Unlike most footwear, boots require more attention and care. This is because most boots are made of animal hide and skin, making them more prone to mildew growth. If you own a pair of boots or two, discover the following ways in which you can store your footwear properly.

1. Arrange your boots on a shoe rack or shelf.

Location and controlled temperature are the keys to optimum storage care for your boots. The shoe rack or shelf for your boots must be located in an area that has just the right amount of exposure to light and air. Too little exposure could damage your precious footwear as mildew thrives on both damp and dark environments. Therefore, ditch thoughts of arranging your boots in a pretty row inside garages, store rooms and basements.

On the other end, too much exposure to light and air could also damage your boots in the worst ways imaginable. You may be able to get rid of mildew growth, but in exchange, you will be giving your boots the speed ticket to drying out and discoloration. Forget about displaying your open shoe rack out in your lawn or right beside your uncurtained windows. Do not forget to regularly dust the boots as well as the shoe rack or shelf.

2. Hang your boots in an in-door clothesline.

If you want to do away with dusting the shoe rack or shelf, you can hang your boots ala clothesline style. Of course, you must still dust the boots from time to time so you can avoid the onset of mold spores which can accumulate on the dust particulates.

A number of boot owners recommend that in installing your in-door clotheslines (if you don't have one yet), you use curtain rods, brackets and either ready-made hooks or makeshift hooks from old hangers. The room and temperature requirements in choosing where to place your in-door clothesline for hanging your boots are the same as those in selecting a shoe rack or shelf to display your boots on.

3. Keep your boots safe in their boxes.

Nothing beats box storages when you intend to keep your boots unused for a long time. For this reason, it is best that you keep the original shoe box used to contain your boots. Otherwise, buy a replacement at shoe shops as these stores usually sell surplus shoe boxes at cheaper prices.

Before storing your boots inside the box, make sure you clean, lubricate and shine them. Do not forget to stuff some tissue paper inside your boots so you can maintain their shape even when they're boxed. Once your boots are safe in their respective boxes, find a dry but breathable space to store them. Again, avoid damp and dark environments. An unstuffy closet is ideal.

Take your pick from these three boot storage styles: (1) Display your boots on a shelf or shoe rack for easy retrieval, (2) Hang them to minimize efforts to dust and air them or (3) Store them inside a box for long-term safekeeping.