Anyone who owns a pair knows there’s something special about a pair of cowboy boots. More than most other types of footwear, these statement pieces say something about who you are and the image you want to present to the world.

But with such iconic footwear comes the responsibility to take good care of your cowboy boots. After all, these special boots are usually a considerable investment. Plus, if you love your cowboy boots, you want to ensure that they look as good as possible for as long as possible.

In this guide, we’ll share the tips and tools you need to make caring for your beloved cowboy boots easy and effective. We’ll also introduce you to Boot Buddy, the boot-cleaning tool that is going to make cleaning your boots so easy, that you’ll always have them ready to wear in tip-top condition.

Caring for your cowboy boots may seem like a chore, but with the right know-how and the right tools, you can easily get into the habit of properly cleaning your boots in a way that will extend their life and ensure they always look their best.

Before you start cleaning your cowboy boots, it’s a good idea to carry out a few basic prep steps.

Firstly, remove the inner soles. You can clean these separately, if required, but removing them before cleaning your boots will give them a chance to air and prevent the build-up of unpleasant odors. Once the inner soles are removed, insert scrunched-up newspaper or cedar shoe tree into the boots. This will help them retain their shape throughout the cleaning process, and also help to speed up both cleaning and drying times.

Next, clean away any excess dirt, mud, dust or grime from the surface of the boots. You can use a paper towel to do this, or a cloth you keep solely for your cowboy boots.

Now your boots are ready for a good clean. There are slightly different methods, depending on the material of your boots, so make sure to select the right steps for you.

Leather is a hard-wearing material and can usually cope with a degree of moisture. However, it’s best to avoid getting leather boots soaking wet, as this can create unsightly marks and damage the lifespan of the material.

To clean leather boots, use a soft cloth or brush and a small amount of water mixed with a cleaning detergent. You can use basic dish soap to remove most types of dirt and grime, and a small amount of baking soda can also help to eliminate odors. Dip the brush or cloth into the soapy water and apply to the boots in gentle, circular motions. Take care not to get excess water on the boots, using as little as possible to clean away the dirt.

As an alternative to dish soap, you can buy specialist leather cleaning solutions that are designed specifically for cleaning leather footwear without damaging the boots or leaving watermarks. Follow the instructions provided, and when your boots are clean, use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess cleaning solution.

Use an old toothbrush or special boot-cleaning tool to remove dirt from the welt, again taking care to not soak the leather upper.

When you’ve finished cleaning, it’s best to let the boots air dry. Never be tempted to use any direct heat to speed up the drying process, as this can dry out the leather and lead to cracks and creases.

Suede boots need to be cleaned differently to leather boots. This is because suede can be easily damaged by water and liquid cleaning solutions. You don’t want stains and watermarks on your favorite cowboy boots, so it’s important to use cleaning methods designed for suede footwear.

You can prepare suede cowboy boots for cleaning as normal, but when it comes to the cleaning stage, it’s best to use a suede cleaning block to remove any dirt or marks. If you’d prefer to clean the boots using a cloth, use only a small amount of moisture to slightly dampen the cloth. You can also use a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to remove stains or grime. Alternatively, you can use a special suede cleaning solution, again with just a small amount of water.

If you’d like to take your boot care to the next level - and make the maintenance easier - it’s a good idea to treat them with a conditioner or protective treatment.

For leather cowboy boots, use a leather conditioner or oil, which is designed to moisturize the material, as well as protecting it from future damage or marks. If you like your leather to shine, conditioners can also help to polish the leather, as well as remove scratches. 

All you need to do is massage a little of the conditioner into the leather with a soft brush, once the boots are fully dry. Allow the conditioner to sit on the material for the required time, to soak into the leather, then wipe away any residue.

For suede cowboy boots, it’s best to apply a special suede spray or protection treatment before the first use, but if you’ve already worn your boots, they will still benefit from a protective layer that will prevent further marks and protect from rain and dirt.

When it comes to removing stains, one pro tip from suede experts is to never spot-clean your cowboy boots to remove a mark or stain, as this can darken the area or lead to unsightly watermarks. Always clean the entire boot, whichever method you choose.

Having a dedicated Boot Buddy for your favorite cowboy boots will make keeping them clean and smart so much easier. This handy, compact, specially designed boot-cleaning tool makes basic cleaning a breeze.

Made from durable materials, Boot Buddy helps you to make light work of cleaning your cowboy boots, so you’ll never be tempted to skip the basic maintenance this iconic footwear deserves. The body of the tool contains the cleaning liquid, so you can ensure you have your preferred cleaning solution always at the ready, for whenever your boots need a quick spruce up or a deeper clean.

The head of the tool features a bristle brush for pre-cleaning prep, working the liquid into the boots, and brushing away dirt and debris. Crucially, you can control how much liquid is applied to the boot, which is vital for specialist materials, especially exotic leathers such as lizard or python.

Best of all, Boot Buddy is small, portable, and travel-friendly, so it can go wherever your boots take you.

Whether you opt for a simple pair of understated suede boots, or the statement look of decorative leather, taking a moment or two for the proper care of your cowboy boots is essential to keeping them looking their best. Now you know the tips and tricks for this important maintenance work, find out how Boot Buddy can make it all so much easier by checking out the full range here.