The western style is trending right now, making it a popular choice for everyday life and concert attire. It’s no secret that cowboy boots are the most well-known aspect of western fashion, but that doesn’t mean everyone knows how to care for them. Although you can buy cheap pairs and replace them as necessary, the most comfortable western boots are high-quality with a higher price tag. Whether you wear your western boots daily or a few times a year, you should know how to keep them clean to ensure they last.

Avoid Water

Although you may think that water is an effective way to clean shoes, you should avoid it when it comes to leather boots. Unfortunately, water will lift oils from the leather, dry them out, and cause cracks or other damage. Also, while it may be tempting to wear them in heavy rain, leather boots aren’t the best option for these weather conditions. Instead, wear rubber boots or another water-resistant option.

How Often Should You Clean Them?

Many people believe that cowboy boots are indestructible and don’t require cleaning, but that’s not the case. In fact, you should consider cleaning your leather western boots at least quarterly. However, you may need to clean them much more frequently if they often come into contact with mud, dirt, or other debris.

Pro-Tip

Set a reminder on your phone calendar to remember to clean and condition your boots properly.

How To Clean and Condition Your Boots

Now that you know a little bit about your leather western boots, you should also learn how to clean and condition them. Follow along for instructions to ensure your boots stay beautiful for years to come.

  1. Use a horsehair brush to brush off as much dirt, dust, and debris as possible.
  2. Rub a small amount of leather conditioner into your boots with your hands. If you have dirt in the seams, use a damp rag to remove it.
  3. Allow your clean boots time to dry—this may take an hour or longer.
  4. Use the same brush to go over the leather again; you can stop here if you desire.
  5. Use a rag to buff the leather if you want a brighter shine. You don’t have to use shoe polish, but you can if you desire.

Western style’s in, and nothing looks better than cowboy boots with women’s boutique skirts. But you have to take care of your boots if you want them to look stylish. Hopefully, knowing how to keep western boots clean will make them last much longer than expected. You can let your boots get dirty, but they shouldn’t stay that way for long—do yourself a favor and condition your cowboy boots regularly.

Monica Spruiell