The skiing season is now over. The last lift stopped running, the last downhill course was covered in snow, and now it’s time to get rid of the ski boots.
While the skiing industry has changed a lot in recent years, the way we look at and use snow sports gear hasn’t. For decades, the ski boots were the only approved footwear for skiing, and now that the era of micro-friction is here, they’re no longer perfect for snowboarding. The same goes for the gloves and the ski helmet.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to give up your ski boots and use surf shoes for surfing or snowboard boots for snowboarding, this is it. Here’s how to properly get rid of your ski boots so you can enjoy the summer seasons.
Table of Contents
Take Off The Shoes
The first step to removing your ski boots is to take them off. The best way to do this is by untying the laces and pulling the boots off your feet. The alternative is to use the ski poles to lever the boots off, but this can be dangerous if you’re not used to it.
Once you’ve got the boots off, you can inspect them more closely. Look for signs of wear on the uppers (the parts that touch your feet) and tear away any patches of white clothing that might be hiding the wear. Dry clean the boots if they’re in good condition otherwise, you might end up with water damage if you don’t clean them properly. You can also wipe down the insides of the boots with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might have settled there during the winter months.
Get Rid Of The Inner Liner
The inner liner of the boot is something that you don’t need to worry about during the summer. If the boots are in good condition, then you can just remove the outer covering and replace it with a clean one during the warm season (as long as it’s done properly, of course). If the boots are in poor condition, then the inner liner might be pretty well holed, which means that you’ll need to replace it. The inner liners of the ski boots are mostly made of synthetic materials that offer limited water resistance, so if you plan on going for a swim or taking a shower at some point, then you might end up doing your swimwear or showering suit some damage. This is why it’s important to take off your ski boots before getting into the water or exposing yourself to any wet or humid conditions. If this is not possible, then you should remove the inner liner before storing the boots, as it could attract dirt and various types of germs.
Once you’ve removed the inner liner of the boots, it’s time to clean them. Use a brush or a foam roller to brush off any dirt or debris that might be on the inside surfaces. Don’t use any materials that could potentially damage the rubber material of the boot or inner liner, as this would make the boots unusable. You should also give the inside of the boots a good vacuum if you’ve got one. This will help ensure that any dust or dirt that might be on the surface is removed for good. We recommend using a crevice-cleaning product for this purpose.
Reinstate The Outer Layer
The outer layer of the ski boot is something that you need to be slightly more careful with. The best way to remove it is by either snipping the tongue securely or pulling it off along with the pull tab. The only time that you need to be careful is when putting the boots back on, because the material could start to wear out quickly if you don’t properly take care of it. You can use a fabric softener or oil to help restore the elasticity of the material and make it easier to maintain its shape. This is why it’s best to always wear socks with your ski boots and make sure that the socks fit securely around the ankles.
Give Them A Treat
There’s no denying that ski boots are heavy, and after weeks of being indoors, going for a walk or a run with your dog might be the only thing that could possibly make them happy. If this is the case, then by all means, take them out for a walk or give them some water. Just make sure that you’re careful not to overexert yourself, as this could put you at risk of injury. A good way to make your dogs (or any animals for that matter) happy is by spoiling them with treats and games during the summer months. You could set up a tent to provide a fun and safe space for your dog to nap, play, and relax during the day. This could help provide them with some quality mental and physical stimulation, as well as promote socialization. We know that dogs are a part of the family for many of our readers, so this might be a good idea regardless of whether or not you’re planning on going anywhere near a ski resort in the near future.
If you want to keep your ski boots for other activities (snowmobiling, fishing, or walking your dog during the summer), then it’s best to make sure that the condition of the boots is okay. If this is not possible, then it might be best to get rid of them as soon as possible before they deteriorate any further. With proper care and a little bit of luck, your ski boots could last for years, providing you with warm memories of the winter season.