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1. Garbage Bags: I am laughed at constantly for this by my peers, but I have bone dry feet. Even today, a colleague with freezing and soaked socks arrived to say that she was wrong for making fun and has seen the error of her ways. That’s what I call justice. Here’s what you do: put on your socks, stick your feet into a small plastic garbage bag and then put your feet in boots. You’d be surprised how dry your feet weren’t before.

2. Clean The Salt: City streets are covered with salt and sand in the winter. It melts the ice and gives people a little extra grip on the slick concrete, which is nice. It will also destroy the leather of your boots and shoes, which is not nice. All you have to do is mix equal parts water and white vinegar together and gently wipe. Rinse it all off and let them all dry naturally, away from heat. And always remember to give them a good rubdown before storing for the summer.

3. Fake it Till You Make it: If you’ve waited until now to buy winter boots, you’ve probably waited too long. L.L. Bean’s Bean Boots, a GQ favorite, are notorious for selling out long before winter comes as are many other acceptable options. But, if you really want to add a layer of protection, just buy some SWIMS galoshes. They go on over pretty much any pair of shoes you own and will save your sole.

**4. Dry Right: **If your boots are soaked, you’re going to be uncomfortable. The best thing to do is take them off and stuff them with newspaper. This will help them dry faster and hopefully by the time you put them back on, you won’t plunging your feet into a damp and dank shoe. Don’t put them on a radiator to dry, that will mess with your baby soft leather.

5. Protect: You can’t make your shoes impermeable, but you can give them some added protection. Simply apply some Sno-Seal at the beginning of the season and you’ll have an extra boost. Just be sure that your boots are properly clean before you do.

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