Conditioning cowboy boots is an important step when you want to ensure your boots last long, always have a new look and stay in good shape.
There are so many conditioners on the market, it’s not difficult to choose a suitable one.
However, some conditioners will be more favored by cowboy boot collectors and longtime cowboy boot lovers.
Besides, each type of conditioner can also bring different effects to your cowboy boots, which are:
- Keeping cowboy boots more durable
- Giving cowboy boots a new look
- Making cowboy boots waterproof
And among them, some also darken cowboy boots.
Today, we’ll tell you all you need to know about conditioners. How to use them and what are the best conditioners for your cowboy boots.
Let’s get it started!
In a hurry? Here are your top 3 picks!
Last update on 2023-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Navigation
- How do you condition cowboy boots?
- Best Cowboy Boot Conditioners
- For leather cowboy boots
- For suede cowboy boots
- 1. Care & Cool Suede and Nubuck Conditioner
- 2. Bickmore Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent
- 3. Refreshed Shoe Cleaner & Conditioner
- 4. Gear Aid Revivex Suede and Fabric Boot Care Kit with Spray, Cleaner, Brush and Eraser
- 5. Angelus Genuine Professional Mink Oil Conditioner Spray
- 6. Saphir Medaille d’Or Nubuck & Suede Renovator & Conditioning
- How often should you condition cowboy boots?
- Before you leave
How do you condition cowboy boots?
Before I introduce you to cowboy boot conditioner products, we think that you need some advice on how to care for boots, let’s take a look!
But if you already knew how to condition boots, just scroll down from this section!
How to condition leather cowboy boots?
Conditioning leather cowboy boots is quite simple, because there are many products on the market for this purpose.
I will introduce you to 3 main steps:
Step 1: Clean leather cowboy boots
Last update on 2023-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Always keep in mind to use specialized products to clean the leather.
Do not use brushes that are too hard to scrub or they could adversely affect the leather surface quality of cowboy boots.
Unlike leather conditioner products, you do not have to rinse with water.
After cleaning cowboy boots with leather cleaner products, wipe them with a damp cloth or soft cloth to avoid the backlog of cleaning chemicals.
Step 2: Apply leather conditioner
After cleaning your leather cowboy boots, apply leather conditioner to them.
As for this method, you can spray directly on them, or spray on a towel and wipe on the surface of cowboy boots.
Use a horsehair brush or towel to thoroughly buff the surface of the boots. This ensures leather conditioner penetrates deeper and more evenly.
Read more: How to Condition Cowboy Boots?
Step 3: Wait for the leather conditioner to absorb into the leather of cowboy boots
You can also use a hairdryer to dry the conditioner more quickly. Repeat step 2 if necessary (leather boots are too thick and the conditioner cannot penetrate inside deeply).
Besides, we have shown you how to preserve and clean cowboy boots in the right way, for specific types of boots. You can see more here.
How do you condition suede cowboy boots? (Can be used for both rough-out leather or nubuck)
Compared to leather cowboy boots, suede cowboy boots are much more difficult to store and clean. You need to pay attention more.
Suede cowboy boots are easily scratched or dry and stiff, be sure to take care of them carefully to remain soft, beautiful, and durable.
We have specific instructions on how to store and clean suede cowboy boots here.
Let’s move on with some basic steps to condition suede cowboy boots:
Step 1: Clean suede cowboy boots
The sure thing about cleaning suede boots is that you have to use the right brush. Because suede is softer and more flexible than leather, it is vulnerable to hard bristles.
Besides, remember to use exclusive cleaning solutions for suede cowboy boots.
After scrubbing cowboy boots with a brush and cleaning solution, use a soft towel to dry the suede cowboy boots.
Last update on 2023-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 2: Apply suede conditioner
Similar to leather cowboy boots, you can spray directly or spray on a towel and rub your suede cowboy boots.
Wait for the conditioner to penetrate into the suede cowboy boots.
You can use a hair dryer to accelerate the penetration of the conditioner into the suede. However, please note that do not set a too high temperature.
