Exotic leather boots are stunning. After all, that’s why you bought them! Keep them looking nice with these care tips. Here’s how to extend the lifespan of your exotic boots.
General Care Tips
Most exotic boots have specialized care requirements, which we’ll go into later. Here are a few general tips that apply to every kind of exotic leather.
Don’t Get Them Wet
It’s best to avoid getting your boots wet when possible. If they do get soaked, be sure to allow them time to dry. Removing the insoles and stuffing them with newspaper should help the process.
Keep Them Out of the Sun
Excessive heat will age the leather of your boots. Store them in a cool, dim spot, such as a closet. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or next to a heater. These may dry out the leather and lead to cracking.
Brush Off Any Dirt
After wearing your boots, take a few moments to brush off any dirt or mud that may have become caked on them. This will prevent debris from causing any cracks or micro-tears in the leather and keep your boots looking fresh.
Specialized Care Tips: Exotic Reptile Boots
As mentioned above, boot care depends on the type of leather. In this section, we’ll discuss alligator, crocodile, snakeskin, and lizard boots.
Alligator or Crocodile Boots
These are extremely hardy boots because the leather is so thick and durable. To clean them, you should use a soft brush or damp cloth to remove any excess dirt. If you use saddle soap, wash it off quickly to prevent cracking. Moisturize the boots with a reptile skin conditioner, and use a non-silicone protectant if you’re worried about them getting wet.
Snakeskin or Lizard Boots
When cleaning these boots, be sure to always wipe in the direction of the scales. Otherwise, you risk pulling the scales off, leaving noticeable gaps. Remove any dirt from underneath the scales as necessary with a small, soft brush. Wipe down your boots with a soft, damp cloth.
Be sure to condition the boots with a conditioner specifically for snake or lizard skin, as other conditioners can leave behind a residue. If your boots are lizard skin, you’re good to go after this step!
Shine snakeskin boots with a neutral-colored cream. You don’t want to do this to lizard skin, as it will ruin its iridescent sheen.
Specialized Care Tips: Ostrich Boots
Ostrich skin is very sensitive, so you’ll need to treat it carefully. In particular, it’s extremely susceptible to damage from oils. Avoid touching it with your fingers as much as possible, as the oils from your hands will transfer onto it.
Use a conditioner designed specifically for ostrich skin—other conditioners contain oil, which can damage your boots. Use a very soft cloth to wipe down these boots. If you’d like to polish them, do so with a soft cotton cloth. Apply a non-silicone protectant to keep them safe.
If you don’t own a pair of exotic leather boots yet, it might be time to invest in one! Just know that they require a bit more attention than cow leather boots to keep them looking nice. But with tips like these, you can extend the lifespan of your exotic boots without a problem.
Country View Western Store has an incredible collection of men's exotic square-toe boots. Check them out if you’re considering becoming an exotic boot owner yourself.