The Ultimate Cowboy Boot Polishing / Shining Guide

Taking care of your boots is important to protecting the leather and extending the life of your footwear. Here is the ultimate cowboy boot Polishing and shining guide.

Did you know that 48% of Americans own cowboy boots? If you are one of the millions of proud boot-wearers in the USA, congrats! But whether you wear yours for work, play, or both, it's important you clean them properly.

Has your cowboy boot seen better days? Do they look dry and damaged? Then check out these tips on how to take care of yours!

Cowboy Boot History

But first, let's start with some history. It's no secret that cowboy boots are known for their durability, which is part of their appeal. While equestrians everywhere have been wearing some kind of boot for centuries, the cowboy boot is uniquely American.

Thanks to the cattle-drives of the 1860s onwards, the demand for a suitable boot that was appropriate for the South and West increased. The cowboy boot was born: a laceless, tall boot with a rounded toe and slanted heel. Mass-produced ones with designs gained popularity around the turn of the century, and have continued to this day.

Cowboy Boots Today

The original cowboy boots were designed with a sharply slanted heel so that they wouldn't slip through the stirrup of a saddle. But that's not optimum for walking, so some modern boots have a flatter heel that is more suitable for working and standing on your feet for a long time.

In the 1940s, boots with a more pointed toe appeared. You can even find square toe fashion versions, too. There are now two main styles: Classic Western, and "Roper" styles that have a shorter shaft and squared-off heel.

What Are Cowboy Boots Made of?

Traditionally, cowboy boots were made of cowhide leather. But in modern times, you can buy cowboy boots made of snakeskin, ostrich, stingray, and lizard. You can even find alligator cowboy boots.

The best cowboy boots will feel like they are custom-made for your feet. They should be easy to walk (and ride a horse) in. High-quality boots are often a significant monetary investment, so it's important to protect that by looking after them.

How to Clean Cowboy Boots

Remove Dirt

Start by removing any dirt or caked-on mud with a soft boot brush. Don't have one of those? Even a toothbrush will do.

Then wet a cloth and wipe off anything that remains. Don't forget about the soles of the boot, and the seams, where dirt loves to collect. Be sure to let the boots dry before moving on to the next step.

Use a Leather Conditioner

Just like many folks use conditioner to keep their hair soft and supple, boots need it too. Without it, the boots will dry out and lose their flexibility. If left untreated, you may notice dry patches and discoloration.

An easy solution is to use a leather conditioner like saddle soap. It usually has some combo of lanolin and beeswax that'll help keep your boots from cracking. It will also help keep the color on your boots looking fresh.

Start by applying a dab of saddle soap with a cloth to your boots, and work it in, using a gentle clockwise rubbing motion. When it's disappeared, move on to the next section of your boot, and apply another dab, until you've done this with the entire boot. Then use a different dry cloth to wipe off any excess saddle soap on the surface.

Drying Time

That's right, step away from your boots. Be sure to give them ample time to dry before proceeding to the final step.

Polishing

Now that you've cleaned and conditioned your boots, it's time for a little polish. Be sure to choose a color that is the closest match to your boots. Use the same technique as the leather conditioner, but be sure to protect your fingers--shoe polish can leave a stain.

Optional Spray

If you want to make sure your boots have a long life, there's an optional final step. Invest in a water-repellant spray to put on them, especially if you have exotic boots. Give both boots a good spritz, and that will ensure water rolls right off of them in the future.

How Often Should You Clean Your Boots?

Now that you've got your cleaning technique down, how often should you do it? Generally, it's a good idea to get into a routine of cleaning them every 2-3 months. If your boots get dirty often, you can clean them more frequently.

Just be sure to go easy on the saddle soap, since too much use can damage the leather. It's a deep-cleaning product, so use it sparingly (or make your own). And remember, white saddle soap is best for light-colored boots, and yellow saddle soap is more suited for dark boots.

New Boot Care

If you've just gotten a pair of new boots, use a boot jack instead of trying to yank your boots off your feet. This will help get the boots off while you are trying to break in the arches. Be careful not to jam the jack into the heel too hard, and damage it.

If you need to break in your boots, try wearing them around the house for a few minutes each day to avoid blisters. You can also steam them, which helps soften the leather so that it molds to your feet. Don't expose them to too much heat, though, which will damage the boots.

Ready to Clean Your Boots?

Now that you've got the facts on keeping your boots clean, it's time to use your know-how. Proper boot care will extend the life of your boots, and keep them looking great. But if you have more questions, or want to expand your cowboy boot collection, contact us for more information.