Leather Boot Care Guide

How to Care for Your Leather Boots

Premium leather boots are built to last a lifetime — but only with the right care. Follow this guide to keep your boots looking their best and wearing even better over time.

1. Clean After Every Wear

Remove surface dirt and dust with a soft-bristle brush or dry cloth after each wear. Don't let mud or moisture sit on the leather — wipe it off promptly. For stubborn dirt, use a damp cloth and allow the boot to dry naturally away from direct heat.

2. Condition Regularly

Leather dries out over time and can crack without regular conditioning. Apply a quality leather conditioner every 4–6 weeks, or more frequently if the boots are worn daily or exposed to harsh conditions. Work the conditioner in with a soft cloth using circular motions and allow it to absorb fully before wearing.

3. Polish for Protection & Shine

Use a wax-based polish that matches your boot colour. Apply in thin layers with a horsehair brush or cloth, buff to a shine, and allow to dry completely. Polish creates a protective barrier against moisture and scuffs while deepening the leather's natural colour.

4. Waterproof Your Boots

Apply a leather waterproofing spray or beeswax treatment to protect against rain and wet conditions. Reapply every few months or after heavy exposure to water. Always clean and condition the leather first before waterproofing.

5. Dry Properly

Never dry leather boots near direct heat — radiators, fires, and hair dryers cause the leather to crack and shrink. Instead, stuff the boots with newspaper or boot trees to hold their shape and allow them to air-dry at room temperature.

6. Store Correctly

Store your boots upright using boot trees or rolled-up magazines to maintain the shaft shape. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For long-term storage, place them in a breathable cotton bag — never a sealed plastic bag, which traps moisture.

7. Re-sole When Needed

One of the great advantages of well-made leather boots is that they can be resoled. When the sole begins to wear thin, take them to a quality cobbler rather than replacing the boots entirely. A good resole can add years of life to a pair built on a proper welt construction.

Products We Recommend

  • Leather conditioner (e.g. Leather Honey, Saphir Renovateur)
  • Wax-based polish in matching colour
  • Soft horsehair brush
  • Waterproofing spray or beeswax cream
  • Cedar boot trees

Any questions about caring for your specific Leather Boot Store boots? Get in touch and we'll advise you directly.