Équipement De Vie | Care

Look after the sole, and it looks after you

Every Équipement De Vie shoe sits on our proprietary anti-slip compound. Like all high-grip rubber, it stays softest and grippiest when it is kept clean, cool and away from harsh chemicals. A few simple habits will keep it working on deck for seasons to come.

After every sail

• Rinse in fresh water. Salt crystals and grime left on the sole harden it over time.
• Dry naturally. Stuff with newspaper and leave somewhere airy, out of direct sun. Never on a radiator, heater or in a tumble dryer.
• Store cool and dry. Hot lockers, car boots and a sunny cockpit are the quickest way to age rubber.

What the sole doesn't like

• Strong sun and heat. UV and high temperatures dry out rubber and make it harder and less grippy.
• Deck and hull cleaners. Bleach, acid-based hull and teak cleaners, solvents and degreasers can attack the compound. Take your shoes off while the deck is being washed, and rinse them if they get splashed.
• Oils and fuel. Diesel, engine oil, cooking oil and sunscreen clog the sole and cut grip quickly. Wipe off any spills straight away with warm soapy water.
• Long-term wet storage. Shoes put away damp break down faster and start to smell.

Keep a deck pair

Pavements and concrete wear the grip pattern down much faster than a deck does. If you sail often, a pair kept for the boat will grip for longer.

If the grip starts to fade

Clean the sole with warm water and a soft brush to lift any oil or residue. If it still feels slick, the surface of the rubber may have hardened: a light pass with fine sandpaper (around 80 to 120 grit) across the tread exposes fresh rubber and brings the grip back. Keep it light, never heavy sanding, and avoid the edges and the winch button heel pad.

Suede (Lemieux Suede, Finch Chukka)

• Brush with a suede brush once dry to lift the nap and remove dust.
• Treat with a suede protector spray before first wear and every few weeks after.
• If they get wet, blot with a towel and let them dry naturally, then brush.

Leather (Lemieux Leather)

• Wipe clean with a damp cloth and a little mild soap.
• Condition the leather occasionally to keep it supple.

Technical uppers (Lemieux Elite, Offshore)

• Rinse in fresh water after sailing and clean with mild soap and a soft brush.
• No washing machines: the heat and tumbling damage the sole bond.

Any questions about looking after your shoes? Email customerservice@equipementdevie.com and we'll help.