How to Care for Browning Boots

The most reliable boots merit loving care

Once you have invested in a pair of high-quality leather boots, take vigilant care of them to ensure years of comfort. The premise is simple: boots worn to shield feet from water, excessive temperatures, debris and dirt need protection from the elements in order to serve their long-term purpose. No boots last forever. To bolster any style's endurance, avoid wearing them under conditions harsher than they were designed for.

Things You'll Need

• Medium-bristle shoe brush
• Clean, soft and dry cloths
• Clean moist cloths
• Water-repellent spray (for suede)
• Water-proofing pastes (for most leathers)

Instructions

Wipe your feet

1. To keep boots looking and feeling their best, clean them thoroughly after every wear.
   Rinse heavy debris away outdoors.
   Wipe boot interior clean with moist cloth.
   Use soft dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
   Allow boots to dry at room temperature.

2. Treat the boots' leather as if it were skin that needs constant replenishment. Once boots are clean and dry, apply factory-recommended conditioning products to leather (not suede) surfaces; use a clean cloth and a circular motion.
   Wipe excess conditioning product away from all surface and allow time to dry.
   Suede should be brushed thoroughly to remove surface soil. Use spray-on repellents against moisture and stains for suede surfaces.

3. Brush seams and upper crevices to dislodge stubborn dust. Protective products, moisture and debris can accumulate over time and erode boots at crucial points, and they also discolor leather.

4. Examine boots periodically for signs of disrepair. Broken seams or stitches can worsen over time. Soles that get dislodged, even partially, can be a tripping hazard. Qualified shoe repair shops can determine how best to salvage boots in need of repair.

5. Ward off the eventual signs of aging by applying recommended creams/waxes to the leather surface on a generous and regular basis. Water-proofing ointments should be allowed time to penetrate the surface. Wipe away excess product before drying.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult an expert retailer for the best cleaning, conditioning and water-proofing products for your boots.

• Once soil and moisture are allowed to accumulate, they degrade the integrity of the boots. Seams can gradually deteriorate, the leather's appearance diminishes and fasteners (straps, laces) can slowly shred.

• Do not expose boots -- wet or dry -- to excessive heat. The leather can prematurely shrink and crack, and seams and stitches can be distressed.

References

• Browning Boots
• Danner Bootmaker Workshop
• Bass Pro Shops

Resources

• Tim's Boots