Congrats, you've found the perfect pair of cowboy boots! And that's no easy task―it's something Ree Drummond knows all too well. "Choosing the perfect pair of cowboy boots can rival rocket science in terms of level of difficulty," The Pioneer Woman once said, but then admitted, "They've turned out to be one of the best purchases I've ever made."
And with the time it takes to find a pair―let alone to break them in―you want to make sure you know how to clean and care for cowboy boots. A quality pair is an investment and can do a lot. "I wear them in the mud. I wear them in the rain. I wear them to the grocery store and the Walmarts and around the house," Ree adds. But they also need the right care to keep them in working condition.
Thankfully, there is plenty of expert advice to follow to maintain your cowboy boots so they last until the cows come home. Whether you're working on a ranch or sporting your best cowgirl outfits just for fun, here's the best way to care for cowboy boots.
How to Clean and Maintain Cowboy Boots
Before you go to clean your boots, you should know what kind of material they are made of. "Calfskin, cowhide, bovine, and bison leathers are the easiest to care for in terms of frequency and ease. These leathers are durable in nature, so they don't require the same care as a python, lizard, or other exotic leather," explains Josh McPherson, Senior Retail Operations Coordinator at Tecovas (which happens to be Alex Drummond's favorite brand).
According to David Mequita, co-owner of Leather Spa, there are four steps you should follow to clean and maintain leather boots. First, get in the habit of gently wiping your boots with a soft cloth to remove any loose dirt and dust about once a week. Then, follow these steps to maintain them once every three to six months depending on how much you wear them.
Step 1: Clean
Gently scrub the boot with leather shampoo or mild dish soap diluted with water. Apply it evenly using a sponge or paper towel, taking care not to oversaturate the leather. Let the boots air dry.
Step 2: Condition
Using a small shoe brush or paper towel, work a few dollops of leather conditioner into each boot. If some spots still look dry, apply an extra coat. Let them sit for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Buff
Once the conditioner has soaked in, buff the boots with a horsehair brush or soft rag to give the leather a natural shine.
Step 4: Protect
Spray the boots with a leather protector to prevent future water damage and stains.
How to Remove Stains and Scratches
According to Mequita, it's a good idea to weatherproof your boots ASAP after buying them, which helps prevent stains and water damage from happening in the first place. (Do a patch test first to make sure the weather proofer doesn't stain the leather before proceeding.) But of course, stains happen! According to McPherson, leather cleaner will be able to remove dust, dirt, and even manure.
Oily stains, on the other hand, are a bit tricker. "A common mistake is when boot owners immediately go home and perform the cleaning/conditioning process," McPherson notes. The stain will set into the leather with the application of products and brushing, rather that remove it. "If you accidentally get grease or oil on your boot, you should apply either baby powder, talcum powder, or baking soda immediately," he suggests to soak up the oil first.
What about scratches? McPherson recommends, "If scratches do appear, try a leather conditioner with some elbow grease and a rag or a specialized scratch repair product. For deeper scratches, consider professional restoration." And just like preventing stains from happening, "scratches can be prevented on your leather boots with proper care and storage."
How to Store Cowboy Boots
"To maintain the quality and longevity of your boots, it's imperative to store them correctly," McPherson stresses. "Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leather to fade and dry out. Instead, place them in a cool, dry, and dark location." You also shouldn't wear the same pair every single day. Let them dry out for a day before wearing them again.
If you want to maintain their shape when they're not in use, fill 'em up! You can use tissue or newspaper to retain the shape of both the insole and shaft. Otherwise, invest in cedar shoe trees or a boot tree to keep your boots upright and avoid creasing while not in use. Lastly, McPherson has one last piece of advice: "For added protection, consider storing your boots in a shoe dust bag or box."
Shop Essentials for Cowboy Boots
Leather Cleaner
Leather Conditioner
Horsehair Shoe Brush
Leather Repellent
Boot Tree Insert
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
