Work Boots
Easy Steps in Cleaning Your Cowboy Boots

Are you a street or cruiser motorcycle enthusiast, finding enjoyment in handling and feeling the power of those big Harley-Davidson motorcycles? Or maybe you’re fascinated with the Wild West and would like to see yourself as a modern-day cowboy or a cowgirl (it is a cool fashion trend anyway)? Or perhaps you work in a farm, taking care of the barn, the horses, the cattle, or the crops? Whatever the case, chances are you own a pair of cowboy boots if you practice any of these.

Western boots, as they are sometimes called, are predominant fashion articles for motorcyclists, cowboys, cowgirls, farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and many fashion-oriented people. They can cost anywhere between $200 and $2000. Like standard work boots, they are durable and strong, and—in addition—aesthetically pleasing to look.

Because they form an integral part of a “tough-look” fashion, they need to always look good and neat. If you own a pair of these boots, follow these tips to maintain your pair and to keep them slick and attractive.

1) Know that cowboy boots are not really difficult to clean. After each use, immediately wipe off the dust and mud that settles on the pair with a soft, clean cloth. If the gunk has dried up, which is usually the case, wipe everything with a damp cloth.

2) If the boots are wet from wiping, you need to dry them naturally. Air-drying them is preferable since it prevents the leather from being dehydrated. That means, the boots should not be set aside in hot places such as radiators.

3) Sometimes, the dirt and grease has become so encrusted that to clean the boots, you would need to wash them thoroughly. Washing them with water and mild soap is enough. You can use saddle soap to wash a boot in which its leather has become very dry. Otherwise, you should avoid using it. Scrub the boots with an old toothbrush while washing

Of course, boots will eventually age. Some wearers actually prefer the look of grungy, faded, scruffy boots, showing it as a “badge of pride.”

4) Cowhide leather boots lose their luster due to stains and grime. To restore the shine, lightly apply a coat of shoe polish cream all over the boots. Be sure that the shoe cream you are using corresponds to the color of the boots. Do not use hard waxes polish; it can stiffen the leather. If the leather skin is rather stiff, you may want to apply some leather conditioner first before the shoe polish cream.

Set the boots aside for a few minutes. Then with a soft shoe brush or a soft cloth, brush or buff the boots until the desired shine is acquired.

5) If your boots are made of alligator skin or snakeskin, follow the same cleaning pattern as you did with leather boots. Pay close attention to the scales; particles of dust and debris often settle between and under the scales and folds.

Before applying the shoe cream, however, first apply reptile conditioner to soften the skin. Dry, apply the shoe cream, and buff as usual.

6) Steel toe boots, as its name implies, have metal protective caps on their tips. If these reinforces caps are exposed (not covered by leather), you can make them shine by applying metal polish and buffing it off until the polish is dry.