How to Clean & Polish Tall Boots

Keeping your tall boots clean and polished is not just about appearances; it is also about protecting your investment. Leather is a natural material that needs regular care to stay in top condition, and properly maintained boots can last for years. In the show ring, polished, well-cared-for boots add to a professional look that shows you are prepared and put together—making a great impression on judges and fellow competitors alike.

In this article, RW sponsored rider and head trainer of AG Equestrian Training Amanda Garcia shares her four simple steps for keeping your tall boots in tip-top condition. Follow this guide or watch the helpful video below to make sure you are always ready to step into the show ring with confidence in clean tall boots!

Prepare your tall boots for cleaning by removing your tall boot trees, zipping your boots back up, and placing your hand into the boot for support when cleaning. Alternatively, you can wear your tall boots during the cleaning process (Amanda's favorite way)! Before you start, you will want to make sure you have the following tack cleaning and leather care items on hand:

• Leather Cleaner Spray
• Rag or Cloth
• Polish Brush & Boot Cream Polish (Matching the color of your tall boots)
• Stiff Bristled Boot Brush & Soft Buffing Brush
• Leather Shine

1. Start by grabbing your stiff-bristled brush to sweep away any loose dirt and grime from your riding tall boots. Focus mainly on the sole, laces, stitching, and any places that get extra dirty. Use the brush to get into the creases, around the spur rest, and between the teeth of the zipper. This initial step helps prevent scratches that dirt particles might cause during the rest of the cleaning process, leaving the surface prepped for a deeper clean.

2. Next, spray a light mist of leather cleaner all over the tall boot. Use your rag to wipe away any remaining dirt. Utilize this time to clean the inside calf of your boot. Make sure not to oversaturate the leather with spray.

3. Once your boots are clean and dry, apply the appropriate color boot cream polish to a polish brush. Gently buff the polish into the leather, helping to restore color and add a protective layer, leaving your boots looking refreshed. Pay special attention to areas that tend to get more worn, like the toes of your boots. Avoid polishing the inside of your boot. This can leave stains on your horse, saddle, and pad.

4. Once you have applied the polish, let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to fully absorb into the leather. Then grab your softer buffing brush to bring out that high-gloss shine. Using firm, even strokes, work the brush over every polished area to smooth out the finish and make the leather pop. This step not only enhances the shine but also helps the polish to set for a longer-lasting, professional look!

Finishing Touch

For that final finishing touch right before you enter the ring, give your boots a quick swipe with a boot shine sponge. This last-minute trick adds an extra layer of shine and removes any dust that might have settled. It is a quick and simple touch that makes all the difference, giving you that polished, put-together look as you step into the ring!

Q: Why do I need to clean my tall boots?

A: Tall boots are an investment. Whether you wear them every day or just a few times a year, keeping them clean will extend their life and prevent you from needing to constantly replace them. Even wiping off the dirt and horse sweat after every ride will keep your boots healthier, therefore allowing you to enjoy them longer!

Q: How often should I clean my tall boots?

A: How often you need to clean your tall boots will depend on how often you use them. If your boots are used quite often, then wiping them down with a rag after every ride and doing a deep clean once a week will help prolong their life. If your boots don't see a lot of action, then cleaning them once or twice a month will be suitable.

Q: What leather cleaners and polish should I use on my tall boots?

A: When cleaning tall boots, use a leather cleaner that is specifically made for tack or riding equipment. These leather cleaners will remove the built-up dirt and sweat from your boots without stripping the leather of its natural oils. When choosing a boot polish cream, make sure you choose one that is the same color as your boots so it blends perfectly.

Q: How do I clean dirty tall boots?

A: Dirty riding boots can be a pain; therefore, we suggest wiping your boots down after every ride to prevent dirt and sweat build-up. However, even the most diligent equestrians can still end up with dirty boots if they aren't careful! To clean dirty boots, remove sweat, dirt, and horse hair from your boots with a stiff brush and spray a leather cleaner all over the tall boot. If the leather on your boots looks dry or like it might crack, a leather conditioner can help restore any moisture the boots might have lost with use. To achieve a show-ring look, use a boot polish cream (the same color as your boots) and work it in with a polish brush while avoiding the inside of the boot. Buff the polish out with a soft brush for a show-ring shine!

Q: How do I clean the zippers on my tall boots?

A: Keeping your zippers clean is as important as caring for the leather on your tall boots. Use a smaller brush (like a toothbrush) to remove any dirt build-up in the zipper, or a wet rag to carefully wipe the teeth of the zipper clean. You can even use a zipper lubricant spray to prolong the life of the zipper and enable smoother zipping.

Q: How can I keep my tall boots clean between rides?

A: Inserting boot trees in your tall boots will help them keep their shape, especially over time as they break in. Storing tall boots in a boot bag will keep them spotless between rides and prevent any scuffs or damage.

Your tall boots are an investment, so taking a few extra minutes for regular cleaning and polishing (with the right technique) will extend the life of your tall boots and keep them looking snazzy! We hope you enjoyed following along with hunter jumper rider Amanda Garcia's methods for cleaning and polishing tall boots. If you need any extra tips or personalized product recommendations, please feel free to contact our knowledgeable customer service team by calling 1-800-620-9145 or emailing info@ridingwarehouse.com for assistance. Shine on!

Shop Amanda's Favorite Tall Boot Care Products: