How to clean leather boots

Same routine as shoes, plus two places people skip: the welt channel and the crease across the ankle. That crease flexes with every step, and it splits first when the leather is dry.

Welt, shaft, sole edge

Brush the upper, then run the brush along the welt stitching. Grit packed in there holds water against the insole. Wipe the stacked heel and the sole edge as well. Use a damp cloth on welt and Blake seams rather than a running tap.

Work boots and combat boots take a heavier cleaner and a stiffer brush. Dress pairs such as chelseas and dress boots want the lighter shoe routine. Black leather chelseas show salt fast, so wipe them the same day they get wet.

Drying

Unlace them, or at least open the tongue, when the lining is soaked. Newspaper in the toe overnight, changed once. A heater will collapse the toe box, and on a cemented pair it can let go of the glue.

Common questions

Do commando soles change anything?

Lug soles hold mud. Pick it out while it is dry so it does not grind into the welt.

How is this different for suede boots?

Suede follows the suede guide. Conditioner cream is for smooth leather only.

How often in winter?

Brush weekly. Condition whenever the leather stops feeling supple to the thumb.