How to Clean Leather Boots and Shoes
Short answer: to clean leather boots, remove the laces, brush off dry dirt, clean the leather with a gentle leather cleaner and a damp cloth, let them dry at room temperature, then condition. For outdoor boots, finish with a waterproofing product made for leather.
This guide is for smooth leather boots and shoes. Suede and nubuck need a suede brush and dedicated products instead.
What you need
- A stiff brush (horsehair or a soft-bristle shoe brush)
- A gentle leather cleaner
- A sponge or cloth and a microfiber cloth for wiping
- Leather conditioner
- Optional: leather waterproofing product and shoe polish
Step-by-step: how to clean leather boots
1. Remove laces and brush off the dirt
Take out the laces and brush away dried mud and dust, paying attention to the welt — the seam where the upper meets the sole.
2. Clean the leather
Apply leather cleaner to a sponge and work over the boot in small circles. Wipe off the dirt and foam with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
3. Deal with salt stains (winter boots)
White salt lines are common after winter. Dab them with a cloth dampened in a mix of water and a little white vinegar, then wipe with plain water. Use this only on the stains and always condition afterwards — acid dries leather.
4. Dry at room temperature
Stuff the boots with newspaper or use cedar shoe trees and let them dry naturally overnight. Never put them next to a heater or fireplace — heat makes leather shrink, stiffen, and crack.
5. Condition
Massage a thin layer of conditioner into the leather, paying extra attention to the flex points where the boot bends. Let it absorb and buff.
6. Protect (optional)
For boots you wear in rain or snow, apply a leather waterproofing product after conditioning. For dress shoes, a coat of polish restores shine and evens out scuffs.
How often
Brush off dirt after every muddy wear. Clean and condition every month or two for everyday boots, or whenever they look dry or dull.
When to call a professional
Cracks through the leather, separating soles, and deep scuffs that remove color are jobs for a cobbler or leather repair specialist.
One kit for boots and furniture
Our Leather Care Kit — a gentle foaming cleaner and a light conditioning balm — works on smooth, finished leather boots and shoes as well as sofas and car seats. Not for suede or nubuck.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean leather boots with soap and water?
Mild soap and water can remove dirt, but it tends to dry leather. A cleaner made for leather followed by conditioner is gentler over time.
How do I get salt stains off leather boots?
Dab them with a cloth dampened with water and a little white vinegar, wipe with plain water, let the boots dry naturally and condition them.
Should I condition new leather boots?
Yes, a light first coat of conditioner — and waterproofing for outdoor boots — helps them resist water and wear from the start.