Or a better way is to use a suede brush to scrub the surface of suede cowboy boots again. This allows the conditioner to penetrate deeply and evenly over the entire surface of the suede boots.
Step 3: Wait for the cowboy boots to dry
Make sure that the suede cowboy boots are dry after you finish the care process.
Water is the number one enemy of suede, don’t let them get wet. Use a hairdryer or natural wind to dry them out.
Best Cowboy Boot Conditioners
Okay, now I’m going to tell you the 5 best conditioners to use on cowboy boots, including cowboy boots made from leather and suede.
However, if your cowboy boots are made from exotic leather (ostrich, lizard, caiman, etc.) there are more caveats.
So we have a guide on how to care for cowboy boots made from exotic leather here!
For leather cowboy boots
Most cowboy boots are made from leather, they are durable, beautiful and mold your feet.
However, like human skin, they are very susceptible to drying, leading to discoloration and cracking. That’s why you need a leather conditioner for your boots.
Applying the conditioner to cowboy boots every 4 to 6 months will keep them in the best condition, restore color, quality, increase durability, etc.
1. Leather Honey
- POWERFUL LEATHER CONDITIONER: Leather Honey penetrates deep to protect new leather and rejuvenate...
- RESTORE ALL TYPES/COLORS OF LEATHER: Soften leather furniture, moisturize leather car interiors &...
- FAMILY-OWNED, AMERICAN-MADE, SPECIALLY FORMULATED: For over 50 years, we have been making the best...
Last update on 2023-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
An extremely famous brand of leather conditioner for over 50 years is Leather Honey. It always satisfies millions of customers all over the world.
Just put a little on cowboy boots (it doesn’t need to be applied continuously and for months like other products, a small amount is enough) and wait for them to penetrate into the inside of the boots.
And wait for great results.
Leather Honey product makes your boots waterproof and stain-free. It helps old leather regain fresh colors and keeps them soft.
From there, your boots are revived and flexible again.
Some people reported that their cowboy boots got darkened after using this product. However it’s not too much, and still at an acceptable level. So you won’t need to worry too much about this problem.
Another big plus of this conditioner is that it doesn’t change or discolor the stitching of cowboy boots. This is a huge advantage that you cannot ignore if you do not want to spend too much time cleaning cowboy boots.
2. Bickmore Exotic
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR EXOTIC LEATHERS AND REPTILE SKIN: The special ingredients found in Bickmore...
- CLEANS, SOFTENS, AND PRESERVES: Bickmore Exotic penetrates deep into the pores of exotic leather,...
- CARES FOR ALL TYPES OF EXOTIC LEATHER: Alligator, Crocodile, Caiman, Snake, Lizard, Ostrich,...
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As one of the hardcore fans of cowboy boots with decades of experience, you must have at least one pair of exotic boots in your boot closet.
Thus, Bickmore Exotic is an item you cannot ignore.
The way you take care of exotic boots is not the same as what you do with cowhide boots.
For example, caiman cowboy boots, if not used with the right conditioner, will always have a rough, cracked, dry and lifeless appearance. They need a really good moisture-retaining conditioner to have a richer and more luxurious look.
Bickmore Exotic is a good choice, it can help boots made from reptile skin – a type of leather that is extremely difficult to care for – retain their best qualities.
In addition, I also used this product on ostrich boots. And what I got are good results! My ostrich boots still retain their usual softness but the color is noticeably improved (darker).
You should try them too!
3. Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner
- PREMIUM LEATHER CONDITIONER SINCE 1882: Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner cleans, polishes, and...
- WILL NOT DARKEN YOUR LEATHER: Unlike most leather conditioners, Bick 4 Leather Conditioner will NOT...
- COMPLETELY WAX FREE: Unlike other brands, Bick 4 is a completely wax-free product. This ensures that...
Last update on 2023-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product is used by many cowboy boots lovers. It was born for serving your beloved cowboy boots.
That’s the Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner. It is the favorite item on the display shelves of many cowboy boot collectors.
