Regular cleaning and proper care of your field, dress, or dressage boots can extend their life and keep them looking new. Follow these guidelines to keep your favorite boots in great shape. To browse our entire selection of tall boots online, click here.
- Wipe dirt, manure, and horse sweat from the surface of your tall riding boots with a barely damp cloth or sponge after every use. These contaminants leech moisture from the leather and can rot the stitching. Dust and dirt can cause abrasions and cracking.
- Use cleaning and conditioning products designed specifically for boots, rather than tack cleaners. You can choose from a range of products designed to clean and shine boots here. Never use household cleaners on your boots as they may permanently damage the leather. Check your boot manufacturer’s guidelines for the appropriate product. When it comes time to shine your tall riding boots, apply a boot cream or boot polish with a soft rag, then buff with a boot polishing brush followed by a clean rag until shiny.
- Protect your boots on wet days by using overshoes such as Tingley Rubbers. Remove overshoes before storage. Condensation forms between the boot, your foot, and the overshoe when worn, so air must be allowed to circulate and dry the sole of the boot to prevent mildew and preserve stitching. If your tall riding boots get wet, allow them to dry naturally at room temperature. Never place wet boots near a heat source such as a radiator, fireplace, wood stove, or space heater.
- Insert boot trees in your tall boots when not worn to maintain their shape and protect zippers. Cedar Boot Trees help repel moisture and pests, while plastic boot trees are a more economical option.
Note: Allow perspiration inside the boots to dry naturally before inserting plastic trees. Store tall riding boots in a temperature-controlled environment free from rodents. Extreme heat and cold are detrimental to leather.
Improperly stored tall riding boots without boot trees.
Properly stored tall riding boots with boot trees inserted.
How to Care for Boot Zippers
- Ensure your leg measurements do not exceed the size prescribed for your brand of boots.
- Pull the zipper down completely before slipping your foot in or out of the boot.
- Never force a zipper closed.
- Remove dust or sand from the zipper teeth with a toothbrush or similar tool. Add a little water if you need to remove salt.
- Use Zipper Ease® to extend zipper life and keep them working smoothly. This stick lubricant rubs on like a crayon for both metal and plastic zippers.
