Old Gringo Boot Care

(as taken from an exerpt on Old Gringo's Facebook Discussion Page)

One of the most common topics of discussion our general consumer calls our office about is the proper care of their new Old Gringo boots. I will list a few boot care tips and a bit of general information about the care of leather boots but please be advised there is no specific product we use or recommend. I like to always recommend that our boot collectors ask the retailer they purchased their boots from for a recommended product or any unique tips for the proper boot care. Many may have products for sale that they have tested or gotten feedback about.

To keep your boots in good shape you are recommended to clean, condition, and protect them.
-Regularly brush off any loose dirt and dust. Certain hides allow for you to wipe down with a damp cloth but please always test a small area to make sure there will be no damage.
-If boot gets wet, let them dry naturally. Avoid drying them near heat or direct sunlight. (Direct sunlight will cause them to fade)
-Conditioning of the leather should occur when it is clean and dry. Too much oil or wax can attract dust and clog the pores causing dryness *We do not have a specific product we recommend*
-Do not store your boots in damp places and allow them to breathe wherever stored.
-Applying a water and stain protector is recommended. *We do not have a specific product we recommend*

Last boot care essential: A good shoe repair guy. Become familiar with your local cobbler or search for one that is very dedicated to their trade. We all want our boots to last and will love to protect our great collector's item.

Please note the proper care of boots may differ and be unique to the type of leather and finish a single boot may have. Here are some examples:

Smooth Leather Boots
•Brush off dirt or dust from boot with a soft brush or damp cloth
•Apply leather conditioner
•Apply neutral or matching cream-based polish to your boots and buff with a soft cloth
•Finish boot care program with a non-silicone water and stain protector

Boots (Antiqued) by Old Gringo
•Treat new boots with a non-silicone water and stain protector (test a small area to see if product stains leather)
•With a soft brush, brush off dirt or dust
•Antiqued boots by Old Gringo are supposed to look “used” and cannot receive the same cleaning and polishing treatment normal boots do. The process taken to age the boots purposely removes some of the finish of the leather on these boots.

Lucchese Boot Care

(as taken from an exerpt on Lucchese Boots official web page)

THE RULES THAT APPLY TO CARE AND CONDITIONING OF BOOTS ARE VERY SIMPLE.
TREAT YOUR LEATHER goods in much the same manner as you treat your skin. Your leather products require nutrients to keep them supple and strong.

The four steps for proper boot care are:
CLEAN, CONDITION, POLISH & PROTECT.

DIRT AND DUST are leather's worst enemies. Wiping down often with a damp cloth can prevent dirt and dust from cutting away at the microscopic fibers that make leather strong and durable.

CONDITION LEATHER only when it is clean and dry so conditioner can penetrate through the pores to keep leather soft and pliable. Lanolin based conditioners are best. Too much oil or wax can clog the pores, which cause the leather to dry out. Also, oils and waxes attract dust.

REJUVENATE BOOTS by applying a cream based polish. This will cover scratches and bring a glossy finish. Only boots that have a finish can be polished.

PROTECT BOOTS with a non-silicone water and stain protector.

EXOTICS:
ALLIGATOR,CAIMAN,KANGAROO,LIZARD,OSTRICH,PYTHON,SHARK,STINGRAY

• Brush off dirt or dust with a damp cloth or soft brush.
• Apply an exotic leather conditioner in several thin layers.
• Apply a neutral or matching cream based polish, buff with a soft cloth.
NOTE: NO POLISH ON RATTLESNAKE
• Apply an non-silicone water and stain protector.
NOTE: On snakeskin be sure to go with the grain of the scales.

SMOOTH LEATHERS:
KIDSKIN, BRUSH-OFF, CORONA

• Brush off dirt or dust with a damp cloth or soft brush.
• Apply a leather conditioner.
• Apply a neutral or matching cream based polish, buff with a soft cloth.
• Apply a non-silicone water and stain protector.

NAKED FINISH:
DEER TANNED

• Brush off dirt or dust with a damp cloth or soft brush.
• Apply a non-silicone water and stain protector.

OIL MPREGNATED LEATHERS:
CRAZYHORSE, DISTRESSED, EARTHNITE, OILY

• Brush off dirt or dust with a damp cloth or soft brush.
• Apply a leather conditioner.
• Apply a non-silicone water and stain protector.

