Leather Care

Boots made of cowhide leathers generally can be cared for in the same way. However, it is important to note that some are lighter weight than others and therefore need some extra attention. Any additional instructions will be listed under the boot name.

General Cowhide Care:

General Cowhide care consists of the following steps unless otherwise denoted.

1. Remove loose dirt or dust with brush or rag.
2. Clean thoroughly with leather cleaner.
3. Apply a thin coat of neutral shoe cream, then brush or rub with a soft cloth until luster is obtained.
4. For a high luster, apply a thin coat of wax polish-neutral paste on light colors, matching polish on dark colors. Brush or rub again.

Naked Finish Leathers Care:

Naked Finish Leathers have their own special care instructions. Characteristics of this leather are lightly visible scars and blemishes.

1. Remove loose dirt or dust with a soft brush or rag.
2. Clean with a soft brush.
3. Do not use conditioners as the leather may become discolored.
4. Protect these leathers as you would suede. New boots should be treated with two coats of a good quality water & stain protector. Allow boots to dry between coats for maximum protection.
5. Keep free of mud and drying elements.

Oil Impregnated Leather Care:

These leathers are tanned using oils to protect and lubricate the fiber. Since Oil Impregnated Leathers are generally thicker, they are considered a work boot and are worn as casual footwear.

1. Remove loose dirt or dust with brush or rag.
2. Replenish oils with an all-purpose conditioner.

Suede Care:

Suedes have nap finish achieved with a medium abrasive paper. Snuffed finish preserves the natural grain by lightly removing the elevated surfaces.

1. New boots should be treated with two coats of water & stain protector. Allow drying between coats for maximum protection.
2. Keep free of mud and drying elements.
3. Clean with a nylon brush.
4. On snuffed grain, use a find abrasive paper lightly on the areas that are already snuffed.

Exotic Boot Care:

Exotic boots are made from special leathers with their own characteristics and needs. Some are tough, and some need pampering.

1. Remove loose dirt or dust with a brush or rag.
2. Apply conditioner with a soft cloth.
3. Let boots dry. Then buff with a soft cloth.
4. Apply thin coats of conditioner often.
5. Since rattlesnake is tanned differently, no cream or polish is required to preserve its natural beauty. Simply brush clean.

How a Boot Should Fit

Instep: Unlike shoes with laces, a boot has only the instep to hold it securely to the foot. Consequently, proper fit in the instep is of utmost importance. Boots should not fit loosely or tightly; the fit should be snug. The snugness is governed by the instep fit and the width of the throat. If the instep is too tight, go to a wider or larger size.

Ball of Foot: When you walk or run, you bend your foot at its widest part, called the ball. In a quality boot, you will find a steel shank between the insole and the outsole that extends from the heel to the point where the ball of the boot begins. If the boot is too short for the foot, the ball of the foot will sit too far forward and force the toes into the toe box.

Heel: A boot must slip slightly in the heel. As shown in the illustration, there is nothing to prevent the heel of the foot from riding up slightly because of the way a boot is constructed. When the boot is new, the sole is stiff. As you wear the boot, the sole is “flexed.” With time, most of the slippage will disappear. If the instep is too loose, the boot will slip excessively in the heel. To remedy this, you may need a more narrow width to shorten the circumference of the throat and thus lesson the slippage without cutting down on the length of the boot. Slight slippage is necessary to obtain a proper fit.