Posted by Bethan Bithell on Feb 03, 2016
Grisport walking boots are designed to handle wet ground, mud, and long days outdoors. However even the best boots will start letting water in if they are not looked after. Dirt, dried-out leather, and clogged fabrics all reduce waterproofing and breathability.
If your Grisport boots feel damp, stiff, or start leaking, it is usually a care issue rather than a fault. Regular cleaning and the right waterproofing will keep them comfortable, flexible, and reliable for years.
- Brush off mud after every walk
- Let boots dry naturally, away from heat
- Clean with a footwear cleaner when dirty
- Condition leather when it feels stiff
- Reproof when water stops beading
Why Grisport boots need regular care
Grisport boots use:
- full-grain leather
- nubuck and suede
- waterproof breathable membranes such as SpoTex, Sympatex and Gritex
Mud, sweat and drying next to heat sources slowly break this system down. When leather dries out too quickly it cracks. When suede and nubuck clog with dirt they stop repelling water. When membranes shrink or clog, moisture gets trapped inside the boot.
Good care prevents:
- leaking boots
- wet feet from condensation
- cracked leather
- peeling soles
- failed waterproof membranes
If your Grisport boots are letting water in and you’re not sure why, our guide on leaking walking boots explains the common causes and how to fix them.
How to clean Grisport boots
Cleaning is always the first step before conditioning or waterproofing.
Cleaning leather Grisport boots
- Remove laces and insoles.
- Brush off dried mud with a shoe brush.
- Use a smaller brush to clean dirt from lace hooks and sole lugs.
- Clean the leather using a specialist footwear cleaning gel and clean water.
- Wipe with a damp cloth and rinse away any residue.
- Leave to dry naturally at room temperature.
Never dry leather boots near radiators, fires or in direct sunlight. Rapid drying causes leather to crack and can shrink the waterproof membrane inside the boot.
Cleaning nubuck and suede Grisport boots
- Remove laces.
- If the boots are wet, stuff them with newspaper and change it as it becomes damp.
- Use a suede or nubuck brush to lift dirt from the surface.
- Use a nail brush to clean the sole lugs.
- For deep cleaning, use a specialist footwear cleaning gel.
- Leave to dry naturally overnight.
Never rub suede or nubuck when wet — blot gently to avoid damaging the surface.
How to waterproof Grisport boots
Once boots are clean and slightly damp, waterproofing works far better.
Reproofing leather Grisport boots
Leather boots need a leather-specific waterproofing treatment to stay flexible and water-resistant. These treatments help prevent cracking, keep the leather supple, and improve water resistance in wet ground. For a full guide on using boot wax on leather, see our leather boot waxing guide.
- Apply a leather conditioner if the leather feels stiff or dry
- Work a leather waterproofing treatment into the leather
- Pay special attention to seams and flex points
- Allow it to soak in and buff off excess
This keeps leather soft, prevents cracking, and restores water repellency and breathability.
Wax is one option for smooth leather. See how to apply boot wax here.
Waterproofing nubuck and suede Grisport boots
Nubuck and suede should only be treated with spray-on waterproofing.
- Spray evenly over the surface
- Allow to dry naturally
- Lightly brush once dry to restore the finish
Never use wax or cream on suede or nubuck, it permanently darkens and flattens the material.
How to dry Grisport boots properly
Wet boots should always be dried slowly.
- Remove laces and insoles
- Stuff with newspaper or paper towels
- Leave in a warm, ventilated room
- Replace the paper as it becomes damp
Heat from radiators or fires dries leather too fast, damages membranes and can even invalidate manufacturer warranties.
How often should Grisport boots be reproofed?
Your boots do not need full treatment after every walk. A brush and wipe after muddy use is usually enough.
Most Grisport boots benefit from conditioning and waterproofing about once a month with regular wear, or whenever water stops beading on the surface.
Common Grisport boot problems
Boots feel wet inside - This is often condensation trapped inside a dirty or clogged membrane. Cleaning and drying usually restores breathability.
Leather cracking - A sign the leather has dried out. Conditioning prevents this and keeps the leather flexible.
Suede soaking up water - The waterproof spray has worn off. Clean and reapply.
When should Grisport boots be replaced?
Even well-maintained boots eventually wear out.
It may be time for a new pair if you notice:
- smooth or worn-out soles
- leaking through the sole or lining
- broken midsoles
- permanent loss of comfort
If your boots are beyond repair, you can browse our range of Grisport walking boots for a fresh pair built for UK conditions.
Explore Grisport walking boots
If your boots are beyond repair, you can browse our range of Grisport walking boots to find a replacement built for your terrain and conditions.
Grisport boot care questions
Yes, when clean and properly waterproofed, Grisport boots handle prolonged wet ground well.
No, you should never dry Grisport boots using direct heat sources such as radiators, fires, or heaters. Excessive heat can cause the leather to crack and damage the waterproof lining. Instead, air-dry them slowly and use newspaper inside to absorb moisture.
You should reproof your Grisport boots whenever water stops beading on the surface, which is often after several weeks of regular use. Applying a suitable waterproofing treatment helps maintain breathability and keeps your boots waterproof. Always reproof after cleaning for best results.
Regular cleaning, correct drying, and routine reproofing are key to extending the life of Grisport boots. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and avoid leaving them muddy or wet for long periods. Proper care ensures comfort, durability, and long-term performance.
No. Nubuck and suede need spray-on waterproofing only. Wax will damage the finish.