How to Look After Leather Riding Boots in Winter
Winter can be brutal on leather riding boots. Mud dries onto the surface, repeated wetting strips moisture from the leather and the temptation to dry boots quickly beside a radiator can cause more harm than the weather itself.
Clean mud off regularly
Do not leave thick mud sitting on leather for days. Brush off dried dirt or use a slightly damp cloth where appropriate, paying attention to seams, zips and the ankle where mud often collects.
Let leather dry naturally
Wet boots should be allowed to dry gradually in a ventilated room. Avoid placing leather directly against radiators, heaters or other intense heat sources. Rapid drying can leave leather stiff and dehydrated.
Keep the leather nourished
Once boots are clean and dry, use a suitable leather conditioner. Products such as Hewitts Luxury Dubbin or Leather Genie Balsam can help keep appropriate leather supple.
Read our full guide: How to Use Dubbin on Your Tuffa Boots.
Add water protection where appropriate
A waterproofing treatment can help protect suitable materials from moisture and dirt. Collonil Carbon Pro is one of the protection products available in our care range.
For application tips, see How to Use Waterproofing Spray on Riding Boots.
Look after your zips
Before fastening a boot, remove mud from around the zip and make sure the two sides are aligned. Forcing a zip against a badly fitted or heavily soiled boot puts unnecessary strain on it.
Store long boots upright
Keeping the leg of a long boot supported helps preserve its shape and reduces unnecessary folding. A Tuffa Boot Bag is also useful for protecting clean boots when travelling or storing them between rides.
Winter boot-care mistakes to avoid
- Drying leather directly on a radiator.
- Putting conditioner onto boots that are still covered in dirt.
- Assuming every leather treatment is suitable for every finish.
- Using waterproofing spray as a substitute for conditioning.
- Ignoring cracked leather, damaged stitching or struggling zips.
Browse our Leather Care Products for the current care range.