Any recommendations for soap on leather riding boots?
As a general rule, any good soap made for leather (“saddle soap”) will work just fine. Do you have particular concerns you’re wanting to address?
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I usually use Castile soap for my everyday boots, no soap at all on my field boots/ anything polished.
just clean them with water… Vogel used to have a great cleaner/conditioner. I would not use saddle soap on them as sometimes they will never shine again
For paddock boots, any kind of saddle soap, glycerin soap, etc is fine. I just don’t clean mine…
For tall boots, water and polish only. Wipe them down with a damp sponge or rag after every ride - this will hugely increase their longevity. If they are really, really gross, use a little Ivory or Dawn dish soap in water. Then polish regularly. Never use saddle soap - it will strip the shine. This is per a 30 year Vogel employee, he knows his stuff!
Castile only. Been doing this for almost 40 years.
:encouragement: Agreed. Nearly 50 years here. I find glycerin soap leaves a residue. Castile does not.
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Everyone has forgotten how to care for high end leather footwear because we don’t really wear it much anymore.
Minimal soap unless it’s really dirty. But you use proper shoe polish like Kiwi paste polish, not saddle conditioner.
I clean the boots first with Stubben Leathersafe. This removes dirt, grit, unwanted oils, etc. Use it, let the boot dry, and then wipe down with a dry cloth.
Then I use a good quality creme polish, let it dry, then buff with a soft bristle brush. For a finer finish, butt out with a fleece cloth.
Or just do this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XB5ZxD6YS4
G.
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Does anybody know how to use a boning tool on boots? To get that shine? I have the tool, for bookbinding.
Oh okay! I didn’t know saddle soap would strip the shine 
What polish would you recommend?
I think I’ve always used Fiebing’s Boot Cream Polish. It used to come in a cute little glass jar. Not sure if it still does or not.
And I did use a bit of Saddle Soap on the inside of my boots to keep them soft, but not on the outside.
Aw fab, thank you! 
For my paddock boots and cheaper dress boots I always just used water to remove dirt and my tack cleaning spray for more intensive cleaning.
I just got my first pair of high quality (dressage) boots though. For these, I was told to use water or castile soap to clean (I’ve only used water so far). Then I was given a leather lotion. Apply. Once dry, I have a clear polish that I put on top.
I just got a pair of new Cavallo boots. They recommend regular cleaning with water and a soft cloth to remove dirt and sweat. For polishing they recommend a good leather shoe polish, such as Kiwi. Kiwi is what I have always used on my boots, as that is what I used for my uniform shoes when I was in the Navy.
I don’t think the bone (literally— that’s what it is) is used for smooth, skin-side up boots. Rather, I believe people used a bone to take down the nap of boots that were made rough side (fascia side) out. But I don’t know. I saw the bone in this old fox hunter’s kit. I saw the rough-out boots. Never saw him use the bone on them.
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Heads up, you guys:
I found that Angelus Leather Balm is the closest thing still made to Vogel Boot Creme.
Scope it out: https://angelusdirect.com/products/leather-balm-4-oz
Aw fab! I have Cavallo boots myself so will do this, thank you very much
