If lace up boots are worn then the laces should be synthetic and should be checked before use. A spare pair of laces is strongly recommended. For ladder climbing boots with hook type fasteners should be avoided as they can catch in the side wires and cause accidents. Even with furry suit and oversuits, neoprene rubber wetsuit socks are a godsend in British caves. Care and Maintenance.
Most personal equipment needs little maintenance other than careful drying out.
Zips of suits are prone to clogging with mud and should be washed out before drying. Oversuits can be patched when dry if needed using glued patches. Wetsuits often require the cutting out of a damaged section and its replacement though this is fiddly, better to protect it in the first place. If leather boots are used they will require slow drying and treatment with dubbin if they are to last more than a few trips in wet caves. Helmets require more care.