Best Way to Care for Leather Field Boots?

[Gidget]

Hi folks!

I think I just “might” have found my Holy Grail in pull-on field boots. I spotted a pair of “Ovation Finalists” in my size on ebay and bought them brand-new for a song.

They seem to fit perfectly right out of the box, and they’re SHORT, so even with the Spanish tops I think they’ll still work for sidesaddle.

Question:

What’s the best way to clean & care for them? Everything I’ve used in the past has either dried the leather out or left a yucky film.

Granted, these aren’t exactly the “top-of-line” in equestrian footwear, but I don’t want to ruin them either. Especially when it took me so long to find what I was looking for.

Thanks in advance for your input.

G.

[Gidget]

Um…anybody? :o

I know it probably sounds like a REALLY dumb question, but I’d love to know which products you’ve had the most success with and which ones you prefer to avoid. (Saddlesoap, leather conditioner, etc.)

[WNT]

I like Leather Therapy Wash, it cuts through grime without leaving residue. Avoid saddle soap, I discovered the hard way it attracts and retains moisture which breaks down the leather (this observation was corroborated by an Ariat rep). I like to use a cream polish, like Urad, as needed.

By the way, if you ever want them to shine up, do not use conditioner on them! Found that out the hard way, too.

[Guilherme]

Clean off mud and grime with a damp rag. If heavily caked get off as much as you can with fingers then use the damp rag. It’s OK to use the rag multiple times if the mud is heavy. Use something to clean the leather (I use Stubben Leathersafe). After it dries wipe it down with clean cloth. Then use a good quality cream polish (like Meltonian; apply with a soft bristle brush). Let dry for a couple of hours, then buff out with a soft bristle brush. Finally buff out with a soft cloth.

G.

[Gidget]

Thanks so much, you two! That helps a LOT!

I can see now where I’ve gone wrong in the past. I used saddle soap on my paddock boots for several weeks and now they look HORRIBLE. Then I used a cream that’s supposed to be a combination cleaner/conditioner on my Tredsteps and the leather started to “pucker” after two applications.

I’ll heed your advice from now on.

BTW, I think I figured out why these boots are on the shorter side. On second glance, I think they’re “Juniors.” (You know that akward age where kids’ feet grow before the rest of them?) LOL!

Oh well, whatever works right? :lol:

[Dewey]

Do NOT use any product you’d normally use on your saddle. It will ruin the finish. Clean with damp rag and then polish. Use Lexol or whatever only on the inside of the boot, and only if it’s needed (if, for example, you’re having trouble breaking in the stiff ankle).

[Gidget]

Thanks, Dewey!

I’m SO glad I asked the question now. I can’t afford to “eff” up another pair.

[Guilherme]

Stubben Leathersafe is designed for saddles and works quite well on boots.

I would agree that there are a lot of products designed for saddles that are not a good idea on boots.

G.

[Jo]

There is a thread in the Eventing forum with reviews about Bensmom’s soap - it is AWESOME - I use it religiously on my boots and all my leather goods. I keep a sponge in the container, wet it, pick up a little soap, and clean off my boots after almost every ride. LOVE IT.

http://www.higherstandardsleathercare.com