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Caring for Your Boots!

Keep Your Western Gear Looking Legendary⁠! Proper maintenance of your cowboy boots extends far beyond aesthetics – it's essential for their longevity and durability. With the right care routine, your...

Keep Your Western Gear Looking Legendary⁠!

Proper maintenance of your cowboy boots extends far beyond aesthetics – it's essential for their longevity and durability. With the right care routine, your boots will continue to serve you well through the years. Understanding how to clean and maintain your purchase is crucial, as quality cowboy boots represent a significant investment.

Let us share some guidance on boot care to help you protect and preserve your footwear. A consistent maintenance routine ensures you'll maximize the value and lifespan of your boots.

What You Will Need

Before beginning the cleaning process, gather these essential supplies:

  • Soft, lint-free cloths

  • Bottle of leather cleaner and/or conditioner

  • Soft bristled brush

  • Waterproofing spray

Daily Maintenance 

Dust Removal:

-Use a soft, dry cloth to remove surface dust⁠
-Gently brush away dirt with a soft-bristled brush⁠
-Avoid using water or wet cloths on dry dirt⁠

Important: Allow your boots to dry naturally at room temperature, as exposure to direct heat sources can lead to leather cracking and damage. For thoroughly soaked boots, extract the insoles and gently blot both the interior and exterior with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Cleaning:⁠

-Use a specialized leather cleaner⁠, like our Scout All-Purpose Cleaner & Conditioner
-Apply cleaner to a soft cloth, not directly on leather⁠
-Dab gently, never rub harshly⁠
-Test on a small, inconspicuous area first⁠

Conditioning:

-When: Every 3-6 months for frequently worn items, after cleaning, when leather appears dry or stiff, or before storing for extended periods⁠
-How: Ensure leather is clean and dry, apply a small amount of conditioner, use a soft cloth to massage (thin/even layers), allow to absorb for 15-20 minutes, buff with a clean, dry cloth⁠

Remember: During conditioning, ensure the leather thoroughly absorbs the product. If the boots feel dry to the touch after your initial application, they likely need another layer of conditioner. Proper conditioning will leave your boots supple and moisturized, helping maintain their quality and appearance over time.

Waterproofing Techniques⁠:

-Use silicone-free waterproofing spray⁠
-Apply in thin, even layers⁠
-Reapply every 3-4 months⁠
-Avoid over-saturating leather⁠

Fun Fact: While standard boot cleaners and conditioners provide some water resistance, certain situations call for enhanced protection. Whether you're riding through rainstorms or wrangling cattle in muddy conditions, your cowboy boots should withstand these demanding environments. However, repeated water exposure without proper protection can lead to leather damage - including stretching, cracking, and discoloration. Adding a dedicated waterproofing treatment to your boot care routine helps preserve their structure and prevents the development of musty odors. We recommend using a conditioner that uses waterproofing oils, or Fiebing’s Water Protector Aerosol, to waterproof your boots. Simply coat the exterior of your boots with the aerosol waterproofing spray, then let them dry completely. Once cured, this protective barrier will repel water, soil, and stains.

Shine, Shine, Shine! 

For some, a shiny boot is a happy boot! Adding shine to your boots is optional, but can revitalize older pairs that have lost their luster. You will want to use a neutral polish (Ariat Boot Cream Neutral works wonders) or select a polish that matches your boot color - whether it's medium brown, brown, or black.

Start by evenly distributing a light layer of polish across the desired areas of the boot. Once this thin coating has dried, remove excess polish with a soft cloth. For the final step, use a horsehair brush to buff the treated areas until they achieve a brilliant shine, like Ariat’s Horsehair Boot Brush.

Special Care for Different Leather Types⁠

Suede and Nubuck: Be sure to use specialized suede brush, apply suede protector spray, avoid water exposure, and use suede-specific cleaners⁠

Exotics Leathers: Unlike standard leather, these premium materials need a more nuanced approach to cleaning and conditioning. To maximize the longevity of exotic leather boots, regular maintenance with specialized products is essential - including high-quality treatments, conditioners, and oils specifically formulated for exotic leathers. While boots made from ostrich, caiman, and pirarucu follow similar care principles as traditional cowhide, they typically require more frequent conditioning and meticulous attention. When applying products to exotic leather, always work in the direction of the grain pattern to protect the leather's unique characteristics.

Just a Reminder!

Boot storage can also make a huge difference in the quality and longevity of your cowboy boots. We recommend storing your boots upright, with M&F Western Product Boot Trees inside to ensure that no moisture gets trapped in the boot, and to prevent creases from forming.

And do not forget, the frequency of boot maintenance depends on your wearing habits. Those who wear their cowboy boots every day might need to perform deep cleaning and conditioning every two to three months. Meanwhile, occasional wearers may only need to give their boots this level of attention annually.

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