Material Care Guide"Rubber Boots (Rain Boots)"

Table of Contents)

・Rubber Boots (Rain Boots)Material Characteristics

・Rubber Boots (Rain Boots)Everyday Care Methods

・Care Methods to Prevent Whitening and Cracking

・Odor Prevention and Storage Methods

・Introducing Useful Care Items

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Rubber boots (rain boots) are an essential item for rainy days. To maintain their durability and beauty and enjoy them for a long time, proper care after use is indispensable.

Here we'll share important points about everyday care for rubber boots (rain boots), methods to prevent whitening and cracking, and how to store them properly.

Material Characteristics of Rubber Boots (Rain Boots)

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The materials used in rubber boots (rain boots) are mainly natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Since each material has different characteristics and uses, understanding these properties is important when choosing the rubber boots (rain boots) best suited to you.

❶Excellent flexibility and elasticity.

❷Natural rubber and some synthetic rubbers are relatively heavy.

❸High durability and elasticity, with relatively good resistance to both heat and cold. It also helps regulate temperature, allowing for comfortable wear whether the day is cold or warm. Recommended for snowy days or when the ground underfoot is especially poor.

❹While natural rubber, being derived from nature, has a low environmental impact, it can be vulnerable to natural elements such as UV light.

❶Compared to rubber, it offers a relatively firmer feel when worn.

❷Lightweight yet highly durable.

❸Low breathability, which can cause feet to become sweaty.

❹Dirt and mud can be wiped off relatively easily even after they stick to the surface.

❺Becomes hard in low temperatures, which can make walking on snowy or icy roads difficult and slippery.

The image above shows examples of the surface of natural rubber and polyvinyl chloride materials. Natural rubber often retains a natural texture without much shine, while polyvinyl chloride tends to have a uniform, glossy surface.

Also, when it comes to scratches and dirt accumulating during use, natural rubber tends to age in a way that blends naturally with the material, whereas with polyvinyl chloride, the contrast with its original brand-new shine can become quite noticeable.

How to Care for Rubber Boots (Rain Boots)

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Soak a soft towel in water or lukewarm water (40°C or below) and gently wipe away dirt.

If the dirt doesn't come off, use a soft horsehair brush to remove it, or rinse the surface under running water or in a bucket.

When doing so, be careful not to let water get inside the boots. Water that gets inside can make them difficult to dry and lead to odor and mold.

Do not use scrub brushes or detergents. These can cause scratches, yellowing, and discoloration.

If dirt won't come off, dilute a household neutral detergent in water, soak a towel in it, and wipe the boots. Afterward, wipe them dry with a soft towel or cloth and let them dry thoroughly.

Care Methods to Prevent Whitening and Cracking

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Natural rubber material can sometimes develop a whitish appearance on its surface. This is called the "blooming phenomenon (whitening)," in which a white, powder-like film forms. It doesn't affect usability, but proper care can restore its clean appearance.

After removing dirt, soak a dry towel with a rubber boot-specific polish and wipe the surface to finish.

As a way to reduce whitening and cracking, regularly using a silicone-based, organic-solvent-free glossy shoe cleaner or a water-based gloss coating agent for rubber tires can also be effective. In this case, be sure to apply it only to the rubber surface, as applying it to the soles could cause slipping.

Odor Prevention and Storage Methods

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Odor and Moisture Prevention

Rubber boots (rain boots) tend to trap moisture, which can allow bacteria to grow from sweat and dirt, leading to odors or even foot problems.

After wearing them, we recommend spraying the inside with a deodorizing, antibacterial spray and letting them air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area for 2 to 3 hours. After that, use a shoe tree or shoe-specific deodorizing spray to remove odor and moisture.

If you don't have a shoe freshener on hand, rolling up newspaper and placing it inside the boots can serve as a substitute for moisture removal.

Storage Method

After care or use, dry the boots in a well-ventilated, shaded area. If they are tall boots, be sure to keep them standing upright rather than bending them while drying.

If stored while bent or folded, cracks can develop. Once thoroughly dry, place a deodorizer inside, use boot keepers (or shape-retaining inserts) to help the boots keep their form, and store them in a cool, dark place with low humidity.

Introducing Helpful Items

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◆Shoe Polish

This is a set of shoe-polishing brushes and cloths. With such a wide variety of brushes available, you can choose the one best suited to each pair of shoes for their care.

◆Cotton Flannel

This cloth is made of 100% unbleached cotton. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as applying oil or cream to leather goods, as well as for finishing touches.

◆FABRIC SPRAY

With its fresh rose and musk scent, this spray lets you refresh items quickly and easily.

