How to Wear Cowboy Boots In Snow

How to Wear Cowboy Boots In Snow

Cowboy boots were designed for people who had to spend most of their day herding cattle from one place to another. Since they were made for herding, they were not very comfortable to walk around in. Once they became popular with survivalist and adventurers because of their sturdiness and over the Hollywood industry, more people started loving cowboy boots given they were comfortable to walk in. As the demand for boots increased, different manufacturers started making boots with innovative design and heel styles. These innovative designs not only made them easy to wear but also made it easy for people to wear cowboy boots in different kinds of weather conditions like snow, rain, etc. Now, there are various brands that focus on manufacturing cowboy boots that are suitable for multiple weather conditions. 

There are various kinds of boots that can be worn during the snowy season. Leather boots are not waterproof but if you want to wear them in snow or rain, you have to treat them with a product that will protect the leather. 

If you are looking for boots that can be worn during snow, then make sure you focus on its ability to resist moisture rather than the overall look of the shoes. Now with a warm cup of coffee in hand, lets go through the list of all the precautions you need to take to make sure that you are able to wear your cowboy boots in snow.

Are Leather Boots Completely Waterproof?

Leather is made from the skin of animals which makes it naturally porous. This means that any liquid can penetrate through the material. Manufacturers treat animal skins to transform them into leather shoes or any other products. Some brands claim that their cowboy shoes are waterproof which is not true. However, these shoes are water resistant. The water-resistant capability of leather depends on the quality of leather, retaining and the finishing techniques used on it. Water-resistant leather is made to resist water while allowing a minimum amount of absorption.

Leather shoes are not the best option when it comes to boots that can be worn during snow as the excessive moisture and snow cause them to dry and crack.

Water-resistant Does Not Mean Waterproof

There are various water resistant boots available in the market and all of them are manufactured by different brands. These boots work well for brief walks during the rain but they are not made for wading in water. Leather boots can be used in water for a short period of time and they won’t be damaged. However, unlike rubber boots, they are not completely waterproof. The degree of water protection depends on the degree of moisture protection your shoes require or have.

Ariat Western Cowboy Boot Review

Water-resistance is one of the most important characteristics of leather. They not only protect your feet but also preserve the leather.

The Leather Should Breathe

While it is an important aspect that the leather does not penetrate, a certain amount of moisture should be able to pass through or be absorbed in the leather. This ensures proper acclimatization inside the boots.

The moisture evaporates if the leather on your boots keeps breathing; however, too much moisture will make it lose its ability to protect your feet against cold or heat.

Can Leather Boots Tolerate Snow

Water-resistant, leather cowboy boots can be worn for a short period of time in snow but they cannot be worn for a long time as they absorb too much moisture. These boots lose their pliable texture, stiffen and sometimes even rot after absorbing a lot of  moisture. Along with this, they won’t even provide adequate warmth to your feet once they get wet. It is suggested that you do not wear expensive cowboy boots with exotic skins during snow as they start looking weary after a while.

Treating Your Leather Cowboy Boots

Apart from keeping your feet dry, there are various other reasons you should treat your leather boots. Treating your boots will increase their lifespan, resist staining and make them look good. One of the things that you can use on your boots in Mink Oil. You can buy it through Amazon or from any other store.

Leather boots have a porous nature which makes it difficult for them to withstand water. No matter what, the water-resistance capability of leather boots will never be as good as rubber boots. However, there are a few tips and tricks that will help you increase its ability to resist water.

Clean Your Boots Before Applying Conditioner

You should clean your boots nicely and you won’t have to put in any extra effort as it is an easy process. All you need is a soft cloth and some water and you have to wipe your shoes. There is absolutely no need to use any sprays, soaps or chemical cleaners. If you see a stubborn spot on your shoes, take a brush and clean it.

If this solution does not work for you, there are some commercial cleaners available in the market that you can use. These cleaners work fine but make sure you test a spot on your shoes before you spread the cleaner all over your shoes. These cleaners come with instructions written on the packaging which makes it easy for people to use them. Once you have used the cleaner, let your show dry partially but not in direct sunlight. Here are a few products that people have used and reviewed on Amazon:

Leather Cleaner by Leather Honey for Vinyl and Leather Apparel

Fiebings Saddle Soap

Chamberlains Leather Milk Leather Cleaner – Straight Cleaner No. 2

Leather Conditioner Increases The Lifespan Of You Boots

The leather present on your boots can live beyond its lifespan if you look after it properly. Over the course of time, leather loses moisture and oil which causes the boots to crack. Leather conditioners replenish the oils and nourish the fibers of the boots which prevents any stiffness or cracking. Thai restores their natural flexibility as well.

Once your boots are clean but still damp, apply the leather conditioner. Since damp leather is easier to penetrate as compared to dry, the conditioner lubricates the leather better when the shoes are not completely dry. Along with preventing cracks, leather conditioners also protect the surface of your shoes from stains and it also deepens the color over time. Make sure you apply a small amount of conditioner as too much will clog pores and will prevent your shoes from breathing. You should condition your shoes after every 4 months, unless you use them in harsh conditions.Most good quality leather boots provide the required water-resistance. It is not recommended that you waterproof your leather boots as it will prevent them from breathing.

Most good quality leather boots provide the required water-resistance. It is not recommended that you waterproof your leather boots as it will prevent them from breathing. If you are looking for functional and high-grade leather boots then we suggest you have a look at the Ariat Western Cowboy Boot. However, if you are looking for something stylish and western then checkout the Justin Boots Classic Western Boot.

Three Types Of Leather Conditioners

Multiple brands manufacture leather conditioners in the market; however, there are only three basic types: condition creams, condition oils and wax conditioners. Each one of them performs the same function but it is entirely up to you which form you would like to choose.

Conditioning Creams : Along with providing surface protection, leather conditioning creams also do not affect the color of leather. One of the most popular conditioning creams is the Tarrago Shoe Cream. It contains wax which conditions to protect and recharge damaged leather.

Conditioning Oils : Conditioning oils penetrate leather pores in an excellent way and are effective conditioners for leather boots. People have been using conditioning oils for centuries to maintain leather goods. There are various brands that manufacture conditioning oils; however, they vary in prices.

Wax Conditioners : This form of conditioner does not penetrate the leather but provides an excellent surface protection from water. Wax conditioners are manufactured to seal leather by forming a protective layer on top of the surface. The wax creates a barrier against oil, acid and moisture that could possibly damage your boots. However, it is essential that leather must breathe or your boots will rot. To protect your shoes from rotting, make sure you remove the wax occasionally.

Here are some of the most popular wax conditioners  : 

Leather Honey Leather Conditioner for use on Leather Apparel

Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner

Chamberlains Leather Milk Conditioner and Cleaner To Condition and Rejuvinate Leather