Have you ever bought and smelled a new pair of leather boots? The thought alone is enough to make adrenaline rush through your body.

This piece of footwear has its origins rooted in the West. And consequently, when you put these on, you become a part of its story. After all, boots tell various stories, of memories made, seasons changed, and the roads walked.

But like everything else in your wardrobe that is worth keeping, this fashion staple requires a little leather boot care and maintenance. It is not too much to ask for, especially since some attention goes a long way in keeping your pair looking as good as new.

Think of leather boot maintenance and care as less of a chore and more of a ritual. A little time spent today means fewer cracks tomorrow.

All set to get started? These tips will help you treat your boots like the lifelong companions they are meant to be.

How To Care For Leather Boots? Helpful Tips

Taking care of your leather boots isn’t rocket science. Here are some tips that can ensure your leather boots so good as new throughout the long run.

1.      Wipe Them Down After Every Wear

You may not like the idea of fussing with your boots every time you wear them. After all, who would want to come home after a party feeling out of this world because of all the heads you managed to turn with your footwear?

However, boot care is all about focusing on the small stuff. Every walk you take while running a quick errand in the rain or on a dusty street will leave behind traces. Grime, moisture, and dirt tend to build up over time, too. Before you know it, your fresh-looking boots will start to look like something that has been through a war.

So, here are some tips to follow to care for leather boots.

• Use a damp cloth or soft brush to remove dirt from the surface
• Give your boots time to dry naturally, instead of placing them near heat.
• Keep them in a cool and dry place at all times

2.      Clean Them Thoroughly But Gently

If your boots have been through a muddy festival, a weekend hike, or too many walks in the rain, then you need to deep clean them. Wiping them down is helpful, but a complete leather boot treatment will give your footwear a refresh.

The first thing to do is to remove the laces, if it has any, to reach every corner and crease. Make sure to use a cleaner that is specifically for leather to avoid any issues.

Now that you are ready, apply the cleaner to a soft sponge or cloth and begin moving your hand in circles. Do not forget to be gentle and kind! Because you will need your beloved boots soon to bounce back with confidence.

3.      Do Not Forget To Condition

Like our skin, leather also tends to get thirsty. If you stopped moisturizing your face, it would eventually start to look dull, rough, and start cracking. Similarly, your footwear needs to be hydrated, and conditioning leather boots is how you do it.

Here is how to condition leather boots and give them the care they deserve.

• The first thing to do would be to find a conditioner that has been specially designed for the type of leather that your boots are made from
• Find a soft cloth and apply only a small amount in circular motions. This enables complete coverage
• Let the conditioner sit for a couple of hours, and then buff off any excess

4.      Polish To Make Your Boots Shine

Polishing your boots will give them a gorgeous and stunning finish. However, it also plays the role of protecting them. As armor, it will guard them against water spots, scuffs, as well as fading. So, if you want to care for leather boots that hold up in bad weather and turn heads, make sure not to skip this step.

• First, find a polish that matches your boots. If you cannot, then the best thing to do would be to pick a neutral color
• Use a soft sponge or cloth to apply the polish. Do not take too much and slowly work it into the leather
• Once the polish dries, buff your boots with a horsehair brush to achieve the right shine

Remember, polishing on a regular basis will create a barrier for your boots against external elements. It is the right way to care for leather boots and keep them looking as good as new.

5.      Store Them Like You Want To Keep Them

After all the effort that you put into leather boot maintenance and care, the last thing you would want is to stuff them in a long-forgotten corner of your home. The effort that you put into cleaning, conditioning, and polishing your footwear should not go to waste.

Remember, how you store your boots plays a major role in maintaining their longevity. It is an act of kindness for a piece of footwear that has given you confidence and character. Proper storage will give them structure, prevent odors, and set them up to look great all the time!

Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Try to avoid putting your boots in plastic containers. Instead, store them in breathable materials, which will help ensure moisture does not build up
• Use boot trees to retain the shape of your footwear and prevent creasing
• Keep them away from direct sunlight, as too much exposure can dehydrate the leather

Final Thoughts

Learning how to care for leather boots is an investment in the long term, and the five tips above are enough to get you started.

All you need to do is incorporate them into your daily routine to preserve the appearance of your favorite piece of footwear. In addition, proper leather boot care and maintenance goes a long way in honoring the craftsmanship of each piece.

Keep in mind that if you give them the right care, your boots will accompany you on many more journeys to come.