A good pair of leather riding boots is built to last — but only if you look after them. Regular cleaning and conditioning keeps the leather supple, the stitching intact, and the boot holding its shape through seasons of hard work. Neglect them, and even quality boots will crack, stiffen, and wear out prematurely.
This guide covers everything you need to know about caring for leather riding boots, from after-ride maintenance to seasonal conditioning and storage.
Why Boot Care Matters
Riding boots take a particular beating — they're exposed to mud, water, sweat, arena sand, and repeated flexing at the ankle and knee. Each of these stresses the leather and, without regular care, accelerates deterioration. A consistent routine takes only minutes and significantly extends the life of your boots.
After Every Ride
The most important habit is the simplest: wipe your boots down after every ride before putting them away.
- Remove mud and dirt with a soft brush or damp cloth while it's still fresh — dried mud is harder to remove and can scratch the leather surface
- Pay attention to the sole edge, heel, and the back of the knee on tall boots where mud accumulates
- Allow boots to dry naturally at room temperature — never near a direct heat source
- Use boot trees or stuff with newspaper to help tall boots hold their shape as they dry
Weekly: Full Clean
Once a week (or after particularly muddy rides), give your boots a thorough clean:
- Remove laces if applicable and brush off any remaining dry dirt
- Wipe down with a damp cloth to lift surface grime
- Apply saddle soap with a damp sponge in circular motions, working into the grain — this lifts ingrained dirt and sweat without stripping the leather's natural oils
- Wipe off any soap residue with a clean damp cloth
- Allow to dry fully before conditioning
Monthly: Condition the Leather
Conditioning replaces the oils that cleaning and wear remove from the leather. Without it, boots dry out and crack — particularly at the ankle flex point and around the zip on tall boots.
Apply Lincoln Leather Dressing with Lanolin using a soft cloth, working it into the leather in circular motions. The lanolin penetrates deeply to restore suppleness and create a protective barrier against moisture. Focus on high-flex areas — the ankle, the back of the knee on tall boots, and anywhere the leather creases regularly.
Allow the dressing to absorb for a few minutes, then buff lightly with a clean cloth. The leather should feel soft and look nourished — not greasy or over-saturated.
Caring for Specific Boot Types
Tall Field Boots
The zip and lacing at the front of field boots need particular attention — keep the zip lubricated and check the lacing for wear. The back of the knee is a high-flex point that benefits from regular conditioning. Boot trees are essential for maintaining the leg shape when not in use.
Jodhpur and Yard Boots
Shorter boots are often exposed to more mud and water around the ankle. Clean the sole edge and heel carefully, and condition the ankle area regularly as it flexes with every step.
Competition Boots
For boots worn in the arena, a final buff with a clean cloth after conditioning will bring up a good shine. Avoid heavy wax polishes on boots that flex significantly — they can crack at the flex points.
Dealing with Wet Boots
If your boots get saturated — from rain, water crossings, or a particularly wet arena — dry them slowly:
- Remove insoles if possible and stuff with newspaper to absorb moisture from the inside
- Allow to dry at room temperature, away from heaters, radiators, or direct sunlight
- Once fully dry, condition generously — wet leather loses oils rapidly as it dries
- Never put wet boots in a bag or box — trapped moisture encourages mould and accelerates deterioration
Storage
- Store tall boots upright with boot trees inserted — without support, the leg will collapse and crease permanently
- Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space — avoid damp tack rooms or plastic bags
- For long-term storage, clean and condition thoroughly before putting away, and check periodically for mould or dryness
Shop Boot Care and Riding Footwear
The Lincoln Leather Dressing 500ml is a reliable choice for all equestrian leather, including riding boots. Browse our full Rider Footwear collection for tall boots, jodhpur boots, and yard boots suited to every discipline and budget.
Related Reading
For saddles, bridles, and other tack, the same care principles apply — read our full guide: Leather Care for Equestrians: How to Clean and Condition Your Tack.