Boot Care Guide
Keep them looking brilliant, for years to come
Choose your care products by the leather finish, not just by the boot colour. Waxed leather needs cleaning, protection and conditioning — suede and nubuck need brushing, gentle cleaning and specialist nap-leather sprays.
Choose your leather type
Waxed Leather
Smooth or slightly waxy grain leather. Often creases naturally across the foot.
Clean & feedNo soaking
Suede
Soft, open, velvety nap that changes shade when brushed.
Brush & sprayNo dubbin
Crushed Nubuck / Nubuck
Fine, short nap with a softer matte look. Crushed nubuck has a more directional, mottled texture.
Gentle brushNo waxing flat
Simple 5-step care routine
Brush off dirt
Remove dry mud from the upper, sole edge, stitching and zip teeth.
Clean gently
Lukewarm water sparingly on waxed leather. Suede/nubuck products for nap finishes.
Dry naturally
Around 24 hours in a ventilated room. Never a radiator, fire or direct sun.
Protect
Apply the correct protector spray once the boot is clean and dry.
Feed or revive
Feed waxed leather with dubbin or wax. Revive suede/nubuck with brushing and colour spray.
Recommended products
Waxed leather should be cleaned before it is fed. If you apply dubbin or polish over mud, grit or stable dirt, you seal that dirt into the surface. Pay extra attention to the foot crease, zip area and stitching.
Recommended products
Suede is more delicate than smooth waxed leather. The aim is to lift the nap, remove dry dirt and protect the surface without flattening it. Always let wet mud dry before brushing.
Recommended products
Nubuck is made from the outer side of the hide and has a fine sanded nap. Crushed nubuck has a more irregular, directional finish, so avoid smooth-leather waxes and creams that can flatten or darken it.
Yard, riding and wet weather guidance
Leather boots last longer when they are matched to the job. Riding boots are not a replacement for yard boots. Constant exposure to muck, standing water and horse sweat will shorten the life of leather, stitching and zips.
- Use a second practical pair for mucking out, field work and heavy yard duties where possible.
- Clean zips regularly with a small brush so grit does not sit between the teeth.
- Never force a dirty zip. Open the zip fully before putting the boot back on.
- Remove laces and clean them separately. Wet, dirty laces can become brittle.
- If the lining gets wet, stuff the boots with paper and change it as it absorbs moisture.
- Store long boots upright and dry. Avoid folding damp leather.
Never do these
- Never dry leather boots on a radiator, by a fire or in direct contact with heat.
- Never leave boots covered in mud until the leather dries out and cracks.
- Never use aggressive detergents or household cleaning products.
- Never put dubbin, wax polish or heavy cream on suede, nubuck or crushed nubuck.
- Never store boots while damp.
Not sure whether your boots are waxed leather, suede or crushed nubuck? Ask before applying any product — a quick check can prevent darkening, flattening or staining.