You got your dream hiking boots on, have just had a lovely walk in the fresh air but you’ve just come home and it being Janurary, they are caked in mud. Do you leave it on and wait for it to fall off or do you go for a deep clean?
Why is it important?
Straight out of the box, your boots are in the best possible condition. Meaning you don’t have to do any sort of treatment, or cleaning of, your boots. As long as you properly break in your hiking boots, you’ll be ready for the next adventure.
But once you’ve got your first hike in with your boots, and they’re caked with mud, murky puddle water, or even bits of leaves, clean them. Even if they’re not that dirty, it doesn’t matter. Each step on a walk results in either dust, mud or general dirt creeping in. Any sort of buildup inside your hiking boot that goes uncleaned always leads to excessive wear and tear on the boot. It might be a pain but the best way to extend the life of your boots is by cleaning them after each hike.
Cleaning your boots straight after a walk may not be the most exciting way to round off a day on the trail but you’ll be grateful for it next time you head out and your boots are ready and raring to go. So, how do you go about cleaning your boots?
It's as easy at 1,2 3!
Step 1: Scrub clean
Simply rinse with warm water and use a brush to remove stubborn mud and grit. Don;t use any soaps or detergents as these tend to damage your boots, especailly if they have any special fabrics int hem like GORE-TEX. Try not to soften your leather uppers too much while washing to avoid your boots losing their shape. A hefty sole will take some scrubbing but be gentle on the more delicate upper surfaces of your boots.
Step 2: Treat them to a little pampering
A proofer or Nikwax will help to keep your feet dry against the elements. Remember to check that the type of proofer is the right one for your boots as treatments vary. Use one that’s suitable for use on footwear with waterproof breathable lining and waterproof leathers to maintain your boots’ performance as you clock up the miles.
Step 3: Give them some air
It's really tempting to leaver them on a boiller or near the radiator, but the ebst way to look after your boots is to let them dry naturally in the air. If your boots are wet inside too, then use some newspaper to coax out the moisture to keep them in tip top shape.
If you look after yoru boots they'll look after you. Clean boots also allow you to have a closer look at them, and will help you identify when it might be time for a change.
The lucky winner of our Early Bird Competition is Janet Ebdon! You get to chose either a trip up Kilimanjaro or to visit Everest Base Camp with us and we'll be in touch with you directly. Congratulations!
Ever wondered what it would be like to trek amongst the world's highest mountains? Want to tick Everest off your bucket list but not sure it is for you? Or perhaps you fancy scaling Mera Peak, which stands at over 6,476m. If you are considering a trek to Nepal and the Himalaya join our expert team to find out more about what we offer and how you can trek with us.
There's a Q&A session, a presentation about the routes, what it's like on the mountain, when to go & what to expect, kit, altitude & training.
Hosted at the Doggett's Coat & Badge Pub on Blackfriars Bridge with a great view of the Thames - starts at 7.00pm - so please arrive from 6:45pm - and finishes by 8.30pm
Join us for our next Open Evening on the Tuesday 20th November!
As part of our Ultra Challenge Series the Thames Path marks the 7th and final event of the 2018 series, the event is a celebration of fitness, health, geography and London's most iconic geographical feature. Those who took on the challenge on are part of a growing community seeking to undertake an epic 'ultra' distance for a greater cause, a reason to get fit or simply for fun.
2019 registration for both the Thames Path Challenge and Thames Bridges Trek is now live - please visit www.ultrachallenge.com to find out more!
Last year we saw over 2,000 people take on the 20km stretch across London's most iconic landmarks - starting and finishing in Southwark park. We had snow machines, 20ft penguins & most of all many woolly bobble hats!
The London Winter Walk is back for January 2019 - bigger, better and more wintery than before! Kick start your year with a cool 20km and join 2,000 or so of us for an energising brisk walk around the heart of the Capital. Why not begin the New Year as you mean to go on!
Start - past Tower Bridge
Marquee Base Camp
9am - midday start slots
Free Buff & 'Bobble Hat'
Zumba style Warm Up
Pace Walkers / Marshals
Fully signed 20km Route
Westerly loop along Thames
Half-way snacks & hot drinks
Best 'Winter Dress' prizes
Special Winter Walk Medal
Hot buffet back at Base Camp
Families welcome
Self Fund - do it for Yourself
OR Fundraise for a Charity
Visit www.londonwinterwalk.com for full info!
A keen walker but new to challenge events? Or a seasoned hiker looking for adventures? Maybe even a marathon runner wanting to 'up' your distance? Whoever you are - if you're up for a real challenge and want to push yourself in 2019 - these events are for you!
Whether along a magnificent coastline, or through stunning countryside - your Challenge will be unforgettable. Spirit and determination is needed; resolve will be tested - with new friends made en route, and an overwhelming sense of achievement at your finish line.
FOR ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS9 EVENTS TO CHOOSE FROM
FOR CHARITY OR FOR YOU!
FULL SUPPORT ALL THE WAY
FREE FOOD, SNACKS & DRINK
MEDICS, MASSAGE, MEDALS
TRAINING WALKS AND PLANS
ENDURANCE EVENTS FOR ALL
PUSH YOURSELF IN 2019....
Visit www.ultrachallenge.com for full information on our 2019 events!
Join a group on one of our Great Treks of the World to cross the Icelandic wilderness, walk above the clouds at Machu Picchu and climb Kilimanjaro or Elbrus - one of the Seven Summits! Try something different and push yourself further with an Ultra Adventure - 2 marathon treks in 2 days on a 4/5 Day Adventure.
STEP 1 . Browse our Challenges for inspiration
STEP 2 . Register with code NEWYEAROFFER to claim £75 off
STEP 3 . We'll email you the kit voucher & Free UK event codes when the offer ends
STEP 4 . Your adventure begins!
**This deal cannot be used in conjunction with any other deal, discount or promotion offered by Action Challenge.**
If you have any questions, please contact us at ask@actionchallenge.com!
Saturday 31st March! We are excited to announce the launch of the inaugrual Easter Walk - bring your friends, family & work colleagues to join us on either a 25 mile or 25km looped walk starting and finishing in Windsor!
Setting off from Windsor along the River Thames on Easter Saturday and passing through beautiful scenery and countryside. Set yourself (and the family!) a goal this spring with either a 25 mile or 25 km challenge, and a big celebration finish and fun day!
Some highlights of the event are:
Windsor Racecourse start / finish
Marquee Base Camp
Lots of free parking
8:30 - 11:30am starts
Zumba style Warm Up
Route support & marshals
Fully signed 25km & 25 mile looped routes
25 miles - snacks, lunch & finish meal
25km - snacks & finish meal
Best 'Easter Dress' prizes
Easter Walk Medal
Hot food at Base Camp
Easter challenges for the family
Discounts for the kids!
Self Fund - do it for Yourself
OR Fundraise for a Charity
To find out more & to sign up visit www.theeasterwalk.com - save 25% if you sign up before 10th December!
The air holiday packages and flights shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK. Our ATOL number is 6296. In Ireland the air & holiday packages and flights that are shown are protected by CAR license number TA0297. Please see our booking conditions for more information.