Winter air is particularly harsh on leather. The frigid, arid atmosphere causes the moisture in boot leather to evaporate, drying the skins out faster than usual. On top of that, winter brings wet, hard-to-avoid conditions, including rain, sleet, snow, and slush. When boots get wet, the natural oils in the leather that keep it soft and pliable are depleted faster, leading to cracking and splitting. And the final kicker? All that rock salt and chemicals that melt ice on roads and sidewalks also draw out all but the very last of whatever moisture boots may have left!
Prep Boots For Winter Conditions
Snow Proof Mink Oil – Available at Nigro’s!
Leather is naturally porous, meaning it easily absorbs any moisture it comes into contact with. That’s why ardent cowboy boot enthusiasts emphasize keeping their boots out of damp and wet conditions as much as possible. That’s hard to avoid during the winter, though. When it’s difficult to steer clear of water altogether, products like wax or mink oil can be applied to boots to significantly enhance their water resistance.
Many boot wearers rave about the benefits of mink oil’s protection during the winter months. It does not make boots fully waterproof, but it does revitalize leather and boost its durability. The oil penetrates deeply into the pores of the leather, making it more resistant to drying out, which causes wear and tear, while reliably repelling most water.
But be aware! Mink oil not only tends to darken the color of leather, but that changed appearance will remain for an extended period because the mink oil is absorbed so deeply, meaning that it takes more time to fade. Mink oil may also react with any tanning agents or waxes already applied to the leather. So, it’s highly recommended that wearers apply the oil to a small spot on one boot to see how it looks before applying it to the entire surface.
Essential Cowboy Boot Care
The higher quality the leather, the better it will withstand tough weather conditions.
The best way to keep boots in pristine condition in any season—especially in winter!—is thorough cleaning after each wear.
If cowboy boots get wet, it is crucial to dry them with a cloth or brush quickly. Remove as much moisture as possible and leave the boots to dry naturally in a cool, dry place. Do not put them near a direct heat source, though! Leaving boots near a heating vent or fireplace can potentially damage the leather more than water. Such heat dries leather out even more severely, shrinking and warping it, or worse, causing cracking. Any white spots or residue on boots is usually from salt and should be immediately wiped off with a damp cloth or removed with a horsehair brush.
Finally, cowboy boots require regular conditioning year-round to keep the leather soft and avoid cracking. Winter’s dry air and wet conditions make conditioning boots a must-do task that needs to be performed more often than during the rest of the year.
Keep your cowboy boots winter-ready with these simple tips! Learn more about proper cowboy boot care by clicking the button below!