A Guide to Leather Care: How to Look After Your Country Footwear

Our Essential Leather Care Tips - Everything You Need to Know!

If your leather boots could talk, they’d probably have some cracking stories to tell—muddy adventures, early morning dog walks, maybe even the odd close call with a stubborn sheep...

Leather’s a fantastic material for country footwear, but it does need a bit of know-how to keep it looking and feeling its best, especially when it’s facing all the muck and weather the countryside has to offer.

If you've been scratching your head, wondering where to start with your boot care, we're here to help! In this handy guide, we’ll break it all down for you in a way that’s easy to follow, so you can keep your footwear looking great and lasting a long time.

 

Understanding Leather: The Basics

So, what exactly is leather? In simple terms, leather is made from animal hide that’s been treated to create a durable, flexible material. It's tough, it’s durable, and if you treat it right, it only gets better with age.

The key to keeping it in good condition is understanding that it’s a natural product—it can dry out, crack, or lose its shape if it’s not cared for properly. Taking the time to familiarise yourself with how to care for your leather boots correctly means you get footwear that lasts. 

 

Different Types of Leather

You might have noticed that not all leather looks or feels the same, and that’s because there are several different leather types.

For example, a few ones you may know already are:

• Full-Grain: The highest quality leather, retaining the natural texture of the hide. It’s tough, breathable, and develops a lovely patina over time.
• Nubuck: This leather has a soft, velvety texture and is slightly more resistant to wear than suede, but it still needs careful handling to avoid scuffs and stains.
• Suede: The softest of the bunch, suede is made from the underside of the hide, giving it a delicate, textured finish. It’s more prone to stains and needs extra care to keep it looking sharp.

Each type of leather has its own quirks, so it's worth being aware of what your boots have been made with, so you can make sure you have the right products on hand - which leads us nicely onto the next section!

 

What Leather Care Products Do You Need?

To make sure you’re ready to go, we recommend keeping a few boot care staples in your cupboard.

1. Soft, Clean Cloths: For wiping down your boots and applying creams or conditioners. A microfibre cloth is ideal.
2. Footwear Cleaner: A gentle cleaner that’s safe for use on leather, like Nikwax Leather Cleaner.
3. Leather Conditioner: To keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.
4. Leather Cream: For restoring shine and adding a layer of protection.
5. Soft Bristle Brush: For getting rid of ingrained dirt, especially in those hard-to-reach places. If you have suede boots, you might want to invest in a suede brush to keep it looking its best.
6. Boot Trees: These help maintain the shape of your boots, preventing creases and wrinkles when not in use.
7. Waterproofing Spray (if applicable): If your boots are exposed to wet conditions, a waterproofing spray adds a protective barrier to help keep moisture out and maintain your boots’ performance in the rain.

Now, this may surface some other questions, as you may be wondering what's the difference between leather cream and conditioner, and which one you should use. Let's take a look at both:

• Leather Conditioner: Conditioner works to nourish and soften the leather, preventing it from drying out and cracking, but doesn’t provide the same polish or colour enhancement as cream.
• Leather Cream: This is great for restoring shine, reducing the appearance of scratches and scuffs, and adding some extra protection. Some are even specially designed to help spruce up the colour, such as the Dubarry Leather Cream Colour Restorer.

So, using both in tandem can give your boots the best of both worlds. For example, use a leather conditioner for regular upkeep and a leather cream for more intensive care or protection.

How to Clean Your Leather Footwear

We've all heard it - “Take care of your leather boots!”—but what does that really mean?

Essentially, you're looking at two main steps: cleaning and conditioning. And it all starts with everyday maintenance.

Getting into the habit of daily care for your leather boots can make a huge difference in their longevity and appearance. A quick once-over after they have been worn keeps excess dirt from settling in and makes deeper cleans easier.

