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Dubarry Boots -The Complete Guide
Are you ready to sail on the open seas? Well, this is an open call to anyone ready to take on the challenge. But be prepared, for you’ll need appropriate clothing to handle the sudden changes in weather conditions.
On the boat, you’ll need boots that are comfortable and durable. These boots must possess a non-slip grip and should be able to keep your feet dry and warm. Lastly, they should be breathable.
In the past, the possibility of having boots that meet these criteria might have been impossible, but thanks to innovation, todays’ sailing boots offer all these features and more. One company that has perfected the art and makes sailing boots that meet these standards is the Dubarry of Ireland shoe manufacturing company.
However, a question that remains on every prospective buyer’s mind is how long do Dubarry boots last? We’ve put together the ultimate Dubarry boots guide to answer this question and other similar questions like how to clean and how to wear Dubarry boots.
How Long Do Dubarry Boots Last?
From online reviews left by verified buyers on several eCommerce websites and sailing boots forums, the Dubarry is touted to last between 10-14yrs after buying it. The company also offers a 12months warranty on all boots from the initial purchase date.
To serve as proof that the Dubarry boots truly last, let’s explore some features that make Dubarrys boots different from the rest.
The Gore-Tex Interior Lining: All Dubarry sailing boots feature a Gore-Tex interior lining which helps to keep the interior of the boots and your feet dry by wicking away sweat and moisture through small holes. Additionally, the lining also permits a certain amount of breathability and provides comfort to your feet.
The Leather Exterior: Dubarry boots are built to last. The crushed hybrid premium-quality pull-up and nubuck leather which dries quickly whenever the boot is exposed to water, is proof of this. This leather, unlike others, is coated with water-repellant coatings, which ensures that you never have to worry about your leather boots cracking or shrinking.
So, with this, you can be sure that your Dubarrys will last longer and will even feel lighter since the coating flushes away the salt from the ocean water and keeps the boot light.
The Design of the Soles: Finally, looking at the design of the Dubarry soles, you’ll find out that manufacturers also put a lot of attention into making the soles on the Dubarry boots both durable and functional.
The traction provided by the Dubarry soles is better than most as this non-marking, non-slip outsole rubber sole is injection molded to fit the rest of the boot; thus, guaranteeing that the boots are completely waterproof.
In light of these features, we must add that proper maintenance procedures must be strictly adhered to if you want your Dubarrys to last long. Thankfully, in this piece, we’ll also be providing a detailed tutorial on how you can maintain and clean your Dubarry boots.
Inspired to check out some Dubarry boots? Check out the Dubarry website here.
How to Wear Dubarry Boots?
Now that you know that the Dubarry boots are built to last, it’s time we put to rest another popular question that has, at one point or the other, crossed the mind of many prospective Dubarry fans.
Since your Dubarry boots are designed for sailing in the open ocean, you’ll have a lot of style options, but if you want something more formal, then the Dubarry boots might not be the adequate shoe covering you need. Not to worry, Dubarry also has quite a collection of durable deck shoes you can wear to boat dinners and parties along the coastline.
Can you Resole Dubarry Boots?
It is indeed very possible to resole your Dubarry boots.
The Boot repair Company is Dubarrys only recognized associate when it comes to repairs. All you’ll need to do is contact the Dubarry customer service and state the issue you have with the soles of your Dubarry boots. If the boots are still covered by the 12 months warranty, all repairs carried out will be free; if not, you will be required to pay a token.
Sole repairs include the sole threading replacement, which is done when the rubber threading on your Dubarry boots becomes slippery. Another type of sole repair carried out is the complete replacement of the sole unit, this will be done as long as the sole is beginning to come away from the midsole or if the sole is crumbled.
These midsole replacements are made from super lightweight Vibram material.
How to Clean Dubarry Boots?
The maintenance culture you adopt will play a huge role in determining how long your Dubarry boots will last. The manufacturers have done their part; now it’s time to do yours. Here are some quick cleaning steps that will keep your Dubarry sailing boots clean and well maintained.
Step One: Clean Boots with Fresh Water
Using fresh water from a hose, remove all sea/saltwater and dirt from your Dubarry boots. This is because saltwater is quite corrosive to leather.
Step Two: Spray the Boots with Dubarry Footwear Cleaner
The Dubarry footwear cleaner is Dubarrys specially formulated cleaner for the Dubarry brand leather sailing shoes. All you need to do is spray the footwear cleaner over the exterior of your fabric portion of the boots. After doing this, scrub the boots with a soft brush or sponge to form a lather, removing dirt or residue trapped into the shoe material.
Step Three: Rinse Off Excess Cleaner
After scrubbing to your satisfaction, go ahead and use clean cold water from a hose to rinse off excess cleaner and lather from your Dubarry boots.
Step Four: Dry your Boots Naturally for 24hrs
By leaving your boots to dry naturally, we mean you shouldn’t use artificial heat sources or even an open fire to dry your Dubarry boots.
Step Five: Spray Dubarry Footwear Protector
Now, move on to spray Dubarry footwear protector over your Dubarry leather. Spray the protector in one direction on the nubuck leather; after allowing the protector to sit for 5mins spray in the other direction. Try to apply the spray protector outdoors due to its choking smell. Also, apply the protector in layers, allowing one layer to dry before spraying the next.
Step Six: Allow your Boots Dry
Once you have applied the protector sufficiently, allow the boots to dry naturally for a period of 2-3hrs.
Step Seven: Apply Dubarry Leather cream
To finish the cleaning process, use a clean cloth to apply Dubarry leather cream to the smooth leather. This cream functions the same way a moisturizer would when applied to the skin. You can also use this cream on the leather bands on the top parts of your Dubarry boots.
How do Dubarry boots fit?
Dubarry boots are available in various fits. There is the ExtraFit, and then there is also the StandardFit. The ExtraFit option is available for calves that are more muscular than the average person; they are also the preferred option for people with wider feet.
To ensure that you get the perfect sized Dubarry boot, there is a size guide on the Dubarry website you can use to compare the UK size that Dubarry uses to standard European sizes. This size guide also includes the different measurements for the StandardFit and Extrafit.
One thing you should note, however, is that even with the right size, it is possible for your Dubarry boots to feel tight the first few times you wear them; this is because the leather needs to be worn a few more times before it expands and becomes molded to the shape of your feet.
Inspired to check out some Dubarry boots? Check out the Dubarry website here.
FAQs
Q: Where are Dubarry boots made?
A: Although the headquarters of this boot-making company is situated in Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ireland, all Dubarry boots are handmade in Portugal.
Q: Are Dubarry boots good for walking?
A: Your Dubarry sailing boots are not ideal for use when walking on land because the traction on these sailing boots is not made for onshore. The Dubarry Galway boots, however, are the perfect choice for walking.
Q: Do Dubarry boots stretch?
A: Yes, the leather used in making Dubarry boots can stretch to suit the shape of your feet. In addition to this, the length of the boots can be stretched higher up the calves, and they can also be made wider. Ensure you visit a professional if you want to make your Dubarrys longer or wider.
Here’s a video showing the stretching process:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkBi-T4pIKc.
Dubarry boots are termed a “national treasure” for many people who own them, and why wouldn’t they be? They’ve probably seen their owners through a lot of tough times on the sea. Remember, proper maintenance is key to ensuring that your Dubarry boots stand the test of time.
PS: If you’re trying to decide on the best sailing boots for you, we have a helpful guide here.
