Cowboy boots made of leather can become wet, which is usually not a problem if treated with a water-resistant conditioner. However, if you want your boots to last, it’s critical to protect them from moisture damage both before and after they’ve been exposed to water.
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Can Leather Cowboy Boots Get Wet?
Yes, they can get wet to a certain extent. However, it is not recommended to keep them out in the rain for extended periods. Leather is very sensitive to excess moisture and will begin to show the effects of water damage, even if you took good care of your boots before they became wet.
One of these signs that moisture may be present in your boots is when you notice that the leather has wrinkled or puckered around seams and stitching. This is an attempt to expel moisture from within the boot. If this happens, it’s best to allow your boot’s leather time to dry before attempting any type of waterproofing treatment.
Cowboy boots made of leather can and do get wet, whether due to the rainy season or stepping in a puddle of mud. While leather is naturally resistant to moisture, it will still absorb and retain moisture. This may happen even when they’re protected from rain by thick rubber or plastic boots.
Since leather is a porous material, water will eventually make its way into the boot through these cracks and seams. Due to this absorption of moisture, leather will stretch and develop cracks over time. These types of damage are mostly cosmetic and not very noticeable until the leather starts cracking and peeling away from stitching and seams.
The only way to truly prevent your cowboy boots from getting wet is with a product that includes waterproofing treatments. There are many products designed to protect leather boots from water damage; however, the methods used for achieving this level of protection will change depending on what type of boot you have.
What Happens If Leather Boots Get Wet?
Cracking
Once your boots have been exposed to water, you will need to prevent them from drying out too quickly. If they dry out too quickly, then there’s a possibility you’ll notice cracking on the surface of your boots. This is because leather absorbs water when left wet for a specific period. If it freezes once it’s dry, then there’s a bigger chance of cracking.
Forming Fungus
The fungus that forms when you leave your leather boots wet for too long is called mold. Mold and moisture, so it won’t be surprising that you’ll find some traces of it when you have left your boots wet in a single spot in your home. Unfortunately, it can also cause the leather to peel away in layers in the same way fungi causes peeling in paint.
Leather will start to rot when exposed to direct sunlight. This is why you should never leave them to dry under the sun’s rays. Some places offer shoe repair services if cracks or even mold has developed on your boots.
Damage
When you cannot avoid getting your leather boots wet, they should be dried in a cool and dry place out of direct sunlight. You may experience some permanent damage when the boots are exposed to direct sunlight.
When this happens, the leather will start to crack and peel away in layers. Your leather boots will also lose their flexibility and supple feel after getting wet. It will stiffen and feel brittle too. If you try to wear them again after they’ve dried out, then it’s likely they’ll hurt your feet and legs once you wear them again, especially if they’ve shrunk in size.
5 Tips To Protect Your Cowboy Boots
To get the most out of your cowboy boots, you should follow the care instructions below.
Condition Your Boots
Before getting your boots wet, give them a good cleaning and conditioning by washing with warm water and soap. You might also want to use a stiff brush to get out the dirt trapped in the crevasses of the boot.
Conditioning your cowboy boots have several advantages. It helps maintain the leather’s firmness, softness, and suppleness and acts as a barrier against moisture. Before conditioning your boots, make certain they are clean and dry.
Apply waterproofing treatments
You can find waterproofing treatments that can help protect your boots from getting wet. Some of the best ones contain urethanes, and some contain oils that will not only waterproof your boots but will retain their shape and form after rain or snowfall.
This is why you should apply one on every boot before getting them wet. If you find your boots are swishing water as you walk or there’s a puddle forming around your boots, then you need to apply some waterproofing treatments.
Apply Polish
You can apply polish to your boots regularly to help maintain their shape, color, and texture. However, you will need to use the right type of polish for leather to ensure that it gives them a robust shine.
If you leave your boots alone for too long without conditioning them or applying waterproofing treatments, then they could start to crack or curl. As long as you are careful with your maintenance routine, then this will not be an issue.
Dry Naturally
You should always dry your boots naturally by letting them sit out for a few days. If you toss them on a radiator or put them near a heater, then the shape and form of the boot will be distorted.
Now suppose you went out while it was raining heavily, or you stepped into a puddle, and your boots absorbed a significant amount of water.
While the conditioning you’ve applied will protect your boots from the damage that would occur if they were left unprotected, you should still clean and dry them. Naturally, reapply the conditioner.
Store Properly
If you are storing your boots for an extended period (e.g., overnight or longer), make sure they are completely dry. If you don’t, then you could cause permanent damage to your boots.
You should also make sure the insides of the boots are brushed free of debris from dirt or mud before storing them until they are used again. Finally, make certain they are placed in a cool, dry area to prevent them from getting moldy.
How To Dry Wet Leather Shoes?
Step 1: Remove Excess Moisture & Debris
The first step in getting your leather shoes dried is removing excess moisture and debris. Remove any dirt, mud, or debris stuck inside the shoe with a dry brush, so it doesn’t get wet again. If there are raindrops on the shoe, wipe them away with a soft, dry cloth to avoid water stains. Additionally, remove dirt, mud, or grit while your shoes are still wet rather than allowing the debris to dry.
Step 2: Remove The Laces
While the shoes are still wet, remove the laces to prevent them from getting wet or damp. You can either soak your shoes in a bucket of water or simply do a quick washing with a sponge along the insides of all the shoes before drying them. Wipe off any excess water in the shoe with a dry cloth after removing their laces.
