Boot Care Basics

When you are considering buying a pair of boots, you want to make sure you know how to properly take care of them.

Remind yourself that boots are not inexpensive and that investing a few minutes in maintenance after each wearing will ensure the life of the boots. The rules that apply to care and conditioning of boots and shoes are very simple. Treat your leather goods in much the same manner as you treat your own skin. Your leather products require nutrients to keep them supple and strong.

There are four steps to taking good care of boots and shoes:

Clean, Condition, Polish, and Protect

1.  Clean:
Dirt and dust are leather's worst enemies. Wiping down often with a damp cloth can prevent dirt and dust particles from cutting away at the microscopic fibers that make leather strong and durable.

2.  Condition:
Condition leather only when it is clean and dry so that it can penetrate through the pores to make it soft and pliable. Lanolin based conditioners are best. Too much oil or wax can clog the pores in the leather which cause it to dry out. Also, oils and waxes attract dust.

3.  Polish:
Rejuvenate your boots by applying a boot cream in a color to match closely to the leather. This will cover blemishes or scratches in leather and also bring a glossy finish.   Only boots that have a finish can be polished. Cream based polish recommended over wax.

4.  Protect:
Apply a non-silicone water and stain protector.  Use cedar boot trees when storing to help maintain your boots shape and form.