If you collect fancy western boots, keeping them from turning into the crumpled wrecks littering antique stores is a major concern.  Who wants to tug on a pair of python boots and leave a blizzard of loose scales in their wake?  Boot lovers (and fetishists) probably lavish more love on their leather than any other part of our society – and they have a myriad of creams, oils, and sprays to prove it.  So, as my pairs of boots multiplied, determining the best way to-keep them fed and supple became a high priority. Where did I check?  Western boot stores, shoe repair shops and the website “A Tribute to Cowboy Boots.”   The last is a gem, frequented by boot makers and hard-core aficionados.  And what did I learn – how to extend the useful life of leather boots of all kinds, belts, and probably fancy leather armor.  (Check Google images for assorted examples of leather armor.)

First the do nots:

        1.     If you can buy it at Walmart, don’t.  In other words, no Kiwi.  Everyone gave it a hearty thumbs down.

        2.     Don’t use most saddle soaps.  They’re alkaline and will deteriorate leather over time.

        3.     If you have exotics like snake or anteater, don’t bother with fancy reptile cleaner.  It doesn’t do the job.  (My experience.)

        4.     Don’t wear the same boots every day.  (Probably applies to belts, too.)  They’ll have time to dry out and will last longer if you alternate them. 

        5.     Don’t overcondition your leather goods.

What you should do:

Normally, after wearing your boots, wipe off the dust wearing with a damp cloth.

If you’ve been stomping through a cattle pen or the swamps of the Estrella War, clean them with Fiebing’s Glycerine saddle soap.  Be careful, though.  Fiebing’s offers several types of saddle soap.  This one comes in a pump bottle like hand soap and is very gently on the leather.  (I think I bought mine at the local Tandy Leather Factory

Of all the cleaner conditioners, Bick 4 received the most praise.  And, not only does it feed boots, I have it on good authority that it softens calloused feet.   Locally, it’s available at Sheplers, a saddle shop in Wickenburg, and a couple of  western stores up in Cave Creek, but a quick Google search turns up providers to ship it anywhere.  Once a month, plan on settling in for some quality time with your leathers, a bottle of beer, and Bick 4.

When your boots are conditioned and dry, hide the scuffs with a coat of Meltonian leather cream, available online or from your local shoe repair shop.  For exotics, consider using Meltonian’s Delicate Boot Cream.

While your boots are resting, stick in a pair of cedar trees to keep the toes shaped and get some boot shapers/stretchers to keep the shaft from collapsing.  My favorite are “Booti”s, available on Ebay or from Germany.  They’re a flat piece of plastic that you roll up and stick into the boot tops.