The Ultimate Guide to Leather Boot Care

Proper leather care is essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of your boots. Without appropriate conditioning and care, leather can dry out and eventually start to crack. This guide will walk you through the steps to keep your boots looking their best and extend their lifespan.

What You’ll Need

Here are the items you’ll need for proper boot care:

• Soft cotton cloth
• Soft shoe brush
• Smooth leather cleaner and conditioner
• Boot cream and/or polish
• Water proofing agent

We also suggest keeping cedar boot trees inside your boots when in storage. This will help absorb moisture and bacteria from the linings.

Cleaning Your Boots

Choose a well-ventilated area to work in, as some leather care products can release toxic fumes. Start by removing any loose dirt from your boots with a soft bristle brush, especially from any wrinkles and crevices. Then, using a slightly wet cloth, spread saddle soap or leather cleaner onto the leather and rub to remove stains. Be sure to rinse off all soap with a wet cotton cloth and let boots completely dry before applying conditioner or polish.

Conditioning and Polishing Your Boots

Condition your boots by rubbing small amounts of conditioner into the leather until the entire boot is covered. Wait about 15 minutes for the leather to absorb the conditioner and then wipe dry to remove any excess conditioner.

Then polish your boots using a paste polish or a cream. After the polish dries, brush with a soft bristle show brush and then rub briskly with a soft, dry cotton cloth.

Weather Proofing Your Boots

You may want to apply a weather proofing agent to protect your boots from water, snow, and mud. A protective spray works well for smooth and exotic leathers, while beeswax would be a better option for work boots.

Regular Boot Care

We recommend brushing off your boots after every 3 to 5 wears. Dirt and grime have an abrasive effect on leather.

Special Care for Different Types of Leather

Different types of leather require different care methods. This guide covers care instructions for cowhide, suede, and various exotic leathers.

Cowhide: Use a soft scrub brush dipped in mildly soapy water to softly scrub off remaining debris and dirt. Rinse the boots with warm water and let thoroughly dry for up to 24 hours. Liberally apply a leather conditioning cream to all exterior leather areas on the boot.

Suede: With suede, it is very easy to change the color of the boot when cleaning and applying water. Use a warm wash cloth to dab off and clean the boot.

Exotics: Exotic leathers require a more delicate and thorough technique than your typically leather. To extend the life of the premium exotic leathers on your boots, it is important to keep your boots cleaned, hydrated and moisturized with a quality treatments, conditioners and oils.

Remember, it is always best to test a small, less visible area of the leather with your boot care product and cleaning treatment prior to applying care to the entire boot as some leather cleaners and care products may alter the color of the leather.

With proper care and maintenance, your boots can last for many years. Happy boot caring!