The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Riding Boots

Ariat Womens Tall Riding Boot Croc Print

How to Care for Your Riding Boots: Tips and Tricks for Longevity

Riding boots are not just footwear but a significant investment for any equestrian. Whether you're a novice rider or a seasoned competitor, your boots endure considerable wear and tear, not just from riding but also from the barn environment. Proper care can dramatically extend their life, ensuring they remain comfortable, functional, and looking great. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to look after your riding boots.

Clean Regularly

After Every Use: Wipe down your boots with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and mud. Horse manure, mud, and arena sand can have corrosive effects if left on the leather for too long. For those who ride often, this step is crucial in preventing premature deterioration of the leather
Deep Cleaning: Depending on how frequently you ride, a monthly deep clean might be necessary. Use a cleaner designed for leather boots; apply it gently with a soft brush or cloth. Focus on getting into the creases and crevices where dirt accumulates

Conditioning

Leather, like skin, needs moisture to stay supple and prevent cracking. After cleaning your boots, apply a leather conditioner. This should be done at least once a month but may be necessary more frequently if you ride often or the boots are exposed to harsh conditions. Be sure to use a product suitable for equestrian boots, as some products can over-soften leather, reducing the support it provides

Proper Drying Techniques

If your boots get wet, it’s crucial to dry them properly:

Avoid Direct Heat: Never dry leather boots by placing them near direct heat sources such as radiators or heaters. High heat can cause the leather to crack
Stuff with Newspaper: To absorb moisture and help maintain the shape of the boots, stuff them with newspaper. Air Dry: Allow boots to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area

Storage Solutions

How you store your riding boots can impact their longevity and shape:

Boot Trees: Invest in boot trees, which help maintain the shape of the boots and prevent creases
Upright Position: Always store boots upright, possibly with the aid of a boot rack or boot bags that offer some structure
Avoid Humidity: Store your boots in a cool, dry place away from high humidity which can promote the growth of mold and mildew

Protective Measures

Waterproofing: Consider waterproofing sprays if you often ride in damp conditions. These products can help protect the leather from water damage while maintaining its breathability
Scuff and Scratch Care: Minor scuffs and scratches are inevitable. Small marks can often be buffed out using a soft cloth or addressed during your regular conditioning routine

Seasonal Considerations

Change in seasons can affect leather:

Winter: Salt and de-icers can damage boots. Wipe them down more frequently if exposed to these chemicals
Summer: Increased perspiration can lead to more moisture inside the boots. More frequent cleaning and conditioning might be necessary

Professional Help

For deep scuffs, significant stains, or structural issues, consider taking your boots to a professional leather repair shop. They can offer services like re-stitching, patching, and even resoling, which can breathe new life into old boots.

Regular Inspections

Finally, make inspecting your boots a part of your routine. Look for signs of wear and tear, loose stitching, or anything that might need early intervention. Early detection can prevent more severe damage and potentially costly repairs.

By following these care tips, your riding boots will not only look better but will also last much longer, supporting your equestrian endeavours with style and comfort. Happy riding!