How to Care for Riding Boots

Whether you ride every day or only on weekends, keeping your boots in top condition ensures they’ll stay comfortable, functional, and looking great for years to come.

Clean Regularly

Mud, sweat, and stable grime can take a toll on your riding boots. After each ride, wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge to remove surface dirt. If you wear leather boots, use a dedicated leather cleaner - household products can dry out and damage the material. We recommend using a quality option like our Ariat Footwear Cleaner for the best results.

Aside from pre-show or event prep, how often you clean your boots really depends on how much you ride. Leather riding boots should be wiped down after each use to remove dirt and sweat, which can break down the leather over time. For daily riders, a deeper clean once a week helps keep the leather supple and in top condition. If you ride less frequently, a monthly clean should be enough to maintain their quality and longevity.

Condition and Protect

Spray a small amount of leather conditioner onto a dry cloth or dry sponge and rub into the boots in small circular motions starting at the bottom. Make sure the leather conditioner is fully absorbed.

• If your boots still feel dry, you may need to apply more conditioner.
• If you are cleaning boots that are a combination of smooth leather and suede/nubuck, please be aware that leather conditioner is not suitable for use on the suede/nubuck areas.

Next, dab a clean dry cloth into some leather polish and apply in the same way as the leather conditioner, rubbing in small circular motions from the bottom of the boots up until fully absorbed.

• If you are cleaning boots that are a combination of smooth leather and suede/nubuck, please be aware that polish is not suitable for use on the suede/nubuck areas.

Waterproof your Boots

In a well-ventilated area, spray evenly with a waterproofing product as per the manufactures instructions to get the best result. Remove any excess with a cloth. Allow to dry for maximum performance. 

Store Properly

Store your riding boots upright in a cool, dry and well-ventilated room ideally with boot trees to help preserve their shape. Avoid leaving them in damp rooms or in direct sunlight to avoid cracking and prevent other damage.

To prevent scratches, scuffs and fading it's a good idea to pop them in a boot bag for safe keeping.

Repair Rather Than Replace

We’re proud to partner with The Boot Repair Company, a trusted specialist with over 120 years of boot repair heritage, committed to extending the life of Ariat boots.

From resoling to zip replacements, their expert team uses original materials where possible to restore your boots and reduce waste. Choosing repair over replacement helps keep your favourite boots in use - and out of landfill - for longer.

Find out more about our partnership with The Boot Repair Company

A little care goes a long way. By following these steps and turning to professional repairs when needed - you’ll keep your riding boots performing at their best, and your favourites in use (and out of landfill) for longer.