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.
Last year we saw over 1,000 people take on the 25km or 25 miles from our Windsor basecamp, heading on the Thames Path and the Great Park. This year the 25km option is open to joggers & runners also, and there's a discount if you're signed up to a 2019 Ultra Challenge.
Start - Windsor
Marquee Base Camp
8.30am - 11.00 start slots
Free Buff
Zumba style Warm Up
Pace Walkers / Marshals
Fully signed Routes
Half-way snacks & drinks
Best 'Winter Dress' prizes
Special Easter Medal
Buffet back at Base Camp
Families welcome
Self Fund - do it for Yourself
OR Fundraise for a Charity
Visit www.theeasterwalk.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!
After 31 days, 2,400km and 51 stages The Great Tesco Walk finally reach it's destination of John O'Groats on October 5th. Action Challenge are extremely proud to have hosted the challenge in aid of the Tesco Charity Partnership, which has seen over 4,000 participants walk the length of Britain from Land's End to John O'Groats.
Each leg of the challenge set out from a Tesco store along the route, passing by many other host stores which welcomed the walkers with a fantastic sense of celebration and achievement. Past some of the UK's most iconic geographical features, and through some of the most remote regions and scenery the walk was a first for both Tesco and Action Challenge.
We would like to thank everyone involved and congratulate all those who took part and completed their leg of The Great Tesco Walk - they are pioneers of an excitiing project which will hopefully be the first of many to come in the future.
If you or yoru company are thinking of organising a charity challenge or trek in aid of charity or as an employee engagement exercise speak to our experienced team about how we can work together - email nicola@actionchallenge.com
2018 is not far around the corner and we’ve got some new Challenges in store...
We are pleased to announce our 2 NEW events - the Jurassic Coast Challenge (21/22 July '18) and Wye Valley Challenge (11/12 August '18)! With 7 Ultra Challenges next year, there’s a route to suit everyone, so why not join us for some stunning scenery and doing something amazing in 2018...
To find out more visit www.ultrachallenge.com to find out more about the series and challenge yourself in 2018!
If you’re a budding cyclist and fancy swapping your usual commute for something exotic or maybe looking for a new challenge on two wheels, then perhaps one of these trips are for you!
Two fascinating Asian destinations - Burma (Myanmar) and Sri Lanka - are gaining popularity amongst tourists, so it’s a great time to travel somewhere exciting to push yourself! These two challenges sit alongside our ever popular Vietnam to Cambodia ride, so for 2018 you can now choose from our trio of international cycling trips.
Cycle Burma - Our adventurous mountain bike challenge takes on the unexplored landscapes along quiet back roads, trails and dirt tracks to discover unforgettable sites, including the famed ancient city of Bagan, Mount Popa, Inle Lake and Mandalay!
Cycle Sri Lanka Coast to Coast - An exhilarating, tough cycle across this idyllic island through tropical rainforests and mountainous interior of the Central Highlands, stopping in the sacred city of Kandy and finishing at the Indian Ocean!
Even better, we’re offering participants a £100 discount off selected departures - valid until 31st May 2017. Plus for the first 50 sign ups, you will be entered in to win one of 5 duffel bags from our partners at OverBoard! Check out the challenge pages for all the details.
Congratulations to all who took on our 1st 2017 Ultra Challenge around the Isle of Wight - you were all fantastic!
The 2017 Series is bigger than ever, with over 14,000 eager challengers set to join us - and walk, jog, or run their Challenge of a lifetime. There are 5 fantastic events this year - each on a stunning route with full 100km, 50km, and 25km options to choose from - and our famous hospitality & support will be better than ever with the introduction of new menus and services. These are our flagship events, and we're proud that by the end of 2017 the Series will have raised well over £15 million to date for our charity partners, and enbaled many thousands of ordinary people to push themselves far further than they may have thought possible!
Visit the Isle of Wight Challenge Website to find out more and Reserve your place for 2018 with our Super Early Bird offer!
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