Looking after your deck shoes and boots properly means they will stay in great shape for years to come, whatever the British weather brings. Here is a simple step by step guide to keeping chatham leather, nubuck and boots looking their best.
This guide will help you care for your Chatham Footwear so they remain comfortable, durable and reliable in the outdoors. Below is a full, up-to-date care guide based on Chatham's own recommendations.
How to Care for Leather Deck Shoes
- Wipe away any mud or dirt with a soft, damp cloth as soon as you can after wear
- Let the shoes dry naturally at room temperature, never near a radiator or fire
- Apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple and prevent cracking
- Buff gently with a soft brush or cloth to bring back the smart, polished finish
- Store with shoe trees or stuffed paper to help the shoes keep their shape
How to Care for Nubuck Deck Shoes
- Brush off any dry dirt with a specialist suede brush, always in one direction
- Avoid using water on nubuck, as this can leave marks or flatten the texture
- Treat with a nubuck protector spray before first wear to guard against rain and stains
- Reapply the protector every few weeks with regular use
- Leave to dry naturally if the shoes get wet, then brush again once fully dry

How to Care for Your Boots
- Remove mud and dirt once the boots have dried naturally, brushing off anything dried on
- For leather boots, apply a leather cream or wax, paying close attention to seams and stitching
- For suede or nubuck boots, use a suede brush and protector spray rather than cream or wax
- Reproof boots every few months, and always before the colder, wetter months set in
Check laces, soles and stitching regularly so small issues are caught early
Quick Care Tips
- Never dry footwear near direct heat, as this dries out and damages leather and nubuck alike
- Give shoes and boots a rest between wears so the material has time to recover
- Treat new footwear with a suitable protector before its first outing
- Store with shoe trees or paper stuffing to help maintain shape
- Deal with scuffs, marks or wear as soon as you notice them
Keeping Your Footwear Ready for Anything
Following these steps regularly makes a real difference to how long your footwear lasts and how good it looks along the way. A little care after every wear, alongside a proper clean every few weeks, keeps everything ready for whatever the countryside throws at you. Explore our country footwear range to find your next pair built for life outdoors.
NOTE: These tips are general advice only - every item is a bit different. ArdMoor can’t take responsibility for any mishaps, so always patch-test products first and follow Chatham's own care guidance where you can.