How to Care for Your New Crocodile Boots

Have you recently purchased a pair of shiny new crocodile boots? Here is a quick guide on how to keep your boots in good shape.

Keyword(s): crocodile boots

Crocodile boots offer a distinctive style and look of luxury. They are also known for their durability and are becoming an increasingly popular choice for boot wearers.

Crocodile skin boots come in a variety of patterns and colors. They can have western to exotic prints and aesthetics. And both men’s and women’s crocodile boots are available.

These boots are a great investment but need proper care and treatment. If you are considering purchasing some or have picked up your first pair, it is imperative that you know how to care for them.

The good news is that, once you have the basic supplies and grasp of the appropriate maintenance techniques, the routine will become second nature. The information below will tell you exactly how to care for your crocodile boots so that they last a lifetime.

Crocodile Skin Basics

Crocodile skin yields a very supple leather, which makes it comfortable when used in footwear. The surface is smooth and soft to the touch. And crocodile scales produce a distinct yet uniform pattern.

Crocodile cowboy boots are almost indistinguishable from those made from alligator skin. One way to tell the difference is that each crocodile scale has a single small pore, where a sensory hair was removed. Alligator scales do not.

Storing Crocodile Boots

When you’re not wearing your crocodile boots, store them in a cool, dry place. Your closet is a good location. Also, keep them out of direct sunlight for extended periods of time, as this can discolor the leather and dry it out.

If you are storing your boots for more than a few days, you may want to place them in a cloth bag or the box they came in. This will reduce the chances of them collecting dust and other particles in the air.

Whenever storing your crocodile boots for any amount of time, always use shoe trees. These are carved blocks that help the boots retain their shape.

For a lot of shoes, a regular plastic shoe tree may suffice. But, for your crocodile leather, invest in some quality wooden shoe trees. These will be more durable and will help absorb any excess sweat or other moisture inside the boots.

Avoid Excessive Water

You might assume that, since crocodiles live much of their lives in rivers, lakes, and wetlands, that water would be a good thing for crocodile-skin boots. If you’re out on a rainy day, the leather will repel water. But having your boots exposed to excessive amounts of water for a long time can damage the boots’ finish, and eventually the leather itself.

If they do happen to get wet, wipe your boots off with a towel, then hang them to dry. (Note that you should always let your boots air out naturally. Never put them in direct sunlight for long periods or use things like a blow dryer on them.)

Cleaning Your Boots

To clean dirt or dust from your crocodile boots, first, wipe them down with a dry towel. For materials like sand, a damp cloth is appropriate. But, if the surface material is wet after cleaning, wipe the boots down with a dry with a towel.

You can also use a horsehair brush for an initial cleaning, which is ideal for removing remnants in the boots' crevices. A cheap toothbrush may suffice. But the advantage of a dedicated horsehair brush is that it will be stiff enough to clean the boots but soft enough to not damage the material.

Every once in a while, or if your boots are extremely soiled, you may want to use saddle soap or a dedicated reptile leather product. This will give them a more thorough cleaning. This will help if your boots are extremely soiled by extracting any dirt or dust that has worked its way deeper into the fabrics.

A small amount of soap will go a long way. Using too much or too often can remove some of the natural oils in the leather.

Finally, allow the boots to completely dry before moving onto the next step. During this process, it can be helpful to insert your wooden shoe trees to ensure the boots retain their original shape.

Treating the Leather

After a vigorous cleaning, it’s a good idea to apply a conditioner to the boots. Use a product designed for crocodile skin, or ask your local boot dealer what products are suitable.

Mink oil will keep the crocodile skin from drying out. Even if you haven’t cleaned your boots, it’s a good idea to apply this product every so often. Natural oils in the leather can evaporate and cause it to dry out and become more brittle.

Once you apply the product, allow the boots to sit for an hour or so. Then use a brush or a dry cloth to buff the leather, removing excess conditioner residue.

Applying Finish

Finally, apply some shoe polish to your boots. This will give them a brighter sheen and camouflage any scuffs or scrapes on the surface.

Cream polishes will work, but a wax product will offer an added layer of protection by acting as a sealant. Also, be sure to select one with a neutral color to keep the natural look of the leather.

You can leave cream polish on for an hour or more, but you should buff wax polish within 15 or 20 minutes of application. Use a dry rag or brush to buff the surface of the leather.

Conclusion

Cleaning and treating crocodile boots may seem like a lot of work, but once you go through the processes a few times, it will become part of your routine. A little bit of care will keep your boots looking great and help them last for decades.

At Tim’s Boots, we focus on selling quality products but also developing relationships with customers. We specialize in exotic cowboy boots and can help you gain the knowledge of how to properly care for them.