Then, once a month (or if they are getting particularly mucky), give them a more thorough clean by following these simple key steps:

1. Start with a Good Brush: Grab a soft brush and focus on getting rid of any loose dirt and mud, especially in the seams and crevices. 
2. Apply a Gentle Leather Cleaner: Use a cleaner specifically designed for leather or, alternatively, you can just use warm water. Apply it with a soft cloth, working it into the exterior leather in small, circular motions. You don’t need to soak the boots—just enough to lift the dirt will do the trick. 
3. Rinse and Dry Naturally: Wipe away any excess water or cleaner with a damp cloth, then dry your boots with a clean, dry cloth. Let them air dry naturally, away from direct heat sources like radiators or fires. 
4. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Find a spot that’s cool and dry to store your boots i.e. a shoe rack. Use boot trees or stuff them with newspaper to help them keep their shape.

 

Conditioning and Protecting the Leather

Once your boots are clean and dry, it's time to apply the leather conditioner or cream. You don't have to do this every time, but we suggest every couple of months as a general rule of thumb.

Here are the simple steps involved:

1. Pick the Right Product: We suggest something like the Nikwax Conditioner For Leather or Dubarry Leather Cream.
2. Apply the Product: Always follow the instructions on the bottle, but the advice usually is to apply the conditioner/cream evenly across the entire surface of the leather. Use a soft cloth to gently work it in, focusing on areas that bend and flex the most.
3. Let It Absorb: After applying the product, let your boots sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the leather time to soak in all those nourishing oils. If your boots are looking particularly dry, you can leave them a little longer.
4. Buff for a Nice Finish: Once the conditioner has been absorbed, take a dry, soft cloth and buff the material. This will remove any excess product and give your boots a nice, polished finish.

You may also want to apply the waterproofing spray too. Remember what we said about the different types of leather - this comes into play here.

For example, if you have suede or nubuck leather shoes, you will want to go for the Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof Spray-On. If you have smooth waterproof leather, go for Nikwax Waterproofing Wax Cream for Leather.

 

Our Top Tips

We've cleaned more than our fair share of country boots over the years! So, let us run through a few of our key tips and tricks we've picked up along the way:

1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals, like bleach, can strip leather of its natural oils, leading to dryness and cracking. Always opt for gentle, leather-specific cleaners.
2. Remove Laces Before Cleaning: Always remove the laces first to ensure you can clean and condition all areas thoroughly. Same goes for any removable insoles.
3. Don’t Machine Wash: Never be tempted to throw your leather boots in the washing machine! The agitation and water can ruin the leather’s texture and shape, leading to irreversible damage.
4. Treat Deep Scratches and Scuffs: If your leather has deep scratches or scuffs, apply a leather repair cream or balm (such as the Ariat Leather Cream Polish) that matches the colour of your item. You might not be able to restore it fully, due to the nature of leather material, but this will help.

 

Caring for Other Leather Products

Your boots aren’t the only leather items that need a bit of TLC. From leather handbags and jackets to horse tack and saddlery, all leather goods benefit from proper care to keep them looking their best and lasting longer.

Here are some tips to help you look after your other leather items:

• Use Saddle Soap for Tack: For heavily used items like horse tack, saddle soap is essential. It cleans and conditions in one step, keeping your gear strong and flexible. 
• Spot Test First: Before applying any product to your leather, always do a spot test on a hidden area to ensure it doesn’t alter the colour or texture.
• Store Properly: When not in use, store your leather items in a cool, dry place, ideally in a dust bag or pillowcase, to prevent scratches and maintain their shape.
• Keep it Dry: If your leather gets wet, let it air dry naturally. Never use a hair dryer or place it near a forced heat source, as this can damage the natural material.

 

Summary

Now that we’ve covered all the essentials of taking care of your boots, it’s time to put that knowledge into action!

Throughout this guide, we’ve highlighted a few of our top-recommended products, but we've got a full leather care collection with even more options. And if you fancy a new pair of country boots, we've got plenty of those too!

If you’re not sure where to start, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always here and ready to help you find exactly what you need.

 

About the Author

Mark Holland has a keen eye for all things men's country clothing. Living amidst the fields and farms, he understands the practical aspects of rural living and the timeless style that accompanies it. His advice reflects a genuine appreciation for the comfort and connection that come with country wear. If you're looking for down-to-earth recommendations, then trust Mark to guide you through kitting out your wardrobe with firm favourites and classic designs.