Tired of wearing high heels and feeling exhausted after a few hours? Good news – heels are out, and Western boots are firmly back in. These comfy leather and suede boots look great and have been rocked recently by stars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, but they require a small amount of care to keep them looking fresh. This quick guide covers everything you need to do to make your boots last.
Brush Off Dust and Debris After Each Use
Proper care for cowboy boots or cowgirl boots begins by quickly cleaning them after each use. This is important because genuine leather has pores, and if debris like mud or sand gets inside them, it will deteriorate. To avoid this, gently scrape off the dirt with a soft-bristled brush. If the mud is wet, let it dry first. Use a damp cloth for occasional deeper cleans, but never soak the leather.
Regularly Condition the Leather
Leather comes from animal hide, and like human skin, it dries out over time and needs care to stay hydrated, soft and free from cracks. However, you can’t just apply any old moisturiser to it. You’ll need leather conditioner, a sort of cream that you can apply to your Western boots in circles with a cloth. Doing this every 2-3 months will help your boots look better and last longer.
Protect Them Against Water Damage
Water can cause all kinds of problems for leather, including shrinking it as it dries and allowing mildew to grow. Every few months, apply a waterproofing spray or wax to your boots to help protect them. Avoid walking through puddles or wet grass, and if they do get wet, wipe excess moisture off the surface and place absorbent paper or towels inside. Allow them to dry naturally away from direct sunlight or artificial heat sources.
Store Them Properly
When you’re not using your Western boots, you’ll want to keep them somewhere dry and out of sunlight. In your wardrobe, below your Western shirts, is actually a great place for them. The issue with sunlight is that it can cause the leather to fade, so if you want to keep them looking new, it’s important to avoid this. Some people like a faded look on leather women’s boots, however.
Air Them Out
Taking care of the inside of your boots will help them last longer, too. It will also help you avoid bad odours and bacteria, which can become problems when sweat and moisture build up inside. Whether you’re wearing your boots to a music festival or as footwear in the workplace, remove the insoles when you get home and let them air out. A pinch of baking soda or cedar inserts can help banish bad odours.
Conclusion
Cleaning, conditioning and storing Western boots properly will help these stylish yet practical shoes look as good and last as long as possible. It’s not complicated, but the important thing is to be consistent. A quick clean and air after each wear, as well as applying conditioner and waterproofing every few months, can make a big difference.