Buffed/Sueded Leathers:
Treat new boots with a non-silicone water and stain protector.

• Brush to clean
• Apply a non-silicone water and stain protector.

MORE HELPFUL TIPS:
Use edge dressing to make outsoles and heels look new. Let boots dry at room temperature, never dry over direct heat. Do not store in cold or damp places, boots can mildew. Use boot trees to help maintain boot's shape.

Lucchese recommends Bickmore leather care products.

Visit www.bickmore.com for more information

Justin Boot Care

(as taken from an exerpt on Justin Boots official web page)

Cowhide

Boots made of cowhide leathers generally can be cared for in the same way. However, it is important to note that some are lighter weight than others and therefore need some extra attention. Any additional instructions will be listed under the boot name.

General Cowhide care consists of the following steps unless otherwise denoted.
1.Remove loose dirt or dust with brush or rag.
2.Clean thoroughly with leather conditioner or leather balm.
3.Apply a thin coat of neutral shoe cream, then brush or rub with a soft cloth until luster is obtained.
4.For a high luster, apply a thin coat of wax polish-neutral paste on light colors, matching polish on dark colors. Brush or rub again.
Cowhide boots include:
· Bonanza
· Brahma
· Brush-Off Buffalo (Clear wax or polish works better than matching polish.)
· Bullhide
· Cow
· Imperial
· Kidskin
· Longhorn
· Majestic
· Mirage (Clear wax or polish works better than matching polish.)
· Pampas
· Rocky Mount
· Saga/Classic
· Shadow Kid
· Shrunken Shoulder
· Siciliano

Naked Leathers

Naked Finish Leathers have their own special care instructions. Characteristics of this leather are visible scars and blemishes.
Care:
1.Remove loose dirt or dust with a soft brush or rag.
2.Clean with a soft brush.
3.Do not use conditioners as the leather may become discolored.
4.Protect these leathers as you would suede. New boots should be treated with two coats of water and stain protector. Allow boots to dry between coats for maximum protection.
5.Keep free of mud and drying elements.
Naked Finish Boots include:
· Cheyenne
· Ol' Buck

Oil Leathers

These leathers are tanned using oils to protect and lubricate the fiber. Since Oil Impregnated Leathers are generally thicker, they are considered a work boot and are worn as casual footwear.
Care:
1.Remove loose dirt or dust with brush or rag.
2.Replenish oils with an all-purpose conditioner.
Oil Impregnated Leather Boots include:
· Crazy Horse
· Dominion
· Oiled Bullhide
· Oiled Toro
· Oily Ranch
· Renegade
· Retan
· Taurus
· Woodland

Finish Leathers

Suedes have a nap finish achieved with a medium abrasive paper. Snuffed finish preserves the natural grain by lightly removing the elevated surfaces.
Care:
1.New boots should be treated with two coats of water & stain protector. Allow drying between coats for maximum protection.
2.Keep free of mud and drying elements.
3.Clean with a nylon brush.
4.On snuffed grain, use a fine abrasive paper lightly on the areas that are already snuffed.
Suede and Snuffed Finish Leathers include:
· Napa
· Poco Loco
· Shadow Nubuck
· Sueded Shrunken Shoulder
· Tanglewood (Should be cared for as Oil Impregnated Leather boots.)

Exotics

Exotic Boots require some special attention. Snakeskins, for example, are vulnerable to dust settling in creases and causing damage. They depend on good care, even if they are just sitting in the closet.
Care:
1.Remove loose dirt or dust with a brush or rag.
2.Apply conditioner with a soft cloth.
3.Let boots dry. Then buff with a soft cloth.
4.Apply thin coats of conditioner often. (Snakeskins do not absorb conditioner well, so it is best to apply thin coats frequently to keep them from splitting.)
5.Since rattlesnake is tanned differently, no cream or polish is required to preserve its natural beauty. Simply brush clean.

Exotics

· Hornback Alligator
· Caiman (Avoid any soap or alcohol based products which will dry out leather. Waxes and polishes work well.)
· Lizard
· Brush-Off Ostrich (Use clear polish if necessary.)
· Ostrich (While these boots do not need any special attention, they should not be neglected.)