◆Shoe Fresh

This is a deodorizing and moisture-absorbing item made by filling cotton bags with chips of aromatic cedar containing over 80% natural red cedar.

◆Deodorizing Box

This box contains about 150g of bamboo charcoal, which offers purifying, deodorizing, moisture-retaining, oxidation-reduction, and far-infrared effects, and releases negative ions that help relieve fatigue. It is also recommended as an interior accent.

◆Women's Boot Tree

This is a red cedar boot tree ideally suited to women's ankle boots and short boots. Woodlore's cedar wood uses 75% heartwood, the prized reddish core of the tree, delivering excellent moisture absorption as well as insect- and mold-repelling effects.

◆Shoe Case

Since this material already has waterproofing properties, there is no need to use a waterproof spray; regular care will allow you to enjoy these boots for a long time. If there are deep scratches or heavy stains, we recommend having expensive rubber boots (rain boots) cared for by a trusted specialty shop.

List of Rubber Boot (Rain Boot) Brands

BARBARIAN CHIEFTAIN

This is a brand from Koshin Gomu, a leading rubber boot manufacturer founded in 1935. Guided by the spirit of "Imagine & Create," Koshin Gomu has continued to make rubber boots for professionals such as firefighters and police officers, as well as for those in agriculture and fishing. Drawing on this accumulated technical skill and know-how, the company launched a rubber boot brand in 1986 designed to serve everything from everyday life to outdoor scenes.

FOX UMBRELLAS

FOX UMBRELLAS was born in England in 1868. In 1947, the company, which had been manufacturing small parachutes, used leftover parachute nylon to develop the world's first umbrella made from synthetic fiber. Since its founding, FOX UMBRELLAS has continued to create simple, beautiful rain items with an unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

 igor

Since its founding, igor has consistently handled everything in-house, from sourcing materials to final finishing, making its shoes 100% made in Spain. The shoes are crafted through meticulous processes backed by thorough quality control. The brand also uses recyclable materials for its molds and considers CO2 reduction in its shipping practices. Its commitment extends to manufacturing background as well, actively hiring local workers and securing labor from the surrounding region.

ILSE JACOBSEN HORNBÆK

ILSE JACOBSEN HORNBÆK is headquartered along what is considered one of Denmark's most beautiful white sand coastlines, located north of Copenhagen, and the rustic surrounding landscape is reflected in the brand's style. Valuing natural beauty and natural materials, the brand places importance on quality while also embracing creativity and innovation that keep pace with the times.

NOVESTA

NOVESTA began in 1939, when a factory for producing rain boots and sneakers was built in a small town in what was then Czechoslovakia, in what is now central Slovakia. Continuing to make purely Slovak-produced footwear—including military boots, work boots, rubber boots, and running shoes—ever since its founding, NOVESTA has built a production system that meets high environmental and social standards. Nearly all of its products are made from carefully selected natural materials such as natural rubber, cotton, and linen, and its shoes, created through the vulcanized manufacturing method, are handmade.

OPANAK

OPANAK is a shoe manufacturer born in Serbia. In 1935, at a time when agricultural footwear was still predominantly made of leather, founders Mita Gaga and the Čekić brothers began making agricultural shoes using rubber—a material rarely used for footwear at the time—to meet the needs of people in Serbia's rural farming communities. This marked the beginning of OPANAK. Its designs, conceived with practicality as the top priority, continue to be loved by local people to this day.

UMO（ウモ）

Founded in France in 1905, UMO is a long-established shoe factory brand. These PVC rain boots are made by a manufacturer that produces a wide range of footwear, including slippers, Wellington boots (rubber boots), and rain boots. Rain boots made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are said to be virtually immune to deterioration, and are known for being lightweight, resistant to scratches, and resistant to stains. By continuing to create colorful, highly fashionable rain shoes, UMO has become a leading name among French shoe manufacturers, now producing four million pairs a year.

VIKING（バイキング）

Viking was founded in Norway in 1920 by Peter Mathias Rovde. Shortly after its founding, the company developed a highly waterproof rubber product called "galoshes." Since then, it has produced rubber boots and work boots while adapting to changing trends, and its high level of functionality gradually became known, earning devoted use from farmers, fishermen, forestry workers, and even explorers. More than 100 years after its founding, the brand continues to be loved today.

XTRATUF（エクストラタフ）

Born in the 1950s at a factory in Rock Island, Illinois, XTRATUF was designed for fishermen as a genuine fisherman's boot. The high-grip chevron outsole performs well on wet decks, and the upper, made of Neoprene rubber, prevents fish oil from penetrating inside, making it a favorite among many fishermen. Today, under Honeywell, the brand produces a wide range of products, from serious fishing boots for professional fishermen to fun fishing and casual shoes.