How to Clean Leather Boots

How to Clean Leather Boots and Shoes 

Here’s the best way to clean leather boots:

• A shoe brush, an old towel, or a dry cleaning kit

• Gentle wipes or a boot cleaning kit

• The recommended cleaning product for your fabric type

• Replacement laces and insoles (optional)

Cleaning Products for Every Type of Boot

To make sure you’re cleaning your boots the right way, we've outlined steps that clearly lead you through how to properly clean your boots. If you’re not using our recommendations, make sure to read the label and choose a product that suits your boots.

Cleaning your boots follows the same basic process no matter their type, but it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the different kinds of leather and their reactions to different cleaning methods.

 If your boots are new, you can also use a protective spray like our Balm Proofer™ Water & Stain Repellent. This will help to avoid water marks and stains and extend the life of your shoes.

Cleaning Leather Boots Step-by-Step

This step-by-step process on how to clean leather boots can be followed to refresh Timberland® shoes, sneakers, and boots of all materials. 

To keep your footwear feeling and looking fresh, make sure to repeat this process regularly:

1. Remove the shoelaces to ensure that you can deep clean the whole boot.

2. Using a brush or a similar surface, scrub all dirt and debris from your shoes. This is an important step, so you might want to go over your boots twice to get this done thoroughly.

3. Start gently: use wipes or a warm washcloth to clean the outside of your boot.

4. Choose the appropriate cleaner for your main fabric.

5. Apply the product with a sponge or applicator as directed and then scrub clean.

6. Buff your boots to keep them looking new using a professional leather brush.

7. Clean leather looks better when polished, so remove any black marks and scuffs with products like our Renewbuck™ Foaming Cleaner. Once again, remember to use the correct recommended product for your shoe type.

8. Wash laces separately and re-lace to keep your shoes looking newer.

In just a few easy steps, you can get your boots looking like new again. Now that you know how to clean leather boots, you can repeat the process regularly to keep them looking great season after season. Caring for your boots is just as important as wearing them!

Shop our men’s and women’s boots to find the right pair for you.