Boot season – boot care

Boot season is upon us! Well, for me it would always be boot season if it wasn’t for the extreme heat. I also try to avoid boot stores but sometimes they just seem to get me in the door. Don’t know how that happens…

Here’s some of my pairs and I’d like to share some pointers on proper care and cleaning. When you make an investment for a nice pair, you want them to last forever right? I love my boots and I do take care of ’em. Their like my children. So I thought I’d share a few good tips.

If you invest in a good pair of boots you should definitely invest in some of the following items.

• A shoe brush!

This will help you clean off the dirt and grime that collects in the crevices. You want to do this often to make sure that the dirt doesn’t get trapped in there and causes damage to your footwear. Hold brush firmly in one hand, while you use the other to hold the boot. Brush back and forth to remove that dirt.

• Conditioning Cream!

A conditioning cream such as a neatsfoot oil will keep your leather supple and protects the condition of that leather. Should be used on the smoother type leather boots. Apply with a soft cloth as you do a single, even coat. On this style of boot, I like to buff with a separate soft cloth.

*If you have a pair of distressed leather boots–DO NOT use conditioner on them. It will do more harm than good.

• Boot Jack!

A definite “MUST” if you are a true boot wearer and want quick “out” of your boots when you come home at the end of the day! This is a treasured gift from my son when he worked at Allen’s Boots in Austin many years ago. Can’t tell you how many times a week I use darlin’, it’s like my extra pair of hands!

• Boot Covers!

This is not a must, BUT if you travel and want to keep your boots from getting scratched or marred—-then do!

Additional pointers:

• Suede boots DO NOT require conditioning or polishing! So don’t! You’ll be causing more harm than good. I brush dirt and grime but using less pressure. You might want to use a good water protector & sealer prior to using for the first time, but read the care tips that came with yours!
• Combination leather boots should be treated a little differently in that you want to condition only the part of the leather that is smooth & buffing the rest.
• Decorative embroidery boots I recommend that you NOT use conditioners that will darken the leather for obvious reasons on these.
• If your pair are soft and clumsy, you can insert foam or trimmed foam swimming noodles to hold them up.

There are some sites advising people to use vinegar mixed with water to clean your boots. NO!!! Please don’t do that. That will only break down the leather and cause damage to them. REMEMBER, if you have concerns, READ the manufacturer care instructions that came with your investment! Worth the effort.

Now, go and enjoy your holiday turkey and kick heels up in them boots~