Vegan shoes are often described as kinder, cleaner, more responsible alternatives to traditional leather footwear.
But here’s the truth we love sharing at New Orchard: they’re also incredibly durable - when you give them just a little love.

Whether you wear your vegan boots on rainy walks, city commutes or weekend getaways, proper care will keep them looking and feeling amazing for years. And the best part?
Vegan shoes are usually easier to maintain than leather ones.

Let’s walk through the essentials.

 

Start With Prevention - Waterproofing Is Your Best Friend

Even though New Orchard boots are water-resistant straight out of the box, a protective spray goes a long way.

Use a vegan, solvent-free waterproof spray

It creates an invisible barrier that repels water and dirt - perfect for autumn rain, winter snow or muddy forest paths.

How often?

• Before first wear

• Then every 2–4 weeks depending on weather and use

• And especially after heavy rain or cleaning

Pro tip: spray from 20–30 cm distance and let the boots dry naturally.

 

Daily Care: Quick Wipe, Big Difference

Vegan materials don’t absorb dirt the way leather does - which means everyday care is super simple.

For dust or dry dirt

Use a soft cloth or a dry soft-bristle brush.

For wet stains

Wipe gently with a damp microfiber cloth.
Avoid soaking the boot - a little water goes a long way.

For stubborn marks

Mix mild soap with warm water and gently work on the spot.
No harsh chemicals needed.

 

How to Clean the Inside of Your Vegan Boots

One of the perks of New Orchard boots is our washable, banana-fiber insole lined with vegan faux fur.

When to wash the insole?

Whenever you feel the need:

• after long winter months

• after intense wear

• or simply to refresh the inside

How to wash?

• remove the insole

• hand-wash in lukewarm water (or use a delicate machine cycle in a laundry bag)

• air-dry completely before putting back
  
  

Never tumble-dry - warm air + compression = not great for foam structure.

 

Drying Your Boots the Right Way

If your boots get wet, resist the urge to place them near a radiator or heater - high heat can warp vegan materials.

The right method

• remove the insoles

• stuff boots with paper (no newspaper ink!)

• let them dry in room temperature

• replace paper when damp
  
  

Slow drying keeps the shape intact and protects seams and glues. 

 

Storing Your Vegan Shoes Off-Season

A little off-season care protects the material and shape of your boots.

Follow these rules:

• store them upright

• keep them away from direct sunlight (avoids discoloration)

• avoid damp basements or hot attics

• use shoe trees or paper stuffing to maintain structure
  
  

If you have a dust bag - like the one included with New Orchard boots - use it. It prevents dust build-up and scratches.

 

What to Avoid (So Your Boots Stay Perfect)

Vegan materials are resilient - but here are things you should skip:

• Strong alcohol-based cleaners

•  Polish made for animal leather

• Machine-drying

• Soaking the boot completely

• Scrubbing with stiff or metal brushes

Keeping it simple = keeping them beautiful.

 

Giving Your Boots a Second Life (The Circular Way)

At New Orchard, caring for your shoes also means caring for the planet.

When your pair eventually reaches the end of its journey:

You can send them back to us

We repair + donate what can be saved - and responsibly recycle what can’t.

Small scuffs or worn spots?

Our materials are made to last, and most cosmetic traces can be refreshed with a gentle clean and a fresh waterproofing layer.

Don’t throw them away

Circularity starts with extending the life of products - and we’re here to help you do exactly that.

 

Why Vegan Shoes Last So Long

High-quality vegan materials today are not what they used to be 10 or 20 years ago.
They’re:

• flexible

• weather-resistant

• less prone to cracking

• easy to clean

• stable in shape
  
  

Combine that with thoughtful craftsmanship - like our Italian manufacturing - and you have boots designed to stay with you for seasons, not weeks.

 

Final Step Forward

Taking care of vegan shoes isn’t complicated.
It’s simple, intuitive and incredibly rewarding - both for you and for the planet.

A few minutes here and there, a bit of cleaning, a protective spray, and thoughtful storage - and your New Orchard boots will stay warm, stylish and comfortable for years.

 

Because caring for your shoes is caring for your investment.
And caring for your investment is caring for the Earth.