It gives your cowboy boots the care and protection that they deserve. Bickmore Bick 4 is best for cleaning, protecting leather boots (from stains), softening and maintaining leather skins…
Only 4 simple steps: Clean – Apply – Dry – Buff, you have new and long-lasting boots.
Arguably, this is the most widely used conditioner of many die-hard cowboy boots fans. Because it is very easy to apply and can be used for different types of cowboy boots (including exotic ones). It is quickly effective and keeps cowboy boots in top condition.
Besides, Bickmore Bick 4 satisfies the fans because it won’t darken leather.
Though some claimed it might darken leather to a lesser extent.
4. Obenauf’s Heavy Duty LP Leather Conditioner
- Leather conditioner cream specially formulated with real beeswax and plant oils designed to melt...
- Heavy Duty Leather Preservative is designed to rejuvante and preserve leather, protecting it from...
- Condition and restore sun faded leather saddles, saddle bags, leather boots, jackets, bags or...
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You might think that using leather conditioner products makes your boots unbreathable. The problem is solved with this product.
Since Obenauf’s products are completely natural, the leather of your cowboy boots is not only breathable, but it is soft and flexible as well.
Heavy Duty LP restores the colors of boots that have lost their original color due to the sun or the effects of rain. It makes your boots waterproof and protects them from oil, sand, salt, etc.
Natural products are always safe and reliable, am I right?
I call this heavy armor for your cowboy boots. If the above products mostly help nourish your cowboy boots, this product has its own strong point of providing excellent cowboy boot protection.
However, there are some complaints that this product can darken your cowboy boots. So, I prefer using it for my dark cowboy boots or ones that follow me to the field.
5. Sof Sole Mink Oil
Last update on 2023-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mink oil is an extremely popular product for the maintenance and protection of leather.
Specifically, mink oil is resistant to dirt, sand, salt and water. It can restore the original colors of your cowboy boots as well.
You can use it for smooth or grain leather.
It can be said that mink oil is the most common oil used on cowboy boots. It can nourish and protect your cowboy boots against external factors.
In addition, its affordable price and ease of use make it a must-have for any collector of cowboy boots.
Read more: Can I Use Mink Oil on Cowboy Boots?
6. Angelus Reptile Exotic Skin Cleaner Conditioner
- This was developed to clean, soften and preserve delicate reptile skins. Our rich foaming formula...
- Designed for use on: Reptile Skins and Exotic Leathers Boots, shoes and other footwear Handbags,...
- Perfect for handbags, wallets, belts, boots, shoes, & More.
Last update on 2023-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A product that you cannot miss if you own cowboy boots made from reptile skin in the house – is Angelus Reptile Exotic Skin Cleaner Conditioner.
This is a specialized product to condition boots made from reptile skin such as python, crocodile caiman, etc. These are luxurious, expensive-looking leathers that are certainly not easy to care for.
Angelus with the ability to moisturize and protect the scales from cracking or even falling off.
What I especially like about this product is that it is extremely moisturizing, I hate the feeling of dryness when I look at the old caiman boots in the corner. The Angelus revived it excellently.
It’s a miracle!
7. Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
- NOT JUST FOR AUTO CARE - Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Kit delivers the perfect one-two punch to...
- THE PERFECT COMBO - Cleaning & conditioning is crucial to keep leather looking its best; leather...
- CLEAN, THEN CONDITION - Leather Cleaner is pH balance, colorless and odorless; it penetrates the...
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Every family should have this product in their home.
You can apply it for your cowboy boots or even car seats, interiors, jackets, etc.
I bet none of us like cleaning. But with Chemical Guys’ leather cleaner and conditioner, you would enjoy cleaning as it is easy to use.
Apply it and Bum! You get your boots flawless in a flash.
This product is easy to use and effective for repelling all stains, oil… without leaving residue such as soaps.
You can count on this product to make your cowboy boots youthful and great again.
This type of product works well even when you use it on cowboy boots with multicolored stitching, because it does not change the color of the stitching, but keeps the stitching bright.
