Why Leather Boot Maintenance Matters
As a Montana hunter, hiker, and backpacker for 30 years, I’ve learned that your gear is only as reliable as the care you give it. I’ve put my Schnee’s Beartooth boots through 15 seasons of elk hunts, river crossings, and rugged alpine miles, and the only reason they haven’t ended up at Goodwill is a consistent maintenance routine. Proper leather boot care isn’t just about aesthetics as much as it’s about preserving the structural integrity of the leather. When leather dries out, it cracks, loses its waterproofing, and eventually fails in the field. By taking 30 minutes to clean and condition your leather hunting boots, you’re protecting an investment and ensuring that your most critical piece of equipment won’t fail you when you’re miles from the trailhead.
Supplies Needed To Clean Your Boots
- Bucket of warm water
- Conditioning oil like Huberd’s Shoe Grease
- Soft-bristle brush
- Old rag
- Rubber gloves
- Favorite podcast
How to Clean Leather Boots: The 3-Step Process
Step 1: Scrub and Prep
First, run and hide from the kids in the basement or garage, lock the door, and turn on your favorite podcast. Remove laces, insoles, and any caked-on debris like mud. This is a good time to replace your worn-out insoles (try Superfeet) and double-check the lining for tears. Feel free to hose your boots off outside. Dip your soft-bristle brush in the bucket of warm water and scrub. I like a horsehair brush’s short bristles because I can scrub without fear of destroying the grain. Towel them off and let them dry overnight. If you’re in the cleaning mood, it might be a good time to run through the rest of your kit. Check out my 7-Step Guide to Cleaning a Hunting Rifle to ensure your rifle is as ready as your boots.
Step 2: Condition and Waterproof
Apply your chosen leather conditioner. I have used Huberd’s Shoe Grease for 20 years. I don’t bother with anything else. If it’s good enough for lumberjacks in the Pacific Northwest, it’s good enough for me. It’s made of beeswax, pine tar, and pixie farts, which means unless you want to smell like this stuff, wear gloves when applying it. Wipe down any and all leather with an even coat of oil. You don’t need to overdo it. You will be amazed to watch the leather soak it in before your eyes. Well, at least I’m amazed, but I’m into weird stuff like that. This grease will turn light-colored leather darker, so make sure you’re okay with that. Let it soak in for a few hours or overnight. With your boots drying, you’re ready for E-Scouting for Hunting: Plan Your 2026 Hunt Like a Pro.
Step 3: Finishing Touches
After allowing your boots to dry, wipe off any excess shoe grease with a rag. Lace them up and hit the trail. You’re done. Now go walk through some creeks.
Leather Boot Maintenance: Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean and grease my leather boots?
For most hikers and hunters, a deep clean and conditioning should happen at least once a year, ideally at the end of the season before storage. If you frequently hike through alkaline mud, salt, or extremely dry environments, you should rinse off debris and apply a light coat of leather conditioner every few months to prevent the hide from cracking.
Can I use dish soap to clean leather hunting boots?
While a tiny bit of mild soap won’t ruin them, I generally advise against it. Dish soaps are designed to strip grease and oils—exactly what you don’t want to do to leather. Stick to warm water and a horsehair brush for standard cleaning. If your boots are truly filthy, use a dedicated saddle soap or leather cleaner that is pH-balanced for animal hides.
What is the best way to dry leather boots quickly?
Never put your boots next to a wood stove, heater, or use a hair dryer. High, direct heat can “cook” the leather fibers, making them brittle and prone to cracking—which will ruin expensive boots like Schnee’s in a single night. The best way to dry leather boots is to remove the insoles and let them air dry in a room with good circulation. If they are soaked through, stuff them with newspaper to pull moisture from the inside out.
Does conditioning my boots make them waterproof?
Conditioning with a product like Huberd’s Shoe Grease significantly improves water resistance because the beeswax and pine tar create a barrier that causes water to bead off. Keep in mind that waterproof and water-resistant are different. Regular maintenance keeps the leather from becoming wetted out, which maintains the breathability of the Gore-Tex liner inside. For boots that can handle the saturated terrain of a Pacific Northwest elk unit, read my honest review on the LaCrosse Ursa MS Boots.
Will leather conditioner change the color of my boots?
Yes, most high-quality conditioners and greases that contain oils or beeswax will darken the leather, often giving it a wet look. If you are worried about maintaining a light tan or suede appearance, test a small, inconspicuous area (like the tongue) before applying it to the entire boot. For my hunting boots, I prioritize protection and longevity over the original color.
