While some people are lucky enough to be near places where they can ski all year round, most of us need to put our ski gear away once springtime hits.
But are you aware of how to properly store your ski boots? It’s not quite as simple as unloading them out of your car and throwing them in the corner.
Whether you are storing your ski boots away for the summer, or even just for a night, this guide will give you some tips to prolong the life of your boots and keep them looking and functioning great for years to come.
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1. Make Sure They Are As Dry As Possible
The first thing to do anytime that you are storing your ski boots (whether for a day or for a year), is to make sure they are completely dry. You need to make sure that every part of the boot doesn’t have any moisture.
You will want to take out both the liner and insole and individually dry them both off. You can dry them by hand, or can use a boot dryer. However, be careful when using some dryers as they can get very hot.
This can potentially lead to melted liners or insoles. Before drying them, it is also a good idea to give them a little cleaning if the boots or liners are dirty.
Once they are dry, feel free to put the boots back together again. If you don’t dry these off completely before storing, they will break down more quickly and also develop a very funky smell.
So even after you feel they are fully dry, leave them out for a bit longer to make sure couldn’t hurt.
2. Check the Boots for Damage or Issues Before Storing Them
Before tucking your boots away, be sure to check them for damage or other issues as well. You should check the liner, the insoles, but most importantly, the buckles and the soles.
The buckles can become loose or broken after prolonged use, and you obviously need these operating successfully in order to ski.
When it comes to the soles, most soles will see a lot of damage as people may walk on concrete or asphalt directly on their ski boots. This will scuff and potentially chip the soles, which can affect how they might fit with your bindings.
If you notice the soles are damaged or becoming thin, be sure to pick up some replacement heels and toes to get your boots back in good shape.
There is nothing worse than taking out your boots in the fall, ready for your first ski of the year, only to remember the boots are damaged. Getting your boots fixed up ahead of time will ensure they are ready to go the next time you need them.
3. Be Sure to Re-Buckle the Boots
One thing that many people will forget to do or simply don’t know about is to make sure your ski boots are re-buckled when you put them away for storage. This will make sure your ski boots can hold their shape over the potential months in storage.
If you don’t buckle them back up, especially around the cuff, the cuff itself will lose its shape and begin to straighten out, which you certainly do not want to see.
When re-buckling, make sure every part of the boot is in the correct spot to make sure that the form is consistent and exactly how it should be.
4. Store Them at Room-Temperature
Instead of just throwing your boots anywhere to store, you need to make sure that you’re a little more careful than that. First of all, they should be stored at room temperature to avoid becoming too hot or cold.
For example, if where they are being stored is too humid, some moisture can get into the boot and cause the problems we mentioned earlier. They should also be kept in the dark, preferably. This will ensure that bright lights aren’t making the room too hot for the boots.
Also, in addition to storing them in a dark, dry place that is preferably at room temperature, it could be a good idea to store them in a boot bag or some other type of plastic bag. This will prevent them from getting dusty or dirty when being stored for a long period of time.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has been able to help you learn how to store ski boots safely and successfully.
Be sure to check out this video if you need a quick and easy refresher about how to care for and store your ski boots. Proper storage will ensure that your boots will last for many years and continue to look great at the same time.
If you have some other great tips and information about storing ski boots, I’d love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.