Cowboy Boot Care: Breaking In, Cleaning, and Maintaining Your Boots
From breaking in boots to general maintenance, cowboy boot care can be simple and even become a ritual. Read on to learn our boot best practices, like how to maintain leather boots.
Your cowboy boots do more than just complete your look—they carry you through the mud, protect your feet from scorching hot dirt, and keep you grounded in style. But just like any hardworking companion, they deserve some TLC to stay in top shape. Whether you're breaking in a new pair, giving a trusty pair a good cleaning, or learning how to store them properly, maintaining your leather boots can be a simple, even enjoyable, activity.
How to Break in Boots
Learning how to break in leather boots is a bit of an art, and there may be some degree of trial and error as you find out what method works for you. Most cowboy boots are made of cow leather, but even exotic materials can be stretched and broken in. The easiest and safest method is to wear them with a thick or second pair of socks around the house or on short outings. Breaking in boots by wearing extra socks forces the leather to stretch from the inside out and calls attention to any problem spots in the fit.
How to Care for Cowboy Boots
By breaking in cowboy boots, cleaning them properly, and taking care of minor repairs, you can keep your boots in top condition for years.
- Break them in: Leather cowboy boots, like most western boots, fit better when broken in, but this can take time. Mastering the art of breaking in a fresh pair will make them more comfortable since it will stretch the leather until it conforms to your foot shape.
- Brush off dirt regularly: If you wear your boots often, brush off dirt and mud with a brush or cloth at least once a week.
- Deep clean and regularly condition leather boots: Cleaning your cowboy boots with a leather-specific cleaner every three to six months, followed by a leather conditioner, will protect the boots and keep them soft and supple.
- Repair your boots when they need it: This includes simple stitching repairs or resoling when your soles are damaged or worn out.
What is the best way to care for cowboy boots?
Increasing the Lifespan of Your Boots
You can increase the lifespan of your boots by checking regularly for dry leather. The easiest way to tell when leather is starting to dry out is by looking for blotchy or faded colors and an uneven surface texture. If your leather cowboy boots have already reached this point, it’s not too late to save them by cleaning and applying a high-quality leather conditioner.
How to Clean and Condition Boots
Use a clean cloth or paintbrush to dislodge any dirt or debris from your boots. Be sure to brush all the crevices, including any embroidery, patches, and pull straps. Then, apply a high-quality leather cleaner to a soft cloth and clean the entire leather surface of your cowboy boots. Once the leather is clean, allow them to dry completely (usually takes 20 to 30 minutes), then use a leather conditioner. Keeping your boots cleaned and conditioned, especially when new, is critical to getting soft, broken-in leather. Check out our step-by-step article on how to clean cowboy boots here.
How to Remove Creases from Cowboy Boots
With enough wear, any natural leather will crease. Creases in cowboy boots usually happen near the toe but can also occur in other spots. To remove creases and smooth the leather, first stuff your boot with paper, T-shirts, socks, or whatever you have on hand until the leather expands.
Once stuffed, use a blow dryer on low heat and gently warm the leather for a few seconds at a time. Massage the creases out with your hands. If the leather is noticeably hot to the touch, you’ve used too much heat. Once the creases are gone or nearly gone, let your cowboy boots return to room temperature before taking out the stuffing.
How to Care for Exotic Cowboy Boots: Ostrich, Alligator, and More
Boot care is very similar whether your cowboy boots are made of traditional cowhide leather or something more unique. Exotic Boots, like those made from ostrich, caiman/alligator, and pirarucu, may require more frequent care and diligence when it comes to conditioning, but, the process is similar to caring for cow leather. Exotic boots can be cleaned, conditioned, and stored the same way as their traditional cousin—just make sure the cleaners and conditioners you’re using have been tested on that particular type of leather.
How to Store Cowboy Boots
When your boots aren’t busy kicking up dust, storing cowboy boots correctly is key to keeping them in shape:
- Keep Your Boots Indoors: Store them in a cool, dry place, away from leather-damaging moisture.
- Use a Boot Tree: A cedar boot tree keeps the shaft upright, prevents the toes from curling, and helps wick away residual moisture, preventing mold and odors.
- Avoid Piling Boots: Let your boots stand tall to preserve their shape and structure.
With the right tips and tricks for proper leather boot care, your cowboy boots will look sharp and adventure-ready for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Boot Care
How long does it take to break in Cowboy Boots?
Breaking in cowboy boots typically takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the stiffness of the leather and how often you wear them. Thicker leathers may take a bit longer, but wearing your boots for short periods with thick socks can speed up the process. Be patient—well-broken-in boots are worth the effort!
How to keep cowboy boots fresh?
To keep your cowboy boots smelling fresh, always store them in a dry place with good airflow. After each wear, insert cedar boot trees to absorb moisture and odors, and sprinkle a little baking soda or a boot-specific deodorizer on the inside if they need an extra refresh. Avoid wearing wet boots, as moisture can lead to odors and mold.
How often should you oil cowboy boots?
Oil or condition your cowboy boots every three to six months or more often if they’re exposed to harsh conditions. If the leather looks dry, cracked, or blotchy, it’s time to condition. Exotic leathers may require more frequent care to stay supple.
Does water ruin cowboy boots?
If your cowboy boots get wet, allow them to dry completely at room temperature. Once dry, condition the leather with a high-quality leather conditioner to replenish moisture and keep the material supple.
