Boots are an investment. With the proper care, you can extend the life of your boots while wearing them with pride.

Detailed below is a guide to the supplies you’ll need and a step-by-step process for keeping your boots in tip-top shape. Taking care of your boots, whether alligator, caiman, ostrich, or trusty cowhide, is a skill you can easily learn and pass on to the next generation.

Russell’s sells a variety of boot care items - from leather conditioners and shine cloths to boot jacks. Here’s what you should have on hand:

• Leather cleaner/conditioner: Think of it as conditioning your hair; moisturizing and softening your leather.
  • Exotic Conditioner
  • Cowhide/Smooth Leather Conditioner
  • Work Boot Cleaner
• Horsehair brush:  Used to brush away dirt and debris, remove excess boot cream, and build shine.
• Polishing cloths:We say “yes” to special shoeshine polishing cloths, but an old t-shirt will do. Think heavyweight and 100% cotton here.
• Horsehair polish applicator(s):Ditch those foam rubbery things that come with cheap kits. Get one for use with each color of polish you need.
• Gloves, disposable:You’re not wimping out here. Chances are good that you’ll discover your favorite pair need a real polishing or shine-up afteryou put on that white shirt.
• Polish:There are two types: wax or cream. More below about matching polish and conditioners to boot materials, including exotics.

 Pro tip:Cedarwood boot trees may be one of the best investments you can make. Putting them in your boots daily will wick away moisture, bacteria, and other smells while extending the life of your boots.

Boots are made out of an incredibly wide variety of leathers, skins, and other materials, even the giant pirarucu fish!

A standard cowhide generates around 11 pairs of boots, so it makes sense that this durable and moldable material is what you’ll most often see on the shelves. Follow these easy steps below to take care of your cowhide boots:

1. Brush off any dirt or debris with a soft brush or damp polishing cloth
2. Allow to air dry
3. Using a boot shine cloth, apply appropriate conditioner and/or polish
4. Polish boots and add shine with a horsehair boot brush

Don’t forget:If you’re taking care of lace-up work boots, remove the laces before doing anything.
  

A caiman (or cayman) is a cousin to the alligator. Its smaller scales make it easier for a bootmaker to work with, and for the customer to clean. The bony plates of a caiman make a statement and its durability is a key characteristic of the hide. Follow the steps below to take care of caiman boots:

1. Brush off any dirt or debris with a soft brush or damp polishing cloth
2. Allow to air dry
3. Using a boot shine cloth, apply a generous amount of a leather cream designated for exotic leathers
4. Polish boots and add shine with a horsehair booth brush 

Ostrich leathers are actually very light in color, so you’ll most likely see them fully dyed brown or black. While they might have their heads in the sand, their hides are extremely durable, yet soft to the touch. A key characteristic of ostrich is the breathability of the leather. Ostrich boots can last a lifetime with proper care when following these steps:

1. Brush off any dirt or debris with a soft brush or damp polishing cloth

2. Allow to air dry

3. Apply a thin layer of exotic leather conditioner 

4. Unlike the caiman, you’ll probably need to apply a cream polish that matches the color of your boots

5. Polish boots and add shine with a horsehair boot brush

Elephant, reptile, fish, stingray, shark, the list goes on. The steps listed below are similar to the previously mentioned exotics. To maintain these unique skins, follow the steps detailed here:

1. Brush off any dirt or debris with a soft brush or damp polishing cloth
2. Allow to air dry
3. Apply exotic leather conditioner
4. Unlike ostrich skin, fish, elephant, and stingray do not require a lot of conditioner. However, you should use a premium exotic conditioner
5. Polish boots and add shine with a horsehair boot brush

Pro tip:Make sure to prep a well-ventilated area to do your work, drop a drop cloth or newspaper to protect the table or bench you’re working on; be sure to clean up.