How to Care for Your Blundstone Boots

Blundstone Boots: Care Tips for Leather, Suede, Nubuck, & Canvas 

If you’ve been wearing your Blundstone boots everywhere (and who could blame you?), you’re in good company. These boots aren’t just for us country folk—they’ve made their way into the wardrobes of everyone from Royals to footballers and even Hollywood A-list celebrities.

Here at Hollands Country Clothing, we love our "Blunnies", and after years of putting them through their paces, we’ve discovered the best tricks and tips to keep them looking as good as new. So, we thought we'd share them with you here in a handy guide. 

How To Care For Your Blundstone Boots

Blundstone boots come in all sorts of styles—whether you’ve got waterproof boots for the great outdoors, some sleek dress boots for smarter occasions, or anything in between, there’s a lot to love. There are also different materials used, like full-grain leather, suede, nubuck, or canvas. So, it's worth noting that with different features come slightly different care needs, which we will cover in the next few sections.

That said, there are a few general tips that apply no matter what style you go for. Here are a few general pointers on care and maintenance:

• Wipe off dirt and mud regularly to prevent build-up.
• Let them breathe after wear by airing them out in a cool, dry place.
• Remove the footbed/insoles and wash separately in mild soap and water, then air dry.
• Keep leather conditioned with a good leather conditioner now and then.
• Waterproofing sprays add extra protection, especially for non-waterproof styles.
• Avoid direct heat like radiators when drying—let them dry naturally.
• Store with boot trees if you’ve got dress boots to help them keep their shape.
• Clean immediately if exposed to chemicals, solvents, strong acids, alkalis, milk, or salt to avoid damage.
• Only use quality cleaning products and match them to the material—no leather cleaner on suede!
• Never put them in the washing machine—it might seem quicker, but it’ll ruin them.
• Check for signs of wear and tear regularly so you can fix any small issues before they become big problems.

We'd suggest stocking up on a few care and cleaning products too. We have a great range of leather conditions, footwear cleaners, and more in our shoe care collection.

How to Care for Leather Boots

Leather is a durable material that only gets better with age—if you take care of it properly.

Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you keep your leather Blundstone boots in the best condition:

1. Brush Off the Dirt: After a day out, your boots are bound to pick up some dirt or mud. Start by using a soft brush or damp cloth to gently clean off any surface grime. This keeps the leather from getting clogged with dirt, which can dry it out over time.
2. Proper Cleaning (Every So Often): Occasionally, it's a good idea to give your boots a deeper clean with a proper leather cleaner. This doesn’t need to be done every time you wear them, but doing it regularly will help remove any buildup that a quick brush-off might miss. Apply the leather cleaner with a soft cloth, following the product instructions, and make sure to get into any creases or seams.
3. Air-Dry Naturally: Let them air-dry in a cool, dry place. Avoid the temptation to speed up the process by placing them near direct artificial heat sources like radiators, heaters, or in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leather to crack.
4. Apply Leather Conditioner: Once your boots are clean and dry, it's time to use a leather cream, spray, conditioner, or polish. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather in circular motions. This step helps keep the leather supple and prevents it from drying out.
5. Buff to a Shine: After conditioning, take another clean, soft cloth and gently buff the boots to remove any excess residue. This will give them a nice, even shine and help protect the leather from the elements.
6. Store Properly: When you're not wearing your boots, store them in a cool, dry place. If you have boot trees, pop them in to help maintain the shape of the boots. This will keep the leather from creasing and ensure they look great every time you put them on.

If you're using a coloured polish, it's a good idea to test it on an unseen area of the boot first. Leather can sometimes take on a slightly different shade when polish is applied, so it's better to check before applying it all over.

We've also put together a more thorough guide to leather care if you want to learn more about the best way to look after this style of footwear.

 

How to Care for Suede Boots

Blundstone suede boots require a slightly different method of care and cleaning than leather. but with the right approach, you can keep them looking great for years.

