According toEsquire, road salt is bad for boots for two central reasons.

The salt, especially when mixed with snow and slush, stains your boots.

Meanwhile, salt, a drying agent, can completely ruin leather because of this property.

Woman in winter boots on snow and ice

Non-leather shoes aren’t as affected by the second reason, but it’s a serious reason nonetheless.

Here’s how to protect them.

Moreover, a mixture of baking soda and water can help neutralize scuff marks.

Woman in boots on a ladder in winter