idea to renew the protection periodically, especially after a thorough cleaning.
For smooth leather, protection often comes from “nourishing care.” Leather care can restore its appearance and help the surface feel more resilient.
End-of-Season Storage: Next Winter's Style Starts Today
Many boots start winter looking worn because they were stored incorrectly over the summer.
- Don't put away dirty boots. Salt and dirt wear down leather over time.
- Condition smooth leather, brush suede, and apply protection.
- Put paper or a shoe tree inside to help them keep their shape.
- Choose breathable storage instead of a plastic bag. Keep them away from damp environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
My suede boots have circular water marks. What should I do?
Some water marks become more noticeable when you clean just one spot. In such cases, you need to “even out” the surface carefully: lightly dampening and evenly wiping the entire area, then letting it dry, can soften the color transition. Brushing afterward is essential.
Can leather boots be machine-washed?
No. The leather's natural structure, adhesives, and shape can be damaged in ways that are difficult to reverse during this process.
The zipper is stuck. Should I force it?
Don't force it. Dust or dryness in the zipper teeth can cause it to stick. Gently freeing it is better than breaking the mechanism.
The Bottom Line: The Care You Give Your Boots Reflects Your Style
Boot care may seem like “cleaning,” but it also says something else: how much you value quality and long-lasting style. The Pegia or Cool Moon boots you buy from Derimarket will look better and feel better every winter with the right routine.
Winter can be harsh. There will always be salt, rain, and mud. But if you know how to care for your boots and have the right care products, you can wear them for many years.
