Timberland Pro Rigmaster: 3 Years of Toughness, Observe the Sole’s Final Stand

Maintaining Your Work Boots for Longevity

It's a cool and breezy morning, perfect for some early fishing before heading off to work. Speaking of work, as of yesterday, I replaced my Timberland Pro Rig Masters with those Thorogood boots I showcased in my video. I thought I'd take you through my experience with my Rig Masters and how I should have properly cared for them to ensure their longevity.

Timberland Pro Rig Masters: A Trusty Companion for Three Years

I used my Rig Masters for three solid years, during which they accompanied me through drilling Derek samples and were exposed to all kinds of chemicals, like oil and saltwater. They stood the test of time and survived all the abuse; a pair of rig boots that last for three years is pretty good, especially considering the varied roles I have taken on over the years from drilling to collecting samples.

Lessons Learned: Seasoning Your Boots

However, it's important to properly care for your boots to ensure their longevity. I failed to do this with my Rig Masters, which suffered some wear and tear that ultimately led to their failure. If I hadn't neglected a crucial step in their maintenance, I believe they could have lasted longer.

When you are going to store your boots away for a season, for example, swapping your winter boots for summer ones or vice versa, you should clean and season them correctly before storing them away.

How to Properly Clean and Season Your Boots

To guarantee the longevity of your boots, follow these steps to clean and season them before storage:

1. Knock Off the Dirt

Before anything else, make sure to remove all big chunks of mud, dirt, and debris from your boots.

2. Clean with Soap and Water

Wash your boots thoroughly with soap and water, paying special attention to cleaning the leather as well as any threads. This removes any remaining chemicals that might have accumulated during use.

3. Dry Them Well

After cleaning your boots, make sure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

4. Scuff Up the Leather

Use a wire brush, which can be found at any hardware store, to scratch up the leather of your boots gently. Be careful not to damage the leather but ensure that it is clean and ready for oiling.

5. Oil Them Up

Oil your boots three to four times so that the leather stays supple and soft. This is a crucial step that I overlooked with my Rig Masters, and not oiling them led to their ultimate downfall.

The Importance of Proper Boot Care

Taking the time to clean and season your boots before storing them away for the winter or summer season will significantly impact their durability and lifespan. My Rig Masters suffered a cracked arch due to lack of proper care, but I'm confident that my new Thorogood boots will stand the test of time if properly cared for.

In a future post, I will go into more detail on how to season your boots, showing you the process from cleaning to oiling and storing them away.

In the meantime, I hope you found this helpful, and I hope I catch a fish or two out here on this beautiful morning. Happy fishing and have a great day!