Here’s how to clean and maintain your suede boots:

1. Brush Off Surface Dirt: Start by using a suede brush to gently clean off any surface dirt or grime. Suede is a more delicate material, so be sure to brush in one direction to avoid damaging the texture.
2. Remove Scuff Marks: If you spot any scuff marks, don’t worry—a regular pencil eraser can do wonders. Gently rub the scuff with the eraser, then use the suede brush to clean away any debris.
3. Spot Clean with Suede Cleaner: Dampen the suede brush with clean water and apply a small amount of suede and leather cleaner. Focus on any particularly stained spots, using gentle circular motions. This step helps lift any deeper stains without soaking the suede.
4. Dab Away Excess Moisture: After cleaning, use a clean towel to gently dab away any excess moisture. Suede can be sensitive to water, so it’s important not to oversaturate it.
5. Air Dry Naturally: Allow your boots to air dry in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or heaters, as these can cause the suede to become stiff or discoloured. A boot room or a well-ventilated space is ideal.
6. Apply Water and Stain Repellent: Once your boots are fully dry, spray them with water and stain repellent specifically designed for suede. This will help protect them from future stains and keep them looking fresh.

We recommend using your suede protector spray regularly, especially before heading out in the rain or strong sunlight. This extra step will help maintain the boots’ appearance and extend their lifespan.

How to Care for Nubuck Boots

Nubuck is made from top-grain cattle leather which has been sanded or buffed on the grain side, thus producing a velvet-like surface. It is similar to suede but has more strength and thickness and a finer grain due to it being from the outer side of the hide.

While this means it does share some care techniques with suede, there are a few key differences to keep in mind to keep your nubuck Blundstones looking their best:

1. Remove Surface Dirt: Start by using a nubuck cloth to gently wipe away any surface stains. Nubuck has a fine grain, so it’s important to be gentle to avoid damaging the texture.
2. Brush to Remove Residue: After clearing away the initial dirt, use a nubuck brush in quick, gentle circular motions to get rid of any remaining residue. This will help maintain the material’s soft, velvety finish.
3. Erase Scuff Marks: If you notice any scuffs, a pencil eraser can help. Gently rub the scuffed area with the eraser, and then use the nubuck brush to clean away any leftover rubber bits.
4. Dab Away Moisture: If your boots are damp or have been cleaned with a damp cloth, use a clean towel to dab away any excess moisture.
5. Air Dry Naturally: Let your boots air dry in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can alter the texture and colour of the material.
6. Apply Water and Stain Repellent: Once your boots are completely dry, apply a nubuck water and stain repellent. This will help protect the material from future stains and moisture.

Keep in mind that nubuck can scratch easily, and water may darken the leather’s patina temporarily. However, once dry, the colour should return to its original shade.

 

How to Care for Canvas Footwear

Canvas is a great choice for its versatility and lightweight feel, but it does require a slightly different care process than leather or suede.

To clean and maintain canvas footwear, follow these guidelines:

1. Scrub Away Dirt: Start by using a soft brush to gently scrub away any patches of dirt or grime. Canvas can accumulate dirt quickly, so regular brushing helps keep it looking clean.
2. Clean the Surface: Dampen a clean cloth or a soft-bristled brush (a toothbrush works well too) with warm water. Gently clean the entire surface of the boot, making sure to remove any lingering dirt or stains.
3. Soak Up Moisture: After cleaning, fill the boots with tissue paper to soak up any excess moisture. This helps maintain the shape of the boots while they dry.
4. Air Dry Naturally: Let the boots air dry in a cool, dry place. Avoid putting canvas shoes in a tumble dryer, as the heat can cause them to shrink and damage the sole.

If you don’t have a soft brush handy, we've found that a soft-bristle toothbrush can work just as well for cleaning those hard-to-reach areas.

 

Summary

As you can see from this guide, each type of material used by Blundstone for their bestselling boots has its quirks, but with the right approach, you can keep your favourite pair in great shape without too much fuss.

So, take a few minutes to give your boots the care they deserve—they’ll thank you by sticking around for all your adventures!

If you have any further questions about caring for your Blundstone boots, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team—we’re always happy to help.

 

About the Author

With her extensive firsthand experience of farm life and a keen eye for quality, Sarah Holland's advice on womens country clothing reflects her genuine appreciation for the joys and comfort of rural living. Whether it's a smart tweed jacket for a formal occasion or durable wellies for muddy walks, she knows what works for life in the countryside. Sarah loves sharing her knowledge and insights to help others discover the perfect attire for their outdoor lifestyle.