Durable and eye-catching leather cowboy boots are among the most iconic forms of footwear. To ensure they last as long as possible, you must take proper care of them. If you’re not sure how to do so, follow these three steps to extend the life of your boots. 

How to Care for Leather Cowboy Boots

1. Condition

Conditioning will keep your leather boots soft and free of cracks. You should condition boots every three to six months—or more frequently, depending on how often you wear them.

Rub the boots with a cotton rag and soft brush to remove dust or dirt. Use a cotton or chamois cloth to apply the conditioner according to the product’s instruction manual. You’ll likely want to use a lanolin-based boot conditioner that will keep the color and finish intact. Oil-based conditioners will darken the boots, so only use it if your boots are already dark or have an oiled finish. Let the boots dry for 24 hours before wearing them.

2. Clean 

If you have non-suede boots, regularly remove any dust or dirt using a soft brush or damp cloth. Eliminate stubborn, hard-to-reach debris using a toothbrush and saddle soap or shoe cleaner. You can also use a pencil eraser for tiny marks and scuffs. Suede boots should be cleaned with a suede-specific brush or eraser.

3. Polish

If the boots have a finish to them, keep it shiny and cover deep scratches by polishing them every few months. Apply a wax polish according to the product’s instruction manual.

Choose a polish color that matches the boots or, if your boots are lighter, pick a neutral color. Use a non-colored polish for snakeskin boots, and never polish unconditioned leather as the wax polish will dry out the material since it’s water-based.

If you’re searching for high-quality leather cowboy boots, turn to Liberty Western in Lebanon, OH. This riding store was established over 20 years ago and offers boots in a wide variety of styles and finishes. They also offer jeans, belts, gloves, and other western-inspired clothing items. To learn more about their inventory, including riding accessories and tack and horse supplies, visit them online or call (513) 933-0900.