Looking after your Boots

You bought your new boots , but what now

Dave Farrell shares with you a few tips when it comes looking after your pruchase and getting value for money from them

Boots have always been the most expensive item any rugby player will buy; therefore it’s advisable to say the least that you take care of them. Unlike when I played , I see a trend today of young rugby players being quite happy to buy a new pair of boots every few months , presumably because they cannot , or will not look after them . An expensive way to do things and dare I say it unnecessary

Having played the game for over 20 years here’s a few tips on how to get the best wear and value from your rugby boots.

Before you wear the boots for the first time, it worthwhile to check the studs , aiming sure they are all tightened .Using the spanner supplied with the boots make sure the studs are as tight as they should be , you would be surprised how many times I have had people coming back to me after wearing boots for the first time –bemoaning the fact they have lost some studs – but it is avoidable .

After the game don’t just throw your boots in your kitbag and forget them until next weekend , Leaving your boots wet and muddy will leave them smelling and mouldy - not nice .

After every game , at the latest the day after , you should clean them , removing any excess mud/grass or any other foreign bodies using a stiff brush to wipe the boots down , then using a damp cloth wipe the boots down , but do not use eny cleaner / detergent on the boots . You should the stuff the boots with newspaper and leave them to dry naturally in a warm room, by the way this also helps them keep their shape. DO not do as some people have done and use a hair dryer . its not recommended and will result cracking of the boots uppers.

Once they are dry I would advise you apply some dubbin to the uppers of the boot . This will not only waterproof the upper but leave them supple .

Also if you wear boots with Screw-in studs don’t forget when changing studs to apply a little lubricant to the thread of the studs , thus avoiding the threads becoming coroded and becoming making them easier to change next time .

So there you have – look after your boots and save your self a few bob at the same time