Your riding boots work as hard as you do. Whether you’re in the saddle, exercising your horse, or tackling barn chores, they’re exposed to dirt, sweat, and rain–all of which can quickly leave them looking dull and worn. In the equestrian world, a polished appearance is key, but keeping your boots clean and well-maintained isn’t just about style–it’s about respecting the sport and protecting your investment.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best way to clean your leather riding boots and share tips to help you keep them looking their best for years to come.
What you’ll need
Before you start cleaning your riding boots, it’s important to gather the right supplies. A common mistake equestrians make is using tack cleaners on their boots. Tack cleaners are designed for the thicker leather of saddles and other equipment, but they’re too harsh for the fine leather used in riding boots. Over time, these products can damage the leather or strip its color.
To properly clean and maintain your leather riding boots, you’ll need:
- A damp cloth or sponge: For loosening dirt, mud, and sweat.
- Dry cloths or sponges: To apply leather conditioner and polish.
- A toothbrush: Gets into hard-to-reach areas like the sole, toe, and zipper.
- A soft-bristled brush: For buffing polish to a shine.
- Leather conditioner: Keeps leather soft and flexible to prevent cracking.
- Leather polish or cream: Restores color, protects the leather, and adds shine.
- Leather boot cleaner: Targets tough stains without causing damage.
How to clean your riding boots
Learn how to clean your riding boots like a pro with tips from R.J. Classics Sponsored Rider Sandy Ferrell.
1. Brush it off
Start by using a toothbrush to clean the leather where it meets the sole, paying extra attention to the toe caps—they tend to take the most wear in the arena. A toothbrush is also handy for removing dirt from the zipper.
2. Wipe with water
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the leather, removing any loose dirt, mud, and sweat. Focus on cleaning in between the creases to ensure you don’t miss a spot.
3. Spot clean
For stubborn stains that won’t come out with water, treat the area with a high-quality leather boot cleaner. Avoid using harsh cleaners that aren’t made for boot leather, as they can damage your boots.
4. Condition
If the leather feels dry, apply leather conditioner with a clean cloth or sponge. Starting at the bottom, work in small circular motions until the leather feels soft and flexible again.
5. Polish
With a dry cloth or sponge, apply a little bit of boot polish or cream, making sure to work it into all the creases. To maintain grip and avoid transferring polish to your horse or saddle pad, skip polishing the inside panel of your boots. Consider using clear polish for a mess-free shine, reserving black polish for touching up scuffs on the toes and near the sole.
6. Buff
Once the polish has absorbed, buff the boots with a soft-bristled brush. Use quick, back-and-forth motions to bring out the shine. If you’re using a no-buff polish, you can skip this step.
How often should you clean your riding boots?
Form your boot cleaning routine based on how often you use them. For boots worn daily, aim to clean them once a week and condition them once a month. If you live in a dry climate, conditioning more often will help prevent the leather from drying out and cracking.
If you save your tall boots for shows and clinics and wear paddock boots with half chaps for everyday rides, a good rule of thumb is to never put your boots away dirty and always store them properly. That way, they’re always clean and just need a quick shine the next time you wear them. During the off-season or times you don’t wear them as much, monthly touch-up cleanings are usually enough. Don’t forget to clean your paddock boots, though! They face just as much wear and tear and deserve the same care as your tall boots.
No matter how often you clean your boots, get in the habit of removing dirt, manure, and sweat after every ride. These can build up quickly and damage the leather if ignored. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each ride makes a big difference in protecting your boots.
Learn more: How to Wash and Care for Equestrian Apparel
The importance of keeping clean boots
Keeping your riding boots clean is about more than just appearances–it’s essential for their longevity and functionality. Here’s why a regular cleaning routine is so important:
Protect the leather
Dirt and other contaminants absorb moisture from the leather, which can lead to cracks and weaken or rot the stitching. Regular cleaning prevents premature damage.
