Storing and Caring for Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots are a foundational wardrobe element for many Texans and other mortals. When you invest in a top-quality pair of cowboy boots, you want to make sure you can swagger proudly in them for many years. And that all comes down to you – to how you store and care for your boots. Here, we offer some tips that can help you keep your cowboy boots in tiptop shape.

Store ‘em properly. You wouldn’t put your horse away wet, would you? Then don’t do it to your cowboy boots either. And don’t store them in cold, damp, or hot places. Moisture can cause boots to mildew, which can ruin them. Heat and direct sunlight can degrade the leather.

When you aren’t wearing your cowboy boots, store them on boot trees. Boot trees will help them keep their shape and are well worth the cost.

Shun direct heat. If your cowboy boots get wet, allow them to dry at room temperature. Never dry them over a heat source or next to a wood stove. If your cowboy boots encounter water often, you might want to invest in a boot dryer, which uses warm air to dry boots without harming them.

Keep ‘em clean. This is the number one rule to ensure a long, lusty life for your cowboy boots. Dust and dirt are leather’s dire enemies. Keep a soft cloth (an old cotton t-shirt is perfect) in your closet, and make it a habit to wipe your cowboy boots every time you take them off.

For cowboy boots with heavier soiling, use a damp cloth to wipe them, then brush the leather well. Scuffs can usually be removed with a pencil eraser. Take off sticky stains with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners on cowboy boots.

Condition ‘em. Once your cowboy boots are clean and dry, use a leather conditioner to protect the leather and keep it supple. A lanolin-based conditioner is best. Leather soles should be conditioned, too, to keep them from drying and cracking.

Apply the conditioner to your cowboy boots. Once it is completely dry, buff it with a soft cloth. A couple of thin coats of conditioner are preferable to one thick coat. Reapply conditioner every couple of months or after you give your boots a thorough cleaning, whichever comes first.

Shine ‘em up. Apply a cream-based boot polish to keep smooth leather cowboy boots shiny. Buff to desired sheen. For exotic leathers like ostrich or reptile, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Oils, waxes, and saddle soap are not recommended for cowboy boots. They will seal the pores, which over time could cause the leather to crack. They also attract dust. If you want the glossy shine that wax can give to cowboy boots, be sure to apply a cream polish first.

Buy the best. Think about it: Your feet carry you all day, every day. They deserve the splendid support of well-made cowboy boots, so purchase the best ones you can afford. They’ll repay you with years of good looks, style, and comfort.

Speaking of cowboy boots, we’ve got ‘em. Lots of ‘em. And we’re not talking just any ol’ boots – we’re talking the finest there are, from the likes of Lucchese Boots and Old Gringo Boots. So come on down to Allens Boots, y’all, and we’ll get you fitted out.