Alfa Air™ is generally a maintenance-free material, and, to sum it up, needs nothing more than cleaning with water and proper drying. However, it is important to take care of your shoes to maintain quality throughout the boot's lifetime.
The insoles absorb a lot of moisture and dry faster when taken out of the boot. They should therefore be removed after each trip so that the boots are able to air out properly and dry up well. This is especially important to keep in mind during multi-day trips. For shoes with GORE-TEX, it is vital that the shoes are allowed to dry well, so the moisture does not stay in the sole's air ducts.
Never put away dirty boots. When taking care of the boots, remove the laces to reach the material underneath. When the insole and laces are removed, clean the outer material with a damp cloth. Generally, brushing with the ALFA Shoe Brush for Full Grain Leather and cleaning under lukewarm running water will be enough. For particularly dirty boots use the ALFA Clean & Refresh which effectively removes stains and dirt. The Alfa Air™ material is maintenance-free and should not be impregnated.
Instructions for cleaning with
ALFA Clean & Refresh:
1. Remove any loose dirt with a damp cloth.
2. Shake the bottle and spray evenly onto the shoes.
3. Use a damp cloth to wipe off any excess spray.
4. If necessary, rinse under running water or wipe with a damp cloth.
The insoles can be machine washed at 40 degrees with gentle detergent that removes bacteria at low temperatures. To clean the inside of your boots, we recommend lukewarm water or ALFA Clean & Refresh. Use the ALFA polish cloth to wipe the inside, and let the boots dry for a long time (minimum of a few days). This can prevent and remove unpleasant odors from bacteria, and salts that clog the membrane and therefore reduce the breathability of the shoes.
If you cleaned your shoes with water, they need to dry well before any further treatment. It's best to leave your shoes out at room temperature for 24 hours. If you washed them inside, you can fill your shoes with newspaper for 30 minutes first to absorb the majority of the moisture. The shoes do not withstand excessive heat and we recommend drying temperatures below 37 degrees. Never place your boots on a radiator, near the heater or any other heat source. The materials are easily damaged by excessive heat and can shrink and lose or change shape. For AlfaAir™, this also applies to shoes placed in direct sunlight, as the material easily absorbs heat.
Store your shoes at room temperature in a dry and well-aired place. Shoes and boots with Alfa Air™ material should never be left in direct sunlight, as the material easily absorbs heat. Do not store your boots on heated floors as this dries out the rubber and shortens the lifespan of the sole. Wet shoes should not be stored in damp rooms or in the car to prevent mold, discolouration and not least bad odours.