Read more: How to Clean Cowboy Boots with Household Items?
For suede cowboy boots
Unlike leather conditioners, suede conditioner products are just a few and more difficult to find.
Perhaps because the characteristics of suede are harder to maintain. You will need a lot of time to take care of them.
Suede gets dirty and absorbs water easily. If you don’t take care of your boots properly, they can be dry and hard, then deteriorate quickly and lose their flexibility.
1. Care & Cool Suede and Nubuck Conditioner
- RESTORES Care & Cool Leather Conditioner’s specialized formula nourishes and revitalizes suede and...
- WATER-REPELLANT The waterproofing spray gives items more quickly affected by moisture a protective...
- PROTECTS The delicate and difficult structure of suede and nubuck leather requires additional care...
Last update on 2023-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Well, finding the right conditioner for suede cowboy boots is really not easy. The number of suede cowboy boots is not many, and so is the conditioner for them.
But I feel very satisfied with Care & Cool Suede and Nubuck Conditioner. This special product was born to ensure your suede cowboy boots stay in top condition and are fully protected.
One of the special features of this product is that it penetrates deep into the pores of the boots, restoring their moisture, oil and elasticity. Your boots will regain their vitality!
In addition, this product also protects cowboy boots against water, the number one enemy of suede and nubuck.
This is exactly the product you are looking for!
2. Bickmore Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent
- SUPERIOR WATERPROOF TREATMENT- Bickmore’s Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent has been specially...
- WORKS ON LEATHER, SUEDE, FABRIC, FELT, NUBUCK AND MORE- Protecting against dirt, water & stains on...
- BREATHABLE: Gard-More provides a strong invisible layer of protection, while still allowing the...
Last update on 2023-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It can be said that the Bickmore brand is the pride of the United States.
Not only favored by the leather conditioner product line, Bickmore suede conditioner products are also very popular.
It protects your cowboy boots comprehensively and extends the lifetime of suede cowboy boots.
By simply spraying a thin layer of Bickmore solution on cowboy boots after cleaning, you can wear boots regardless of rain and sun.
Just like the Bickmore Bick 4 for leather cowboy boots, this is a highly effective product for suede cowboy boots.
It can protect, nourish and ensure your cowboy boots are always in good condition. Besides, it rarely darkens your cowboy boots.
3. Refreshed Shoe Cleaner & Conditioner
- ENJOY BEAUTIFULLY CLEAN SHOES - Every great look starts with clean shoes. Keep your footwear looking...
Last update on 2023-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Refreshed Shoe Cleaner & Conditioner removes any stubborn stains such as grass, oil, dirt, asphalt, and clay.
This product is also completely made from natural, non-toxic components for caring for suede cowboy boots made and increasing the life of boots.
It softens your boots and gives them flexibility as you wish.
4. Gear Aid Revivex Suede and Fabric Boot Care Kit with Spray, Cleaner, Brush and Eraser
- Protect footwear from water and stains and keep them looking new with this all-in-one suede and...
- Use the concentrated suede cleaner to safely remove dirt and grime from suede, nubuck, canvas and...
- Maximizes breathability of waterproof-breathable shoes to keep your feet feeling cool and dry
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A complete set of products includes water repellent spray, suede cleaner, boot brush and eraser for protecting and maintaining your suede boots completely.
It is a misconception that any brush can be used for suede boots. Actually, you must use the right kind of brush for suede to get the best results. Otherwise, it will damage the suede boots.
5. Angelus Genuine Professional Mink Oil Conditioner Spray
- Waterproofs, Softens, Lubricates, and Preserves.
- Ideal for Shoes, Boots, Harnesses, Saddles, Holsters
- Adds longer life to leather and will prevent cracking and drying
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A mink oil conditioner spray will make your suede boots soft and supple. Besides, it helps suede boots fight against dirt and rain.
The spray is easier to use than the wax. It works in a wider area on leather items than using wax.
Besides, using a mink oil sprayer is less time-consuming than using wax and the amount of mink oil sprayed on cowboy boots is also more even.
