5 Ways to Make Your Leather Cowboy Boots Last Longer

Leather cowboy boots are hardy but sturdy, but they won't be able to take the use and abuse you put them through without a little help from you. Give your leather cowboy boots a longer lease on life with these tips.

1. Wipe off dust! No matter what color your boots are, it's still made of skin. It reacts to dust the same way your own skin does. Keep your footwear from creasing by wiping your boots often. Don't just shine your shoes often; dust them just as frequently. Dust acts like sandpaper; it cuts through the finish and ages your shoes faster than usual.

2. Wash off dirt! Before you brush your boots, remove any loose dirt or mud caking your footwear. You can do this without using special equipment – any soft cloth will do.

3. Apply quality conditioner! While your leather boots are still moist, slap some lather conditioner on them. Once the conditioner has dried, buff it with a soft cloth. Finally, apply boot cream and then buff.

4. Conditioner color matters! Always use a cream that's darker than the color of your boots by a shade or two. Leather fades over time – your choice of cream colors can help your favorite pair retain their original hue. Don't forget to keep your brushes separate, too. Use a separate brush for each polish color.

5. Go all the way to the sole! Most people forget to pay attention to their soles. Don't make the same mistake if your boots have a leather sole. Brush all the way to your footwear's sole line - this will restore moisture to the sole area and keep it from cracking.

Exotic leathers like alligator and lizard need more attention than most footwear, especially since they age faster, so be more vigilant with your footwear care if you have lizard and alligator for your boot material. With proper care and a little cleaning and conditioning here and there, you can make your leather cowboy boots last a long time.