8 Must-Have Tips For Protecting Boots This the Winter

If you have snakeskin boots (or any leather boot for that matter), you need to know the proper care for the rain, snow, and every other season.  Here's some expert advice on protecting boots.

Protecting boots in winter can be a difficult job.

Snow, sleet, hail, and rain can all wreak havoc on your boots. Then there's salt, mud, and dirty snow to walk through, too.

The weather forecast for the next year says that Texas and Oklahoma are in for colder weather and more precipitation. So, how can you keep your boots protected this winter and beyond?

Read on for the top eight tips to keep your boots in top shape this winter.

1. Clean Them Regularly

The key thing to protecting boots this winter (or any other season) is to clean them after every use.

During winter, it can be even worse because of snow and wet weather.  The salt and other chemical ice "melt" that's used to keep ice off the sidewalks and roads can do real damage to your boots. Salt and chemicals can stain and leave large white spots on your boots.

Even with rain, your boots can collect dirt, that gets into the pores of the leather. Left uncleaned, the residue can rust metallic parts of your boots, such as zippers and dry out any leather. Doesn't make much sense that water can dry out leathers, but what happens is the natural oils are removed since water and oil don't mix.

Make it a habit to clean your boots when you get home. As soon as you walk in the door, take a damp cloth and wipe away any residue and dirt.  For dried dirt I use a  horse hair brush

2. Protect Your Boots

Protecting boots can be very simple, as long as you're consistent in caring for them.

Consider ordering your boots with a rubber sole saver.   Some leathers you can use a waterproofing solution which can go a long way towards protecting boots from the water.  

Also, check the heels of your boots. If your heel feels a little loose, call us to see if you boots need sent in for service..

3. Use Conditioner on Your Boots

The moisture along with the cold, dry air of winter can also damage your boots by drying them out. That will eventually cause your boots to crack or the exotic hides to split.

Conditioning your boots will keep the leather moisturized and keep your boots looking new.

You're going to want to make sure you're using the correct care products for your boots. Start by applying conditioner in a small, obscure area to test how the conditioner will look.  If you like the look, continue to the rest of the boot. Use a soft cloth, and rub the conditioner in a circular motion. Let the leather absorb the conditioner and dry, then repeat the process.

We recommend using Bick 4 Leather Conditioner to condition the leather of your boots regularly. I use it at least monthly on all my boots to protect the investment.

4. Prepare Accordingly for the Weather

Dressing for the weather is an important consideration to care for your boots.

In very rough conditions, you'll want to be sure that your boots are cleaned, waterproofed and conditioned before you step outside. If the forecast says it might rain or snow, start prepping your boots now.

Don't wait until after you've gone out in your boots to condition them!

5. Buy the Correct Size Boots

One important way to ensure you're protecting boots is to make sure you buy the right size boots to begin with.

You may think you know your boot size but, It doesn't hurt to double check your boot size, just to be sure. In fact, 80% of men wear the wrong shoe size.

Primarily, the wrong boot size can damage your feet. Not only that, but boots worn too tight can stretch and can damage the boot itself.

Buying boots that are too big can also do long-term damage, since you adjust your walking to compensate for boots that don't fit correctly. That can wear out the heel faster and can damage the skin of the boot as well.

6. Make Sure You Completely Dry Them

Whenever your boots get wet, you need to make sure they're completely dry before you wear them again.

If water somehow got inside your boot, stuff newspaper inside the boots to try them out.

You may be tempted to put your boots near a heater or fireplace to speed up the drying process. Don't do it.  Putting your boots close to a heat source will dry them out and cause cracking.

Be patient and let them dry out naturally. Once they're dry, you can reapply polish and conditioner.

7. Special Care for Boots with Stitching

High-quality leather boots have stitching. In many cases, the stitching can be the most vulnerable part of the boot.

It's important to pay attention to the details of the stitching to make sure your boots are protected and the stitching lasts.

8. Wear Them Every Other Day

If you want your cowboy boots to last a long time, it might make sense to wear them less frequently.  You might want to consider having a rotation at least every other day.

Some customers have boots they consider to be everyday boots. Stephen loves his suede boots for everyday wear, but if they get wet be sure to have a good suede brush so that it doesn't matte down the nap.  

Many have another pair (or pairs) for special occasions.  I have my Sunday boots which are almost always an exotic leather.  I wear my Lizard Skin Boots most Sundays.

What Kind of Boots Do You Have?

The type of boots you own will tell determine how to best care for them.

Exotic boots like snakeskin, lizard, or ostrich require a bit more care than leather boots. These boots have deeper and more detailed folds that require more attention to detail and time when cleaning them.

Many exotic boots also don't absorb conditioner quickly. Your best bet is to apply several thin coats to protect them.

Traditional  Leather boots require care as well, especially if your boots are made of distressed leather. During the tanning process, oils are added to the leather. These oils wear off over time, so you have to replenish them.

To do that, apply thin coats of conditioner on a regular basis. For patent leather boots, use a damp soft cloth to wipe them down and a dry soft cloth to buff the leather.

Protecting Boots Is a Good Habit

When you invest in high-quality boots, you want to make sure they last as long as possible.

Protecting boots is a habit that requires care and attention to detail. It may seem like a lot of work to care for your boots. But once you get into the habit of protecting boots, it becomes easier to care for them.

If you have questions about our wide selection of exotic boots, contact us today.