Protect Your Boots From Winter’s Harsh Conditions!
There’s no denying it, winter weather can be tough on cowboy boots! Leather can be particularly susceptible to the harsh conditions of winter – dry, frigid air causes leather to lose moisture faster, while wet conditions (snow, sleet, rain, etc.) strip leather of essential natural oils that keep it soft and pliable. Not to mention the nearly unavoidable slurry of rock salt, brine, and snow-melting chemicals that convene in pools along sidewalks, roads, and parking lots as snow thaws, a slushy mix that draws out all but the very last of whatever moisture is left within the leather!
Winter Prep for Cowboy Boots
Snow Proof Mink Oil – Available at Nigro’s!
No matter the brand or price of a boot, all leather is porous, so all boots naturally absorb moisture. That’s why cowboy boot enthusiasts go to great lengths to avoid exposing their boots to wet conditions. It’s often difficult to avoid moisture during the winter – especially when there’s a foot of snow on the ground. And melting snow mixed with the aforementioned brine and salt chemicals is a potent disruptor to the condition of boot leather.
Fortunately, when the forecast calls for inclement weather, and its aftermath of melting snow and standing water, there are several products that can be proactively applied to boot leather to significantly boost water resistance.
Mink oil is one of the top choices for those looking to give their cowboy boots extra protection during winter. And while mink oil doesn’t lend cowboy boots the same level of water resistance as rubberized rain boots, it does penetrate deeply into the pores of leather, repelling moisture and making the leather more resistant to drying out. Along with boosting a boot’s durability, it also revitalizes the leather and improves its appearance.
A warning, though – as the mink oil is absorbed deeply into boot leather, the process does tend to darken the color of the leather for a period of time, but over time, the richer color will fade back closer to the original color. Mink oil may also react with tanning agents or waxes that have been previously applied to the leather. To avoid any color surprises, it’s best to apply the mink oil to a small spot on a boot to see how the leather reacts before treating the entire boot surface.
Essential Cowboy Boot Care
The higher the quality of the leather, the better it will withstand tough weather conditions!
This tip mostly goes without saying, but to keep cowboy boots looking pristine in any season – especially in winter – be sure to thoroughly clean your boots after each wear, and especially so if weather conditions were inclement.
If a pair of cowboy boots gets seriously wet, there are a series of steps to follow to keep them at their best. First, dry them off with a cloth or soft towel as soon as possible. Watch for white spots or residue left behind from rock salt, making sure to wipe off any of those deposits with a damp cloth or a horsehair brush.
After wiping away and absorbing as much moisture as possible, it’s important to allow boots to naturally dry – in a cool, dry space. And never put cowboy boots near a direct heat source! In fact, leaving boots to dry near a heat vent or hot fireplace can cause even more damage to leather than the water you’re trying to evaporate. Direct heat tends to severely dry out leather, causing it to shrink, warp, or worse – begin to crack.
The final element in keeping your cowboy boots looking their best is regular year-round conditioning. Conditioning keeps the leather soft and avoids cracking. And remember, wet conditions and dry air of winter make conditioning boots a must-do task that needs to be performed more often during that season than during the rest of the year.
Quality Cowboy Boots For Every Season – Find Them at Nigro’s!
Looking to add a new pair of boots to your own collection? Nigro’s Western Store carries cowboy boots from all the top names in western wear, including each of the brands that comprise the Rios of Mercedes Family of Brands. Whether you’re looking for a pair of classic American-style cowboy boots or something a little more modern, the Rios of Mercedes Family of Brands has a line of cowboy boots to match your style and your budget! Check out Nigro’s selection of Rios of Mercedes, Anderson Bean, Olathe Boot Company, Macie Bean, and Horse Power cowboy boots below!
