Cowboy boot care

[alexpops]

Had some tony lamas elephant skin I wore for close to 30 years. Shafts never gave me an issue & the uppers were (almost) indestructible ... resoled them 5 or 6 times/reheeled probably twice that. Finally, the elephant uppers split across the top of my toes right where the shift pedal on my bike contacted. Damn good boots & because they were steamed & stretched right at purchase most comfortable boots I've ever owned.

 

[orezok]

A little off topic, but in the mid 60’s when I was attending UTEP in El Paso, I went to the Tony Lama store to buy a pair of boots. This nice older gentlemen helped me to select a pair. When I went to checkout, the clerk asked “do you know who that was?”. He said it was Tony himself. Apparently he sometimes went to the store to see how his customers liked and responded to his product. I still have those boots from 70 years ago.

 

[Alan W.]

My Bad, I never could resist a chance to poke fun. At least it wasn't me that went to capris

Oh yeah throw me under the bus

 

[scaredychicken]

sandmann2234 - i figured that you were showing off the boots, so the pantlegs were held higher good clarification

my cowboy boots were the most comfortable boots / shoes that i have. No idea what brand they are. Due to the way that i have to put them on, they have fallen over. And due to long time back injury, i mostly wear shorts, no socks and slip on shoes. I miss wearing the cowboy boots, but they are now too difficult for me to get on. One day ... I need some low-rider cowboy ankle boots probably.

orezok - I was born in the mid 60's but I ain't anywhere near 70 yrs old yet made me chuckle. Have a good night, those good boots that you have are keepers

 

[Wagtail]

One day ... I need some low-rider cowboy ankle boots probably.

Ah, then you would be interested in the famous Australian alternative; the R.M.Williams boot.

Boots | Buy Men's Boots & Dress Boots Australia | R.M.Williams®️️

Enjoy the timeless appeal of our Men's Boots everywhere you go. Choose from Suede, Burnished, Veal Calf, Yearling, Willow, Moulton, Kangaroo, and Greasy Kip Leather!

www.rmwilliams.com.au

I have two pairs, one pair black and one pair brown. Both pairs have 'seen a stirrup' and are over 25 years old. I wear them for all occasions and they are extremely comfortable.

 

[scaredychicken]

Wagtail - nice boots but beyond my budget, most footwear lasts me less than a year (due to my gait, dragging toe or whatever it is ?)

i should get my brother to find me a pair, he's in NSW

 

[Torvy]

To address the original question....my wife rolls up a magazine and stands them in her boots so they don't fall over. Mostly she does it to make them look neater in the closet and easier to reach when she wants to wear them. Mine don't have that problem.

 

[sandman2234]

Ok Gentlemen, now that we have discussed my ineptitude of caring for boots and my high water/capri pants...how about telling me what kind of polish or cream do you use to extend the life of your boots. The cracking of the leather around the area where the boot "falls over" is why I was trying to support the shafts, but maybe I just need to keep the leather from drying out.
Suggestions might also include what type of material you are applying it to, as I am sure bullhide, Ostrich, snake and suede are possibly different.
For the record, my Bride has threatened to shoot any snake boots that walk into her house with the foot still in it!
David from jax

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I have never owned suede, I have no idea how to care for it.

If they are cow leather work boots that get a lot of miles I use saddle oil to get good pentation. I usually let those dry out a little too much and dirt tends to pull the oil back out. Saddle oil is a liquid, I typically squirt the boot directly then smear it all around with a rag. A good even coat will do. Let it sit a day and if it soaks in to look dry hit it with a little more. If it is "weeping" in places just wipe them back down all over with a dry rag. They need to be clean to start. Usually I use a wet washcloth to clean them. Let them dry all the way before oiling. Sometimes I'll use saddle soap, water, and a toothbrush around the crevasses that didn't come clean with the rag.

Nicer cow leather that gets preventative maintenance I use mink oil. This is a tub/ can not unlike the looks of shoe polish, but it's an oil cake. Soft smooth rag, apply like polish and buff off. Or if you want it to go faster you can get a glob out of the tin with your finger, massage it in the boot with your fingers and use a soft smooth cloth to remove the excess and polish it in.

Exotics are markedly different for me. I use this - Click Link - Mist the boots sort of sparingly, enough to make a uniform sheen once it's wiped down. I use a microfiber to wipe them after misting. I never want to let my exotics get too dry, I just feel like it would be too late at that point. I don't mean keep them wet, hopefully you can follow. I do this pretty frequently, sometimes I just mist the microfiber and not the boot. Sort of like dusting a piece of furniture. You don't want it wet.

 

[Tinhack]

stuff a pool noodle in them

perhaps this is a question for the Texans ? per capita they probably have the most cowboy boots ... I only have 2 pairs (one nice pair, one well used yard pair)

I had a pair of Cowboy Boots when I was about 8 years old. I haven't worn them since. I like a nice comfortable work boot or my old leather-strap motorcycle boots. Those I could wear all day long.