Maximize durability
Riding boots are an investment, and maintaining the leather ensures they last longer. Clean boots are less prone to damage, giving you years of reliable wear and saving you money on replacements.
Look professional
For competitions, polished boots are a must. They make a good impression and honor the tradition of the equestrian sport, helping you stand out in the show ring.
Preserve functionality
Regular conditioning and polishing help the leather retain its elasticity and waterproofness, keeping your boots comfortable and functional in all weather conditions.
Maintain grip
Clean boots provide better grip in the stirrups, helping you stay secure in the saddle and avoid slips during your ride.
Improve comfort
Well-maintained boots mold to your feet more effectively and stay free of bad creases, cracks, or stiffness. More flexible boots make for a more comfortable ride.
Save the zippers
Dust and mud can clog zipper tracks, making them difficult to use or prone to breaking. Regular cleaning keeps zippers in top condition, extending the life of your boots.
Minimize wear and tear
Your boots absorb shock with every step and ride. Prioritizing maintenance protects them from the scratches and creases that naturally occur with daily use.
By keeping your riding boots clean and well-maintained, you not only extend their lifespan but also ensure they perform their best, keeping you comfortable and safe both in and out of the saddle.
What not to do when cleaning your riding boots
Leather riding boots are expensive and require intensive care to keep them in good condition. While it’s important to clean them the right way, avoiding common mistakes is just as crucial. Here’s what not to do when caring for your boots:
Don't use glycerin soap, tack cleaner, or household cleaners
Glycerin soap and tack cleaners are too harsh for the fine leather used in riding boots. Similarly, household cleaners can strip the leather’s color and damage its finish. Always use products specifically designed for leather boots to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
Don’t dry your boots with direct heat
Drying your boots by a heater, in direct sunlight, or with a hairdryer can cause the leather to dry out, crack, or warp. Instead, let your boots air dry at room temperature for the best results.
Don’t polish the inside panels
Polishing the part of your boots that sits against your horse can make the leather slick, reducing your grip in the saddle. It can also transfer polish onto your tack and create a mess. Only polish the outer areas that show when you ride.
Don’t polish your boots while wearing show breeches
Boot polish can easily stain your breeches, leaving you scrambling for a backup pair before your turn in the show ring. Polish your boots ahead of time and let them dry completely before putting on your show outfit.
Learn how to pack for a horse show →
Tips for cleaning your riding boots
Keep your riding boots in great shape with these helpful tips:
- Polish your boots while wearing them (just not with your show breeches!) or with one arm inside to make it easier to move around and reach every part of the leather.
- Liquify your boot polish by lighting it on fire briefly. This helps the polish seep into wrinkles and creases for a smooth, long-lasting finish.
- Dry wet boots properly by soaking up excess water inside with newspaper or a towel, then letting them air dry at room temperature. Avoid wearing them until they’re completely dry.
- Clean your boots at the end of each show day so they’re polished and ready to shine for the next morning.
- Use a polishing sponge to touch up your boots right before entering the ring for a quick, show-ready shine.
- Store your boots carefully with boot trees or a boot bag to maintain their shape and protect them from scratches or dust.
- Lubricate sticky zippers with a product like Zipper-Ease or zipper spray to keep them functioning smoothly.
- Repair rather than replace–the leather, zippers, and soles of your boots can often be repaired by a professional, saving you the cost of new boots.
- Consider paddock boots for everyday wear if you can’t commit to cleaning tall boots weekly. They’re easier to maintain and don’t require as much care to keep their shape.
These simple steps will keep your boots looking sharp and performing their best, whether you're in the barn or the show ring.
Finish the look with polished style
Now that your boots are clean and polished, complete the look with a polished show outfit. The R.J. Classics collection features show shirts, coats, breeches, and schooling shirts in modern, elegant styles that perfectly complement your well-maintained boots. Shop our latest styles to shine in the show ring.
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