How to look after your leather boots in the extremes of British weather!

Too hot, bitterly cold, excessively wet or no rain for weeks. The British weather can be hard work for people, horses, yards and boots, so your leather needs a little regular care to stay supple and useful.

Bareback Footwear was built for real countryside conditions. With a few minutes of cleaning, drying and treating, your boots will last longer, feel better and keep doing the things you bought them for.

Important information about leather

Your Bareback boots are made using quality leathers for comfort, style and performance. All leather needs care, especially when it is exposed to mud, manure, salt water, wet grass, dust and yard waste.

Always remove corrosive dirt and waste from your boots with fresh clean water or the correct leather cleaner, then let them dry naturally before applying protector or conditioner. Never dry leather beside a radiator, fire or direct heat.

The correct products are essential. Waxed leather, suede and nubuck need different care, and the wrong product can darken, flatten or mark the finish. If you are unsure, test a small hidden area first or ask us before applying product.

Wet and Wild Winters

Leather is a natural material, so repeated soaking, mud and cold wet conditions can affect its life span. Clean boots after heavy use, pay attention to zips and stitching, and let the leather dry at room temperature before treating it.

If your boots get caked in mud and dirt:

• Remove the worst of the dirt from the upper, sole edge, stitching and zip teeth.
• Clean with fresh water or Leather Cleaner foam to lift mud, salt and yard waste from the leather.
• Dry naturally in a ventilated room. If the lining is wet, stuff the boots with paper and change it as it absorbs moisture.
• Protect and condition waxed leather once it is clean and dry.

Our best boots for dry, warm feet during wet weather are in our Waterproof collection.

Dry and Dusty Summers

Dry, dusty ground can pull moisture from leather and leave grit in creases, zips and stitching. Brush off dust regularly and clean your boots before feeding the leather, otherwise you can seal grit into the surface.

Nubuck/Suede

With suede or nubuck, do not submerge the boots and do not use dubbin or wax. Let mud dry, brush gently, then use a suitable nubuck/suede care product.

Waxed leather boots and shoes

For waxed leather, the Waxed Leather Boots Care Package includes everything needed to clean, protect and condition Bareback waxed leather boots and shoes: Leather Cleaner foam with a hog hair application brush, Leather Protector and Waterproofer, Luxury Dubbin, a branded cloth and a storage bag.

1. Clean: use Bareback Footwear Leather Cleaner foam to lift dirt, remove stains and restore boots without compromising the colour or finish.
2. Protect: once clean and dry, apply Bareback Footwear Leather Protector and Waterproofer to help guard against water, mud and everyday wear.
3. Condition: use Bareback Footwear Luxury Dubbin to soften, condition and help waterproof the leather. Its almond oil and natural waxes replenish dry or worn leather and add water-repellent properties.

Suitable for all Bareback waxed leather styles, including Andalucia, Quebec, Lucianna Brown, Dakota, Rocky, Bronx, Buffalo, Hudson, Kentucky, Roxy Waxed, Idaho, Windsor, Ohio, Dixie, Burlington, Delaware, Ottowa, Alaska, Nebraska and Polar Footbed.

Big no-nos

• Never leave your boots covered in muck and mud to dry out without cleaning or treatment.
• Never dry your boots in direct contact with a heat source such as a radiator or fireplace.
• Do not use aggressive products or household detergents to clean the boots.
• Do not use dubbin, wax polish or heavy creams on suede, nubuck or crushed nubuck.
• Never store boots when damp or folded.
• Do not leave zips full of dirt or force them open or closed.
• Do not soak laces or leave them next to a heat source.

Your Bareback boots will only look and wear for years to come if you look after them well.

Do you have a specific question about your boots? Ask us below.