Leather boots should be cleaned and conditioned regularly to ensure they look great and have a longer working life. Dry, lifeless leather will wear quicker and dirt on top of that makes the wear rate spike dramatically.
Clean your boots weekly:
Remove excess dirt and dust from the leather with a very soft brush (our pick is the Spruced Up Natural Face Brush, dual purpose!). A soft toothbrush is helpful in removing dirt trapped in the stitching of the boot, and cleaning the boot tread will improve your walking and stirrup grip.
Once dirt has been removed, apply a Leather Cleaner with a damp, soft sponge, using small circular movements across the leather top. Allow to dry completely.
Condition your clean boots at least once a month:
Using a soft, clean cloth, lightly apply a quality Leather Boot Cream or Balsam to condition your leather boots.
Once completely dry, use a soft cloth to polish the leather using small, brisk back-and-forth movements.
We highly recommending avoiding the use of commercial shoe polish on your boots which tend to have no conditioning properties. Rather use a Leather Cleaner to clean your boots and select a good quality Leather Cream or Balsam to condition your boots before polishing. Many boot brands have a solution for you.
Try these:
Ariat previously offered the Liquid Wax Conditioner and Black Polish, but are set to launch a brand new eco-friendly range in coming months. Watch this space!
Sergio Grasso Cleaner and Boot Cream
Note: All mentioned cleaning processes apply to leather products only. Patent leather and synthetic materials follow different cleaning instructions.
If ever you need advice on caring for your tack and riding gear, our sales teams are always available to assist. Get in touch here.