It’s pouring outside. It’s raining outside. And you want to go exploring in your boots…
Water damage, on the other hand, may be devastating to those fine boots of yours. Those treasured cowboy boots might be ruined by the harsh winter or springtime if you’re not attentive.
Even while cowboy boots are designed to withstand heavy use, mud pools, and rough paths, they may have a limited lifetime if not properly cared for.
Whenever cowboy boots are subjected to damp for an extended period of time, the leather may get stretched, stained, split, creased, and mildewy. Water erodes the leather’s integrity, causing this to become wet and distorted, not to ever be the same form again.
After getting your boots submerged in water, you’ll need to be diligent about drying them off. Avoid putting your soaked cowboy boots near a heat source such as a heater vent, fireplace, wood stove or blow dryer. It’s a sure-fire method to sabotage them.
High heat may melt any protective coatings or adhesives on your boots, causing the leather to become more distressed and the sole to distort. When your feet are chilly and fatigued, avoid the temptation to curl up in front of an open fire like an old-fashioned forester. Always take off your boots first and air dry them in a warm, dry location.
Key Info
| Steps | Waterproofing Cowboy Boots |
|---|---|
| Clean the Boots | Scrub the boots clean using a dry towel and brush. |
| Choose the Right Protectant | Ensure the boot maker recommends a specific protectant for your brand of boots. Test a small portion of leather first to check for any color changes with oil-based compounds. |
| Conditioners | Apply a high-quality leather conditioner to keep your boots flexible and protect them from water. Gently work the conditioner into the leather using a soft towel in small circular motions. Remove any excess oil after about 12 hours. |
| Waterproofing Sprays | Choose a non-silicone or low-silicone waterproofing spray. Apply the spray after conditioning to create a transparent, waterproof layer on the leather. Allow it to dry for less than 30 minutes. |
| Mink Oil | Consider using mink oil for effective waterproofing. Massage the warmed oil into the leather and allow it to absorb overnight. Remove any excess oil the next day. |
| Drying | Allow the boots to air dry naturally overnight after applying any conditioning or waterproofing products. |
How To Waterproof Cowboy Boots?
High-quality cowboy boots, such as those found at Harry’s Boots, are crafted of the finest leather and, thanks to their superior workmanship, are almost waterproof. Applying any kind of water-resistant coating to your boots may extend their lifespan by several years or even decades.
In order to get started, you must read this:
Using a dry towel and brush, scrub your cowboy boots clean.
Ensure that the boot maker recommends a specific protectant for the brand you are purchasing.
Use a tiny portion of the leather to try out your waterproofing procedure prior to going all-out on a whole boot. The darker the leather, the more likely it is that oil-based compounds will darken it.
OPTIONS FOR PROTECTION
#1 Conditioners:
The majority of high-quality leather conditioners are water-resistant on their own. In addition to keeping your boots flexible and beautiful, conditioning them also helps keep water out of the fibers. However, don’t wear cowboy boots to the lake, but wetness won’t be an issue with proper leather care.
When applying the conditioner, gently work it into the leather with a soft towel (such as a chamois or terry cloth) in a small circular motion. In order to get the best results, it’s important to know how much you’ll need for each boot. When the conditioner stops soaking and a thin film covers the surface, you’ve applied enough.
Remove any remaining oil from the boots by wiping them with a dry towel after they’ve been submerged in in it for about 12 hours. As the conditioner absorbs, the boot hue may appear darker for several days. You should condition your boots once a month, depending on their age and kind, as well as how frequently you use them.
#2 Waterproofing Sprays
Waterproofing sprays are fast and simple, but they may dry out the leather if they include silicone. When choosing a waterproofing spray, opt for one that is non-silicone or low-silicone. After conditioning, use the spray to produce a sleek, transparent, waterproof layer around the leather.
Spray protectants have the advantage of being convenient and not causing discoloration. The drying time is generally less than 30 minutes. UV-resistant sprays are ideal for suede and other exotic leathers since the color will not fade.
#3 Mink Oil:
When it comes to waterproofing leather boots, the most common recommendation is Mink Oil. The oil’s fatty acids keep the leather supple while also protecting it from abrasions and moisture from the outside. Waterproofing sprays are quicker to apply, but this method will increase the lifespan of your boots far more substantially.
Early hunters utilized mink oil to make their leather boots more flexible and weather resistant, and it is currently used to produce and preserve the world’s best leather products.
Once the leather has been massaged and warmed by a blow dryer or the sun, you’re ready to wear your leather goods again with confidence! Allowing for better absorption by helping to soften and warm the oil. Overnight drying is the best way to get rid of the extra oil.
Meet Craig, the leather guru behind a store and blog that helps you find the best leather products. When he’s not curating lists of top-tier leather items, he’s hiking Table Mountain or walking his dog. Trust his picks, and you’ll never feel leather regret.