February 9, 2021 justin smith

How to Care for Cowboy Boots & Wear Them for Years to Come

Cowboy boot care is an essential way to get the best use out of your gear for as long as possible. In fact, high quality boots can last for decades if given the proper care. That's why, when you purchase a new pair of cowboy boots, it's important to take the appropriate measures to maintain them. Whether you're wondering how to soften cowboy boots or protect them from wear and tear, NRS has plenty of helpful tips. We're taking a closer look at how to care for cowboy boots, so you can enjoy them for years to come.

How to Clean Cowboy Boots

One of the most important aspects of cowboy boot care is cleaning them off after a long day on the ranch. When you know how to clean leather cowboy boots, you can keep them looking great and preserve them for a long time.

Before you start, you'll want to have the following items on hand:

A damp towel
A soft bristled brush
A dry cloth
A bottle of leather cleaner and or conditioner

1. Wipe Off Your Boots

Rub your damp cloth on the lower section of your boots to remove any dirt or mud that might exist. If you come across stubborn particles that are tough to wipe off, try using an old toothbrush to loosen them. During this step, you can also use your soft bristled brush to remove scuffs.

2. Let Your Boots Dry

Avoid drying your boots with direct heat because this can cause them to crack. Instead, let them air dry naturally. If your boots have been completely saturated with water, you can remove their insoles and use paper towels to dry them inside and out.

3. Apply Leather Cleanery

Once your boots have dried, it's time to get to cleaning. We recommend using Chamberlain's Leather Milk Formula No. 2 for this step. This product will help gently remove stains, spills, spots and other substances that could otherwise harm the leather. Using the applicator sponge that comes with this product, proceed to gently scrub a thin layer of cleanser onto your boots. When you've finished this, give your boots a few minutes to dry and look good as new.

How to Condition Cowboy Boots

After cleaning your boots, you can move on to conditioning them. If you've ever wondered how to soften cowboy boots, here's your chance to learn.

Start by taking a dry cloth or sponge and dabbing it in a leather conditioner. A product like Bick 4 Leather Conditioner will do the trick. Using small, circular motions, rub the conditioner into the boot. Begin at the bottom of the boot and work your way up.

As you go about this process, you'll want to make sure the conditioner is fully absorbed. For example, if your boots still feel dry after rubbing the conditioner on them, you may need to apply more of the product. Conditioning your boots in this way will create a soft, moisturized look and feel and keep them in good shape.

How to Polish Cowboy Boots

Once the process of conditioning is complete, you're ready to start polishing your cowboy boots. You'll want to use a wax-based neutral polish during this task, like Scout's Boot Cream Neutral.

Begin by applying a thin coat of polish to the parts of the boots you want to shine. Make sure a slightly shiny layer covers every targeted area.

After the polish dries, proceed to brushing it off with a soft cloth. Using a horsehair brush, buff the polished areas to create a beautiful shine.

How to Waterproof Cowboy Boots

From riding in the pouring rain to dealing with unruly cattle in the mud, your cowboy boots are designed to survive the rough and tumble kind of life. However, if you're not careful, the leather in your boots can become stretched, cracked and discolored from water exposure. Cowboy boot care, like waterproofing, helps them retain their shape and avoid smelling like mildew.

Before starting, make sure you've cleaned your cowboy boots. It's also wise to check and see if the manufacturer recommends a specific protectant for the brand.

For the waterproofing part of your cowboy boot care routine, we recommend using a wax like Ray Holes Leathercare Dri-Boot Waterproofing Cream. Wax is excellent for leather cowboy boots because it acts to nourish and protect the leather. It's also quite durable and works well on boots that are worn frequently outdoors.

Begin by heating the wax slightly to achieve a consistency that spreads with minimal effort. You can do this by placing the wax in a warm spot or heating it with a hairdryer.

Using a clean cloth, apply the wax throughout the exterior of your cowboy boots. The goal is to cover your boots with a thick, even coat. When this process is complete, place your boots in a warm area to dry overnight. In the morning, carefully remove any excess wax and buff your cowboy boots to shine.

How to Stop Cowboy Boots from Squeaking

What's one thing that can kill any cowboy's mojo? Squeaking boots! There's nothing worse than hearing a pesky squeaking sound each time you take a step.

But don't worry! We have a quick, easy solution to stop this from happening. Simply rub leather conditioner thoroughly along the outside of your cowboy boot heel. Doing this will help soften the leather, expand it slightly and stop the squeaking.

Get All the Essentials for Cowboy Boot Care at NRS

Whether you're wondering how to care for leather cowboy boots or how to cinch a saddle, NRS has you covered. With years of experience and a passion for the industry, we're proud to share our expertise and exceptional products with our customers so they can learn how to care for cowboy boots the right way. We're committed to offering premium boots and products to help you keep them in excellent condition. Shop our cowboy boots and boot accessories today!

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