6. Saphir Medaille d’Or Nubuck & Suede Renovator & Conditioning
- SUEDE SPRAY: Saphir Medalille d’Or Spray protects, cleans, & nourishes fine suede to look new all...
- PREMIUM FORMULA: This suede and nubuck spray is formulated with sweet almond oil to enhance the...
- SAFE & EASY-TO-USE: Free of silicones, this spray is safe to use on the finest suede items. Apply...
Last update on 2023-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Osmosis nourishes suede boots from the inside and protects them on the outside.
That’s what Saphir Medaille d’Or Nubuck & Suede Renovator & Conditioning owns.
You just can’t go wrong with this conditioner. Waterproof and condition your beloved suede cowboy boots with this spray.
This product is formulated with sweet almond oil to create a film that protects suede boots from stains and water.
How often should you condition cowboy boots?
The frequency of conditioning your cowboy boots depends on how often you use them or what material your cowboy boots are made of.
For example, your cowboy boots are made of cowhide, and you wear them more than 3 days a week. You will need to condition them about every 4 or 5 months.
But if you wear them less, you only need to condition them at least every 6 months.
However, if your cowboy boots are made from some kind of leather that easily get dried and cracked such as lizard or snakeskin, you will need to condition them every 3 months if used regularly.
Otherwise, if you don’t wear them often, you still need to condition them every 6 months.
Snakeskin and lizard are prone to dryness, you need to moisturize them more often than cowhide.
Before you leave
A pair of boots can last a very long time, more than 12 years (from my personal experience). However, you also need to take care of them so that they can serve you for long.
Conditioning cowboy boots is one of the most mandatory and necessary tasks to retain the durability and beauty of cowboy boots.
Knowing how to condition cowboy boots is not enough, you must choose the right conditioner for the right type of boots.
I love using Bickmore Exotic for my 2 pairs of python boots and caiman belly. But I prefer to use Leather Honey for cowhide boots.
This is the key that makes my number of boots for 15 years only increase, not decrease at all!
Good luck!
bailey
Monday 17th of May 2021
i was wondering if duxbax leather conditioner is good for leather boots
FromTheGuestRoom
Sunday 13th of June 2021
Hi, Bailey
Sorry for the delay in responding to you.
Honestly, I don't know much about duxbax leather conditioner products either.
My choices are heavily based on my and some friends’ experience, and the reviews of many users on the e-commerce sites.
So I'll leave your question here! Hope someone can give you the right answer!
Lukacs
Saturday 22nd of August 2020
I will try Bickmore’s products. Thank you!
Lukacs
Saturday 22nd of August 2020
I clean and condition all of my leather shoes on a regular basis. I just bought a pair of new cowboy boots, and this article is just what I wanted to read. I’ve used Fiebing’s Saddle Soap to clean and Saphir Renovateur to condition my calf leather shoes. Is that overkill for cowboy boots? I’ve seen Bickmore’s products recommended and see that you’ve included them in this article. Do you prefer them over what I’ve used?
FromTheGuestRoom
Saturday 22nd of August 2020
Welcome back, Lukacs! Thanks for your interest. The 2 products (Fiebing's Saddle Soap & Saphir Renovateur) you are using are all good and unique products for leather care. To answer your question, both Bickmore and Saphir are well-known for leather care (clean, condition and polish). For starters, Bickmore is one of the favourite cleaners of most cowboy collectors. It is more user-friendly at an affordable price. Meanwhile, Saphir is a high-class product, I could say. Based on my experience, I prefer the Bickmore when it comes to cleaning cowboy boots. Most Bickmore products are wax-free. They are effective quickly. Saphir Renovateur is also a good product that you can use for cleaning and adding extra shine for your boots (it will leave a creaming finish for protecting your boots). Actually, it works best at the leather around the calf. Above all, Bickmore is more popular in the cowboy boot world. Many cowboys trust in Bickmore, You can try it and tell us about your experience. Feel free to ask us any questions about cowboy boots, I’m very happy to answer you.