What are the care instructions for Columbia Shoes?

Best way to regularly clean your Columbia shoes:
If your footwear becomes damp and covered with mud, clean them immediately after use, do not leave them dirty to dry. Corrosive natural chemicals such as acids and alkalis which are found in different soils and dirt can work their way into the material and start to slowly decay and rot thus weakening the overall strength of the boots. This also prevents damage to any waterproof linings and membranes that are inside. The most effective way to clean your footwear is to immediately rinse them under clean tap water with a soft-bristled brush. If possible, remove the insole inside the shoe and let them dry naturally. Do not under any circumstances put them in a clothes dryer, on top of a heater, near an open flame, or leave them in direct hot sunlight.

Removing stains from Columbia shoes:
Generally, a mild dishwashing detergent can remove most stains. For oil, grease, ink, sap, or gum, denatured or isopropyl alcohol is considered a degreasing agent and works best as a spot cleaner and can safely remove stains from many fabrics and leather that aren’t affected by soap or detergent.
To remove stubborn stains, moisten a cotton cloth with a few drops of denatured alcohol. First, test the alcohol on an inconspicuous part of the boot and allow it to dry. If there isn’t any discoloration, repeat and rub the stain, but do not saturate the fabric. Allow it to dry. Using a toothbrush or light-bristled brush, clean the stain with a drop of dishwashing detergent and scrub until the stain disappears. Rinse the boot in warm water and damp dry with a clean towel. Fully let dry naturally!

Reapplying waterproof finishes on Columbia shoes:
Most waterproof/breathable materials are treated with a water-repellent finish, which keeps the outer material from becoming saturated with water so the breathable barrier can do its job. This coating needs to be reapplied every so often. A simple water drop test can be performed to see if the boot should be recoated. If water no longer beads up on the outside of the boot, it’s time for another surface treatment. There are several spray products on the market that can restore water repellency. Whichever you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Before these treatments can be applied and effectively work, the footwear should be clean and dry.

Repairing Columbia rubber boots:
If a pair of rubber boots is damaged during wear, they generally can be repaired with a simple rubber repair or stick-on patch kit. These patch kits are available at any footwear retailer. First, the boots must be clean and dry. Then follow the directions of the repair patch kit.

Repairing Columbia rubber outsoles:
Over time, rubber outsoles can separate from the foam cushioning midsole or upper part of the footwear. This also can be repaired with a simple adhesive solution. Many footwear retailers offer various types of adhesives that can help repair this issue. Urethane adhesives work by coating both sides of the separation, letting it dry for a period of time, and reactivating it with a heat source such as a blow dryer. A rubber-based adhesive is used more as a contact cement. The adhesive is applied to both sides of the separation and allowed to dry for a short period of time and then pressed together. Again, the area should be clean, dry, and prepared. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Repairing leather or synthetic materials in Columbia shoes:
There are leather repair kits available on the market that can repair rips, burns, cuts, and tears. Some can even touch up and re-dye worn or faded spots. There are specific kits for footwear. Upholstery repair kits can also work on leather boots and usually come with colored dyes to help mask the repair.

Disclaimer: Please check with the Warranty Department before submitting previously repaired garments for warranty claims. Repair done outside of the Columbia Warranty Department may void Columbia’s Limited Warranty applicable to your product.