Should I keep my leather boots in the box?

Table of Contents

Quick Answers

There are a few key factors to consider when deciding whether to store leather boots in their original box or not:

Leather needs to breathe – Keeping boots in a box can trap moisture and lead to mold or mildew
Boxes protect from dust and scuffs – The box can help keep boots in pristine condition

Some degradation is normal – Leather naturally dries out over time, with or without the box
Use shoe trees for best preservation – Shoe trees absorb moisture and help boots keep their shape

In general, storing boots in their original box is fine for short periods, but for long-term storage it’s best to use shoe trees inside the boots and store them on a shelf or in a closet. The box itself doesn’t provide enough ventilation for the leather.

Should You Store Leather Boots in the Original Box?

When you invest in a quality pair of leather boots, you want them to last for many years with proper care. This raises the question – should you store leather boots in the original manufacturer’s box? There are good arguments on both sides of this issue:

Reasons to Store Boots in the Box

Protects from dust – The box helps keep boots dust-free between wears
Prevents scuffs and scratches – The box protects the leather from bumps and scrapes during storage

Retains shape – Some boots come with shoe forms or inserts to hold the shape inside the box
Creates optimal environment – Some leather goods companies design boxes to provide an ideal humidity and temperature controlled environment
Simpler storage – It’s easy to neatly stack shoeboxed boots on a shelf in your closet

For many people, storing fine leather boots in their original branded box seems like the right thing to do. However, there are also good reasons you may want to forego the box.

Reasons to Store Boots Without the Box

Leather needs to breathe – Keeping boots enclosed can lead to moisture buildup
Traps stale odors – Smells from wear can accumulate inside a closed box

Can warp shape – Leather shaping inside the box relaxes less evenly than on a shoe tree
Excess humidity causes mold – Dampness is leather’s worst enemy and promotes mold growth
Premature drying and cracking – Leather thrives in moderate airflow and hydration

Storing boots in a box may seem like pampering them, but in fact can create some unfavorable conditions for the leather.

Finding the Right Balance for Your Boots

Given the potential drawbacks of storing boots long-term in their boxes, many leather experts recommend compromise solutions:

Use the box for short-term storage – Keeping boots in their box between wears is fine.

Use shoe trees when boxing boots – Shoe trees absorb moisture and retain shape.
Let boots rest outside the box periodically – Allow boots a breath of fresh air to dry fully before boxing again.
Add cedar blocks to the box – Cedar absorbs moisture and adds a fresh scent.

Store boots on open shelves during off seasons – Don’t leave boots boxed up for many months at a time.
Clean and condition boots before boxing – Ensure leather is dry and conditioned before storage.
Inspect regularly for mold – Catch any moisture issues before damage occurs.

Consider climate conditions – Use box storage judiciously if you live in a damp environment.

With some preventative care and inspection, most good leather boots can safely spend some time in their boxes between wears. Just be cautious about assuming the box is always the best place for long-term storage and retirement. Monitor your boots and make adjustments to find the right balance for your purposes.

Are Shoe Trees a Better Option for Storing Boots?

Many shoe experts advise using wooden shoe trees instead of storing leather boots in their boxes for long periods. Shoe trees offer some distinct advantages:

Absorbs moisture – The wood pulls moisture away from the leather.
Holds shape – The lasts keep boots in proper form withoutsagging.
Permits air circulation – Leather can breathe with trees inserted.

Fights odor – The wood absorbs odors instead of sealing them in.
Provides flexibility – Trees can be used inside or outside the box.
Aids reconditioning – Trees make it easier to buff boots before wears.

No safety risks – Unlike boxes, trees won’t harbor mold or mildew.

Shoe trees aren’t a miracle cure-all for leather boots. The trees themselves need periodic maintenance to remain effective. However, they provide significant advantages by both absorbing excess moisture and permitting enough airflow. Used properly, most leather experts believe shoe trees combined with occasional conditioning are the best way to store fine boots for the long haul.

Choosing Quality Shoe Trees

To get the most benefit from shoe trees for storing boots, choose trees with these features:

Matching shape – Trees should fit snugly from toe to heel.
Cedar wood – Cedar naturally repels moths and absorbs moisture.
Split-toe design – Separating the toe box lets trees fit boots better.

Non-deforming wedges – Avoid plastic wedges that can misshape boots.
Smooth finish – Polished or lacquered wood won’t scratch insides.
Good height – Trees should fit up to the boot’s ankle or higher.

