How to Care for Your Ariat Boots

Your Ariat boots are an investment. Whether you’re riding in the ring or working around the stables, you rely on them to keep your feet well-protected and comfortable. Giving them some periodic TLC helps them last longer and perform better. In this post, we’ll detail how to care for your Ariat boots. From paddock boots to tall boots, we’ll go through the steps required to properly clean, condition, and repair them. We’ll also discuss how to know when it’s time to replace your Ariat boots with a fresh pair.

Ariat Boot Care

Frequent cleaning is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of your Ariat riding boots. Riding rings and horse stables have a way of thoroughly coating riding boots with dust and debris. If this material is allowed to sit on your boots for long periods of time, it can degrade the leather. The best preventative maintenance is to wipe down your riding boots with a damp cloth each time you use them. And don’t forget the zipper! Giving your boots a quick wipe down after each use keeps the leather and zipper clean and prevents dirt and grime from building up. 

Ariat riding boots need deep cleaning and conditioning, too. How often you should give them a thorough scrub and condition the leather depends on how frequently you use them and how dirty and wet they get during each use. If you use your riding boots daily, plan on giving them a deep clean and condition once every three months. For boots that are worn less often, an in-depth scrub and leather conditioner treatment every six months should be sufficient. 

5 Steps for Cleaning Your Ariat Boots

Here’s the step-by-step process to get your Ariat boots gleaming again.

1. Gather Your Cleaning Materials

Before you begin cleaning, first collect the supplies you’ll need. It’s a good idea to always keep these items on hand as part of your Ariat boot care kit. Here’s the list of supplies you’ll need to deep clean, condition, and polish your Ariat riding boots.

• A damp sponge or cloth
• A dry sponge or cloth
• A soft brush
• Leather cleaner
• Leather conditioner
• Leather polish

2. Wipe Down the Riding Boots

Start by giving your riding boots a good wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any excess dirt, dust, or grime. Make sure to run your cloth up and down the zipper, too. A soft brush can help remove scuffs or dirt buildup. For scrubbing off stubborn mud spots, an Ariat-approved leather cleaner like Fiebing’s can be used.

3. Apply the Ariat Leather Conditioner

Dab a dry cloth or sponge in your Ariat leather conditioner and work it in small circles from the bottom of the boots to the top, until the riding boots are fully covered. If the boots still feel dry after the leather conditioner is fully absorbed, apply a second coat.

4. Polish the Riding Boots

With the leather properly conditioned, it’s time to apply the polish. This is an important step in your Ariat boot care, as the polish helps protect the leather from moisture, mud, and dust. Apply the polish the same way you applied the Ariat leather conditioner, in small, circular motions from bottom to top.

5. Buff Them to a Shine

Now comes the fun part. Buffing your Ariat riding boots to a shine really sets them off, producing a satisfying gloss that looks great. Using a dry cloth or soft brush, rub the boots in wide, sweeping motions until you’ve achieved your desired sheen.

Additional Tips for Caring for Your Ariat Riding Boots

Proper cleaning and conditioning can play a big role in extending the life of your riding boots. But there are a few other things you can do to make sure they stay in prime condition for longer.

Rotate Your Riding Boots

Wearing the same pair of boots every day can allow moisture to build up and promote bacterial growth, since they may not have time to adequately dry out between uses. This can cause the inside lining of the boots to break down more quickly. Rotating your boots solves this problem, allowing each pair to dry out thoroughly between wears.

Store Your Riding Boots Away from Direct Heat

Boots that are stowed away in a climate-controlled space generally last longer. But keeping your boots stored next to a space heater or a heating vent can cause the leather to dry out quickly and be more prone to cracking. 

Use a Boot Tree

Using a boot tree helps your riding boots maintain their natural shape. This is especially important for tall boots. Storing riding boots on a boot tree keeps them in prime form.

How To Know When It’s Time To Replace Your Ariat Riding Boots

Nothing lasts forever. Although Ariat is well-known for crafting quality equestrian footwear, there comes a time to say farewell to even the highest-quality riding boots. Here are a few of the telltale signs that it’s time to start shopping for a new pair.

Excessive Wear on the Soles

Ariat riding boots are designed to last. High tech materials like Ariat’s Duratread outsoles are tough and long lasting. But over time, even the most durable outsoles can wear thin or develop uneven patterns of wear, especially if you tend to favor certain parts of your feet when walking. If your riding boots show these wear patterns, it’s time to look for a replacement. 

Waterproofing Has Begun To Fail

Water resistance is important. If your boots allow moisture in, your feet will be a lot less comfortable. Excessive moisture inside the boots can cause the interior lining to break down more rapidly and allow odor-causing bacteria an ideal environment to thrive.

The Fit Has Been Compromised

When riding boots are worn consistently over a very long period of time, the leather can stretch to the point where the fit is no longer snug and comfortable. If your feet have too much room to move inside the boots, you can develop blisters.

New Life for Old Boots

If you just can’t bear the thought of parting with your favorite pair of riding boots, Ariat offers a range of professional repair services, including resoling, restitching, replacing broken zippers and laces, and more. 

Tying Up the Loose Ends

Keeping your Ariat riding boots clean, well-conditioned, and polished not only keeps you looking sharp in the saddle, but also extends their working life. A wipe down after each use, combined with an occasional deep cleaning and leather conditioning treatment, protects the investment you’ve made and ensures your riding boots perform at their peak. 

Check out our collection of Ariat women’s riding boots and shoes! If you have questions about any of our products, give us a call at 864-457-3557. We’re happy to help!

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