You're proud of your new cowboy boots and can't help but admire their detailed stitching and authentic hide. You almost don't want to wear them and risk the wear and tear on their pristine leather.

But don't let your newly bought boots go to waste just because you can't bear to see them scuffed. With regular care, you can keep even worn cowboy boots looking almost as good as new. These tips will help you clean, condition, and protect your boots to keep them shiny and sturdy.

Clean Your Boots After Each Wear

Give your boots a quick wipe-down after every wear. A soft brush or a dry cloth will remove loose dirt, dust, and grime that accumulates throughout the day.

For a more thorough clean, use a damp cloth. Gently wipe down the entire surface of the boot. Pay extra attention to the seams and any decorative stitching where dirt tends to collect.

If you encounter stubborn scuffs or stains, you can use a pencil eraser to remove them from certain types of leather, specifically smooth, finished leathers. But avoid using this method on delicate or porous materials like suede, nubuck, or unfinished leather; the friction can damage the surface, alter the finish, or even leave an oily residue. Rub the pencil eraser lightly over the mark to lift it without abrading the surface.

For oil or grease stains, sprinkle some cornstarch on the spot, let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oil, and then gently brush it off.

Let Your Boots Air Dry Naturally

Water is one of leather's biggest foes. After you clean your boots or if they get caught in a downpour, you need to dry them properly. Never use direct heat sources like a hairdryer, radiator, or open flame. This type of intense heat can cause the leather to shrink, crack, and become brittle.

Instead, let your boots air dry at room temperature. Stuff them with newspaper or cedar boot trees. The paper or wood will absorb excess moisture from the inside and help the boots retain their shape as they dry. This process can take a day or two, but patience is your friend here.

If your boots are particularly wet, you might need to change the newspaper a few times. Once the outside of the boot feels dry to the touch, you can remove the stuffing and let the inside air out completely before you wear them again.

Condition the Leather Regularly

Conditioning is a necessary part of keeping your cowboy boots looking new. Leather is a natural material that needs moisture to stay supple and strong. A quality leather conditioner replenishes the oils that are lost over time through exposure to the elements. Applying conditioner regularly prevents the leather from drying out and developing cracks.

Apply a small amount of conditioner to a clean, soft cloth. Work it into the leather using small, circular motions. Cover the entire surface of the boot evenly. Let the conditioner sit for the time recommended on the product label, which is typically around 15 to 30 minutes. Then, buff off any excess with a clean cloth to restore the shine. You should condition your boots every few months, or more often if you live in a dry climate.

Protect Your Boots From the Elements

Before you wear your new boots for the first time, treat them with a water and stain repellent spray. This creates a protective barrier on the leather's surface that repels moisture and prevents stains from setting in.

Reapply the protective spray every few months to maintain its effectiveness. If you frequently wear your boots in wet or muddy conditions, you may need to apply this spray more often.

For an extra layer of protection, you can apply a wax-based polish. This gives your boots a beautiful shine and an extra barrier against water and dirt. Apply the polish with a soft cloth or brush, let it dry, and then buff your boots to a high gloss.

Store Your Boots Correctly

How you store your boots when you're not wearing them affects their longevity. Never toss them in a pile at the bottom of your closet. This can cause the shafts to bend and crease, and the leather can get scuffed or damaged.

Store your boots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the color of the leather and cause it to dry out. A closet is a fine spot, as long as it's well-ventilated. You can also keep your boots in their original box or a cloth boot bag for extra protection against dust and scuffs.

To help your boots retain their shape when storing them, use boot trees, which are inserts placed inside to keep them upright and prevent creasing. If you don't have boot trees, you can stuff the shafts with rolled-up magazines or custom boot shapers.

Address Repairs Promptly

Even with the best care, your boots will experience some wear. If you want to catch damage early, inspect them regularly. Check the condition of the soles, heels, and stitching. Issues like cracked leather, loose stitching, and worn-out soles need immediate attention if you want to keep them from worsening over time.

While you can fix minor scuffs and conditioning issues at home, you should take your boots to a cobbler for any major repairs. A skilled cobbler can replace worn-out soles and heels, restitch seams, and fix other damage. Cobblers have specialized tools and expertise that allow them to quickly and effectively fix issues in a way you won't be able to at home.

Rotate Your Boot Collection

If you own multiple pairs of cowboy boots, rotate them. Avoid wearing the same pair every single day. This gives each pair a chance to rest and air out between wears. The leather needs time to breathe and recover from the stress of being worn.

Alternating your boots also allows any moisture from your feet to evaporate completely. This prevents the buildup of bacteria in the boot, which can lead to unpleasant odors and fungal infections.

While it might be a bummer to have to put away your favorite boots for a while, think of it in a positive light. You’ll get a chance to show off your different styles! Each pair of boots has its own character, so give them all a chance to shine.

Look Forward to Every Wear

Don't let the fear of ruining your boots stop you from wearing them. With these tips for keeping your cowboy boots looking new, you won't have to worry about the occasional scuff or splash because you'll know how to deal with them.

At Eli's Western Wear, we have ladies' cowboy boots in a variety of styles. Ready for your own pair to cherish? Find your perfect match here. All our boots are durable, sturdy, and come from trusted brands like Ariat International and Durango Boot. Come shop and find a pair that works as hard as you do and that you'll love to care for in return.