A good pair of waterproof gumboots is an investment — a few small habits will keep them performing season after season instead of cracking, delaminating, or losing their grip early. The short version: rinse them after use, dry them slowly away from heat, treat the rubber with a silicone spray every few weeks, store them upright out of the sun, and let the insole dry separately. Here's why each one matters.
1. Rinse off mud and grit straight away
Dried-on mud and farm grit are abrasive and can work into seams and soles over time. A quick hose-down or wipe with a damp cloth after use, especially around the sole and any seams, stops dirt from grinding away at the material while you're wearing them again the next day.
2. Let them dry properly — away from direct heat
It's tempting to stand wet boots next to a heater or fire after a long day outside, but direct heat is one of the fastest ways to damage rubber and neoprene linings, causing them to crack or lose flexibility. Instead, remove the insole if it lifts out, stuff the boots loosely with newspaper to absorb moisture, and let them air-dry at room temperature.
3. Give the rubber a boost with a silicone spray
Once your boots are clean and dry, a light coat of silicone spray goes a long way toward keeping the rubber supple. Rubber and PVC naturally dry out and stiffen over time, especially with UV and weather exposure, and that's usually where cracking starts. Silicone spray puts a thin protective layer on the surface that helps the material stay flexible and repels water, without breaking down the rubber the way petroleum-based oils (like WD-40) can.
A few tips for using it well:
- Apply to a clean, dry boot — spraying over mud or moisture just traps it against the rubber.
- Use a light, even coat over the upper and shaft, then buff off any excess with a cloth.
- Keep it off the sole and tread. A silicone build-up underfoot can make the tread slipperier, which is the last thing you want on a farm or a boat deck.
- Once every few weeks through the wetter months is plenty — more often if your boots are getting heavy daily use.
4. Store them upright, out of direct sun
UV exposure breaks down rubber and PVC over time, so store boots out of direct sunlight when not in use — a boot rack, hallway cupboard, or garage shelf out of the sun is ideal. Storing them upright (rather than folded or squashed under other gear) also helps them hold their shape.
5. Look after the insole separately
If your boots have a removable insole — including our New Zealand wool insoles — take it out regularly to air dry and knock out any grit. Wool insoles in particular perform best when they're allowed to fully dry between wears rather than staying damp inside a closed boot.
Get into these five habits and a decent pair of gumboots should easily outlast a season or two of neglect. Have a look through the Boonies range if yours are past saving.
FAQs
How do I stop my gumboots from cracking?
Cracking is usually caused by the rubber drying out — from heat exposure, UV, or just age. Rinse boots after use, dry them slowly at room temperature (never next to a heater), and apply a silicone spray every few weeks to keep the rubber flexible.
Can I use silicone spray on rubber gumboots?
Yes. Silicone spray is one of the better options for rubber and PVC boots because it conditions the material and repels water without degrading the rubber. Apply it to the upper and shaft only, and avoid the sole so grip isn't affected.
How often should I treat my gumboots with silicone spray?
Every few weeks during regular or wet-season use is a good rule of thumb. Boots that only come out occasionally need it less often — just treat them before you put them away for a stretch.
How long should a good pair of gumboots last?
With proper care — rinsing, slow drying, silicone treatment, and out-of-sun storage — a quality pair of gumboots can last several years of regular farm or outdoor use. Neglect (heat-drying, sun exposure, no cleaning) is what shortens their life the most.
What's the best way to dry gumboots?
Remove the insole, loosely stuff the boots with newspaper to soak up moisture, and let them air-dry at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight. This protects both the rubber and any lining from cracking.