With quality cedar shoe trees specifically fitted for your boots, you can be assured they’ll maintain their shape and last longer. Use the trees each time you take your boots off to extract moisture and odor from the leather.

Caring for Leather Boots Between Wears

While shoe trees do help maintain the shape and condition of stored boots, some other care is recommended between wears:

Let Boots Rest

After wearing boots, don’t immediately return them to storage. Let them air out at room temperature overnight to dispel moisture. Stuffing hot, sweaty boots into a box can ruin the leather.

Brush Away Debris

Use a natural bristle shoe brush to gently remove any dirt, salt stains or debris from your boots after each wear. This cleans and revives the nap of the leather.

Shine and Condition Periodically

Every few months, clean boots with a gentle leather cleaner then apply shoe polish and conditioner. This nourishes the leather to prevent cracking and fading.

Disinfect Insoles When Needed

Insoles can harbor odor-causing bacteria. Freshen with baking soda, use removable insoles, or replace insoles occasionally.

Store Properly Between Wears

Place shoe trees inside after boots fully dry and air out. Store on open shelves or in breathable shoe bags versus airtight boxes.

Visit a Cobbler Annually

Have boots professionally cleaned and conditioned once a year. A cobbler can touch up worn heels, stitches and soles to keep boots looking great.

Signs Your Stored Boots Need Attention

Even with diligent care, issues can develop when boots are left stored for too long. Watch for these warning signs:

Mold or mildew odor
White mold/fuzz on leather
Stiff, dried out leather

Brittle, cracked leather
Corroded eyelets or hooks
Puffy, misshapen leather

Rotted, cracked soles

At the first sign of any of these issues:

Remove boots from storage immediately.

Brush off any exterior mold carefully.
Stuff boots with newspaper to draw moisture.
Once fully dried out, clean and recondition the leather.

Consider replacing insoles and footbeds if badly molded.
Use trees and rotate resting boots more frequently.

Catching moisture damage early is key to save your boots. With extra care you can still preserve them from further harm. But if deterioration has set in, it may be safest to retire boots before excessive damage occurs.

How Long Can Boots Stay Box Stored?

As a rule, boots shouldn’t remain continously stored in their boxes for more than:

3-4 months in a cool, dry climate
1-2 months in warm, humid climates

2-3 months in average temperate conditions

Exceptions if using shoe trees and periodic conditioning:

6 months maximum in cool, dry air

3-4 months maximum in tropical, humid regions
4-5 months maximum in moderate conditions

Boots are at higher risk of mold, mildew and drying when boxed for over 3-4 months. Even with trees, err on the side of less time boxed. The exceptions permit judicious use for special cases like a ski boot off-season. But make sure to vigilantly monitor condition and rotate seasonally. Never store boots boxed long-term year round.

Maximim Recommended Storage Time by Region

Region	No Shoe Trees	With Shoe Trees
Cool, Dry Climate	3-4 months	6 months
Humid, Tropical Climate	1-2 months	3-4 months
Moderate Temperate Climate	2-3 months	4-5 months

Monitor your storage conditions and inspect boots regularly, no matter what climate you live in. Extended box storage risks long-term damage.

Tips for Storing Boots Long Term Without the Box

To safely store boots beyond the typical recommended boxed periods, use these tips:

Place trees snugly inside boots after each wear and drying period.

Set trees with boots on closet shelves, not stacked inside each other.
Space boots with trees an inch apart for airflow around each pair.
Insert cedar chips or cedar blocks to absorb moisture nearby.

Keep stored in cool room around 60-70°F if possible.
Clean and condition leather thoroughly before storage.
Stuff toes with acid-free tissue to hold shape if no trees.

Inspect monthly for any mold or mildew.
air out boots periodically for a day.

With diligent care, many boots can safely stay out of the box for up to 6 months in cooler climates, 4 months in moderate conditions and 2-3 months in tropical heat and humidity. Just take precautions, monitor closely and catch any issues early.

Conclusion

Storing leather boots in their original box seems like a logical way to care for them. But in fact, the box can create some unfavorable conditions for long-term storage. Use the box for brief 1-2 month storage between wears, but rely more on cedar shoe trees and proper climate conditions for extended storage periods. With careful precautions against moisture, mold and stiffening, quality leather boots can last for years out of their box with trees and periodic air drying. Just be vigilant about symptoms of deterioration and catch any problems early. With the right care, your boots can endure many seasons out and about, not boxed away in storage forever.