Step 3: Remove The Insoles
If your shoes are truly soaked, moisture is most likely trapped between the insole and the shoe’s bottom. By removing the insoles, you allow the shoe to breathe properly and reduce the likelihood that the shoes will smell or warp in the future. After removing the insoles, wipe the inside of the shoe with a soft, dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.
Step 4: Elevate The Shoes
Depending on the type of shoe, some will need to be elevated. For example, shoes with a large heel and/or soles may need to be elevated while drying, particularly if they are made from thicker leather or rubber. You can simply place your shoes on a board or their sides, depending on the type of shoe you have. If you remove the laces, you can simply hang them from a hook inside your closet for drying.
Step 5: Stuff Them With Crumpled Newspaper
You can stuff your shoes with crumpled newspaper to absorb excess moisture and prevent them from sagging or wriggling as they dry. You can either place a single layer of crumpled paper inside the shoe or a double layer to absorb more water. Make certain you remove all excess water from inside with a dry cloth before placing the paper inside for drying.
Step 6: Elevate & Air Dry
Your shoes will remain damp at some point, but the crumpled newspaper technique will no longer work because there is insufficient moisture left to absorb properly. At this point, air-drying the shoe is the best option for removing any remaining moisture. Place the shoes or boots in a cool, dry location that is free of humidity and moisture. Avoid excessive heat, which can cause the leather to warp and crack.
It bears repeating: under no circumstances should excessive heat be used. Blower dryers, baseboard heating, radiators, and fireplaces are examples of excessive heat that should be avoided.
Cowboy Boots Types
Cowboy boots fall into two broad categories: functional boots and fashion boots.
Functional cowboy boots
Functional cowboy boots are typically made of leather with a lot of stitching in the toe area. Unfortunately, the stitching stops at the edge of the boot, which is called a break-in. The leather is also usually very thick and stiff to account for this break-in.
Functional cowboy boots are typically made for rough action, hard work, and rugged environments. They are designed to protect you from knocks, scrapes, kicks, or cuts that would otherwise compromise your safety or cause you discomfort when working on the farm, ranch, or ranching business.
They come in many different styles with various sole shapes and heels. Most functional boots have a shearling lining which adds warmth, comfort and is water resistant when needed most.
Functional cowboy boots are typically rough terrain work boots, so their soles are designed for stability and protection. The less expensive cowboy boots are typically made of materials that are not high quality. These materials may be too flexible or lightweight, which can compromise your footing on uneven ground or slippery surfaces.
The higher-quality genuine leather cowboy boots have a reinforced rubber sole designed to give you traction on all types of terrain, even when you’re walking through mud, snow, or rain.
Fashionable cowboy boots
Fashionable cowboy boots are constructed of opulent materials and are worn more for appearance than function. These boots are frequently crafted from snakeskin or ostrich hide, making them attractive but less resistant to extreme weather or moisture. Additionally, they may have higher heels and may be less comfortable.
These boots are frequently worn for formal occasions and other times when wearing high-quality materials is desired. The design of these shoes may be more elaborate than functional boots, so they will often require more time to break in.
Why Do We Need To Make The Distinction Between These Cowboy Boots?
Although they are both able to be waterproofed, they perform different functions.
Functional cowboy boots are not made to be fashionable or for looks. Instead, they are rugged working boots that give you maximum protection during hard work on the farm, ranch, or ranching business. These types of cowboy boots are typically made of full grain leather that is sturdy and durable.
Fashionable cowboy boots are made for looks and intended to be comfortable. They come in exotic materials like snakeskin, ostrich hides, lizard skins, etc. The more expensive ones have higher heels, so you can wear them with tuxedos or evening wear.
However, fashionable cowboy boots typically cannot withstand wet conditions due to their delicate leathers being easily damaged by excessive moisture; even suede boots can be damaged.
- If you want high-quality genuine leather cowboy boots built for rugged performance, it’s important to pay the extra money for the best materials and construction methods.
- You also want durable rubber soles, so you don’t spend all day walking on mud or wet surfaces. This is why getting a pair of genuine leather cowboy boots is worth the money!
- Finally, you need a pair of cowboy boots that fit properly, or you will experience pain in your knees or ankles when walking long distances or going up and downstairs with heavy loads.
FAQs
Will my cowboy boots become lighter in color after getting wet?
This is not usually the case. However, you need to clean your leather boots before wearing them again. Also, make certain you apply conditioner before storing them. You should also use a waterproofing treatment if it has not already been applied to the boots.
These will help maintain the shape and form of your leather boots when they are exposed to wet conditions. The average life span of leather cowboy boots is between two and three years, depending on how often you wear them, how much you take care of them, and how much water they absorb.
Are leather boots expensive?
No. You will find that there are many styles of leather boots that cost less than $100. If you want to go with a more classic design, then you might want to spend more than $100, but not much more. Even if you plan to wear your cowboy boots for a longer period and take good care of them, they will only cost between $50 and $100.
Do I need to replace my cowboy boots every year?
No. Your cowboy boots will last you as long as you take care of them properly and wear them as often as possible to maintain their form and form features. When you do get a pair, you stand to gain a lot of benefits from them. The price is not going to be an issue for you.
Is it bad if leather shoes get wet?
This is not necessarily bad for your boots, but you should never leave them wet overnight because this could lead to permanent damage. The best thing you can do for your cowboy boots is clean them thoroughly. If you cannot dry them naturally, then use a waterproofing treatment before they get wet again.
Should I wear my cowboy boots on the outside of my pants?
You can wear your cowboy boots on the inside or outside of the side of your pants, but it is better to wear them on the insides so that they can protect your legs. It’s also a good idea to throw a pair of leather socks over them as well, just in case they get wet as you go out for a walk or as part of your normal routine.