Shoe enthusiasts will agree that leather boots are both functional and fashionable. People love owning this footwear for its steadiness and reliability. However, with constant wear, the material begins to dry up and crack.
A proper care routine is vital to extend the life of your leather boots. With this practice, you can ensure the longevity of your beloved leather boots. Taking care of the boot is easy with better storage, cleaning, protection, and occasional repair.
Restoring the shine and sturdiness of your favorite boot is easy. Follow this guide to protect your expensive leather boots from dullness and creases.
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Why Do Leather Boots Crack?
Leather comes from nature that makes it a versatile material. It has a unique texture that is prone to imperfections. The creation of leather comes from animal skins. Indeed, this makes it adaptable, though susceptible to change.
Boots made of leather are the most comfortable footwear for many. However, some visible wear and tear are inevitable with extensive use.
The natural animal skin contributes to the disfigured appearance of these used stylish boots. Moreover, the surface of the leather is porous that traps all sorts of dirt and oil.
The pores allow external filth to accumulate, making your leather boots crack. The discoloring caused by the oil irritates the dye on the boot.
Exposure to a harsh environment with low humidity will dry out your leather boot. When it comes to leather boot cracks, the weather is the most deceitful culprit.
Leather boots are a worthy investment, nonetheless.
Different Types Of Leather Boots
To make Leather boots, the use of a long-lasting and star quality material is vital. More than being comfortable, these boots can be styled with both formal and informal outfits.
There are diverse forms and types of leather in the market. The material used in the manufacture of leather boots can never be equal. The production of these boots can be in different designs, shapes and, quality of leather.
The production of leather uses unique techniques and treatments. The use of different methods contributes to the significant variations in the leather. To clarify, these are the authentic leather boot materials:
Suede Leather
Being made out of the lean buffed flesh side of the leather, it’s delicate. Boots manufactured with “suede leather” are usually light and perfect for the summer.
With proper care, the spongy texture of this leather stays intact. Besides, keep these boots away from water and cleaned after every use.
Vegetable Tanned Leather
The leather boots made from this process are natural in color. The tanning of tree barks and vegetables makes this leather. Furthermore, the boot can darken in color over time.
This material produces stiff boots suited for casual wear. Without the necessary care, the “vegetable tanned leather” may shrink. Moreover, any contact with water will make it brittle.
Pull-Up Leather
The color of this leather lightens when pinched due to the vigorous waxing and oiling. It is a range of low-maintenance casual boots produced with “pull-up leather.”
It ages well due to the absorption of different types of scuffs and scrapes.
Rough-Out Leather
Mountaineer and military boots use this type of leather. The “rough-out leather” boots are thick and low maintenance. The boot made from this full-grain leather suggests a style that seems dressed-down.
Simple Tips To Save Your Leather Boot From Cracking
Cleaning and conditioning your leather boot is a crucial step towards their protection. Failing to store it indoors can lead to material deterioration.
It’s advised not to leave your leather boots outside. Regularly leaving them outdoors will lead to cracks in the leather. Exposure to sunlight, rain, and dirt will discolor your boot and wear them out faster.
Protecting leather boots from moisture is crucial. The use of waterproofing agents will guard your favorite boot against cracks. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn the steps involved in the process.
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Protect Them
Before using your leather boots, it’s best to apply a leather protector. You can use any waterproofing agents along with it. Moreover, you can use beeswax on standard boots.
Letting them air dry is imperative, so keep that in mind. You may use the spray, cream, or oil leather conditioner, once every week.
Taking care of leathers like Suede and Nubuck requires more precision. These leather boots are of a soft texture that requires no conditioning. However, you can use “Nikwax Nubuck & Suede” for the same.
Drying the outside of the boot every time it gets wet is essential. Make sure to keep your beloved leather boots away from any source of heat.
Keep Them Clean
You can use a soft-bristled brush to clean the creases of the boot. A dry brush or a cloth is best to brush off the dust from the seams. Furthermore, being gentle is the key ingredient while cleaning your leather boot.
You can clean any stubborn dirt with saddle soap. You may gently lather the soap using a nylon brush. Moreover, you can use baby soap with lukewarm water to wash away the grime with a damp cloth.
The use of premium shine cloths will enhance your boot’s shine. It will evenly distribute the moisture after cleaning.
The use of castor oil can eliminate the formation of creases. Applying a light coat will hinder the settling of an already formed crease.
Make sure to use a trusted boot polish along with a microfiber cloth. However, you can use a low pH shampoo to get rid of the sweat odor from the boots.
Store Them Right
You can buy a cedar wood boot tree to retain the shape of your boot. It is a stand that helps to maintain the shape of the boot when stored.
Storing them in the right shape will reduce the chance of folds and creases. You need to avoid keeping the leather boots under direct light. Undoubtedly, you can store them in a well-ventilated closet or room.
Hopefully, this maintenance guide gave you a basic idea about leather boot protection.
Here are some pointers to repair already cracked boots:
- Use gentle motion using a soft and dry brush to wipe out the dirt,
- Apply mink oil to cracks using a metal spoon,
- You can utilize premium leather filler to buff out the cracks using sandpaper,
- Finally, use a shoe cream and apply Nikwax for the best results.
Final Words
A well-maintained leather boot can perfectly complement your outfit. Surely you can follow these tips to guide yourself through the caring process.
After reading this article, you will know about the types of leather boots and how to prevent them from cracking. Moreover, if you use the guide thoroughly, your precious leather boots will last for a long time.
The leather boot is a good investment when taken care of in a proper manner.