Western Footwear Care

Boot care is very simple. Care for your cowboy boots and other natural western wear in much the same manner as you treat your skin. The leather in your cowboy boots requires nutrients to keep them supple and strong.

The four steps for proper cowboy boot care are: Clean, Condition, Polish, and Protect!

Dirt and dust are a cowboy boot's worst enemies. Wiping down often with a damp cloth can prevent dirt and dust from cutting away at the microscopic fibers that make cowboy boots strong and durable.

Condition cowboy boots only when they are clean and dry so conditioner can penetrate through the pores to keep leather soft and pliable. Lanolin-based conditioners are best. Too much oil or wax can clog the pores, which cause the cowboy boot to dry out. Also, oils and waxes attract dust.

Rejuvenate cowboy boots by applying a cream-based polish. This will cover scratches and bring a glossy finish. Only cowboy boots that have a finish can be polished.

Care for cowboy boots with a non-silicone water and stain protector.

Exotic Boots: Alligator, Caiman, Kangaroo, Lizard, Ostrich, Python, Shark

Brush off dirt or dust with a damp cloth or soft brush.

Apply an exotic leather conditioner to your cowboy boots in several thin layers.

Apply a neutral or matching cream based polish, buff with a soft cloth.

Apply a non-silicone water and stain protector.

Note: Don't use polish on rattlesnake boots. On snakeskin boots, be sure to go with the grain of the scales.

Smooth Leather Boots: Kidskin, Brush-off, Corona

Brush off dirt or dust from your cowboy boots with a damp cloth or soft brush.

Apply a leather conditioner.

Apply a neutral or matching cream-based polish to your cowboy boots and buff with a soft cloth.

Finish your cowboy boot care program with a non-silicone water and stain protector.

Naked Finish Cowboy Boots: Deer Tanned

Brush off dirt or dust from your cowboy boots with a damp cloth or soft brush.

Apply a non-silicone water and stain protector.

Oil-Impregnated Leather Boots: Crazyhorse, Distressed, Earthnite

With a damp cloth or soft brush, brush off dirt or dust from each cowboy boot.

Care for the material with a leather conditioner.

Apply a non-silicone water and stain protector.

Buffed/Sueded Leather Boots

Treat new cowboy boots with a non-silicone water and stain protector.

Brush clean each cowboy boot.

Care for the boots with an application of a non-silicone water and stain protector.

Suede Cowboy Boots

Be sure to store suede boots so that they can breathe. Keep them away from light, which can fade the color, and damp.

If your suede boots get wet, soak up excess moisture with a clean towel. Then allow the suede to dry naturally. Do not use a heat source to speed up the process. After the boots dry, restore the nap (the raised fibers typical of suede) with a suede brush.

Use a nail file to remove dry mud and scuff marks. Be gentle and use delicate strokes.

More Helpful Boot Care Tips

Use edge dressing to make outsoles and heels look new. Let cowboy boots dry at room temperature; never dry over direct heat. Do not store in cold or damp places; mildew can destroy a cowboy boot. Care for your cowboy boots with a boot trees to help maintain their shape.