“Boots always seem to get more done than shoes.” We’ve argued this a million times. And there’s plenty of reasons for it. They’re harder-wearing, made from heftier materials, and build to last rather than suffice hype. Sneakers fall short in the tougher seasons. Fine for summer but inferior to boots by the time winter arrives (for those of us that face it annually).
As such, though, boots are asked to brave tougher terrain — and surface with deeper scars. From the remnants of wet and slippery snow (or better yet the salt we use to melt it) and mud stains and to dust and dirt, everything, it seems, leaves a mark. Look to our guide to cleaning boots of all kinds for practical play-by-play and plenty of must-buys. You’ll be glad you found it. Just be sure to study it before diving into your project.
How To Clean Leather Boots
Tools: Soft bristled brush, leather cleaner or leather soap (or a solution made from two parts white vinegar and one part water), two soft cotton towels, leather wax and polish, and a shine brush
First, take out your laces (if there are any). Then take a soft bristled brush to your dirty boot. Break any crusted clumps loose and remove visible debris. Any leftover sediment can scratch leather when scrubbed in too firmly. This step saves you from accidentally damaging your boots.
Second, apply your leather cleaning or your leather soap (they make bars) to your damp towel. Don’t make it too wet. Clean the boot in a circular motion so that the solution lathers. A note for the frugal: vinegar and water won’t.
Wipe the boot dry with a new towel. Always let your boots air dry completely before touching them again.
Use a towel to apply a leather conditioner. Follow the instructions provided on the packaging before applying it. Then, add wax or polish, if you prefer either look. Wax can barely be seen but it acts as a weatherproof coating between the leather and, well, rain or snow. Polish gives boots a high shine. To apply it, buff your boot with a fast back-and-forth motion of your shine brush.
Wood Block Cleaning Brush
Leather Conditioning Cream
Cobbler’s Choice Co.
Waxing your boots is one way of protecting them during harsh winters. Click the button to learn how to do it.
LEARN MORE
How To Clean Suede Boots
Tools: crepe block eraser, shoe cleaner (or your soap concoction), a towel, waterproof protector, suede brush
First, clean your outsoles. You can follow roughly the same steps you did above. Apply soap to a damp towel and wash the leather or rubber parts. BUT…suede boots cannot — well, should not — get wet at any point in the process. Tape your tops off, put a towel between your cleaning tools and the uppers, I don’t care. Just don’t get them wet.
Brush off any visible dirt or debris with your suede brush. Suede’s soft. It’s delicate. Don’t use just any brush. Ones designed specifically for the material lessen the likelihood of damaging it. For caked-on stuff or deep stains, use a crepe block eraser. These work out even the most stubborn blemishes.
Lastly, apply a waterproof protector to your suede boots. There are plenty of different kinds, just be sure the one you choose is both made for suede and well-reviewed. As expected, we’ll have a recommendation below.
Suede Cleaning Kit (Suede Brush + Crepe Eraser)
Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent
How To Clean Cowboy Boots
Tools: soft bristled brush, saddle soap, two soft cotton towels, leather wax and polish, and a shine brush
Most cowboy boots are made from leather. Honestly, I’d argue all of ’em are — or at least should be. So, follow the same rules leather boots as you would cowboy. They’re one and the same. However, cowboy boots often come with intricate details, new nooks and crannies, and other adornments. But they’re cowboy boots — and meant to be worn! So don’t stress too much about damaging yours during the cleaning process.
Apply your conditioner and wax, and polish if you wish, but check that your preferred formulas work for exotic leather, if yours are made from one.
How To Clean Rain or Duck Boots
Tools: a cotton towel, a sponge, shoe cleaner, tire cleaner, and a scrubbing brush
Rain boots are easy. Duck boots, too — but some come with leather uppers, so be mindful of those. Mostly because they’re usually made of rubber, but also because they’re designed to endure exposure to water. To clean them, take some shoe cleaner (others have used dish soap) and apply it to a towel or sponge and apply it in circular motions into the boot’s exterior. Do so over any stains or scuffs.
For bloom, a white film that forms on high quality rubber over time, apply a tiny bit of olive oil to a towel. Work it into the boot’s exterior with a towel, hydrating it and eliminating the film. Using tire cleaner and towel and the same process proves just as effective.
Rinse them off, and dry them off or let them air dry. Easy!
Mirror Glaze Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner
How To Clean Timberland Boots
Tools: suede brush, crepe block eraser, and baby wipes (or Timberland’s specialty kit)
Timberland’s most popular boot is made from waterproof leather. People freak out about cleaning them, though. The best way to avoid any unwanted discoloration or stains? Use a dry cleaning kit. Treat the leather like suede. Brush it with a suede brush, scrub it with an eraser, and wipe down the outsoles with baby wipes.
Dry Cleaning Kit-Timberland
How To Clean Ugg Boots
Tools: suede brush, Ugg’s specialty cleaning kit, baking soda
Uggs were all the rage a decade ago. But the company’s certainly not hurting. Uggs are still plenty popular, and, as such, millions meet their demise due to salt, snow, sleet, water and even mud each year. To clean them, treat them like suede. Use a brush to break apart crusted dirt and a crepe block eraser (be gentle) to get stubborn stains out. These boots don’t have a ton of structure so be sure to reinforce them from the inside as you scrub using your other hand or a wad of newspaper.
If you get them wet, wet the entire area as to avoid uneven stains. To clean the inside of your Ugg boots — aka remove unwanted odors — dump two tablespoons of baking soda inside. Let it sit overnight and vacuum it out before wearing.
The Best Boots for Men
This guide to the best boots for men covers nearly every category, including work boots, Chelseas, chukkas and more.
LEARN MORE
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
