Riding Boot Cleaning Products

[SaddlePsych'D]

Ariat ones specifically if that makes any difference...

Santa was particularly good to me this year so I have had a significant upgrade from my Dublin/Mountain Horse boot/half chap combo that's slowly falling apart to some fabulous smart long riding boots. Also some new yard boots I bought myself pre-Christmas because the old ones are falling to bits so are fairly useless unless the ground is completely dry.

Is it worth getting the Ariat specific leather care products? I have some Renapur leather balsam I hoped would do the job just as well but will invest if necessary, as I hope these boots will last me several Christmases to come!

 

[Red-1]

I just use boot polish, is that not what everyone does? I use parade gloss for a nice shine.

 

[teapot]

I just use boot polish, is that not what everyone does? I use parade gloss for a nice shine.

Nothing works better than Kiwi polish and a bit of effort imho

 

[Rumtytum]

I use boot polish too, and if they aren’t going to be used for a few days they get a good dose of Dubbin.

 

[Red-1]

Nothing works better than Kiwi polish and a bit of effort imho

Parade Gloss is Kiwi, but a shiny version.

 

[Red-1]

I use boot polish too, and if they aren’t going to be used for a few days they get a good dose of Dubbin.

Dubbin? I would not use that as it dulls the shine IME.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I wipe off grease and any dirt, dry off thoroughly and then use Parade Gloss, usually at least 2 coats, sometimes heating the 1st lot going on. Buff over with decent soft duster after and store in zipped bag.
1 set of favourite black Bromonts are 2010 vintage, but have only used them for riding in summer the last 3 yrs as have worn v thin on inside leg, 1 pair brown insulated Bromonts 2015 vintage used most of the time and in near perfect condition.
I try not to do yard jobs in my decent riding boots.

The winter Grasmeres get treated every weekend when I do my tack.

 

[chaps89]

I wipe off grease and any dirt, dry off thoroughly and then use Parade Gloss, usually at least 2 coats, sometimes heating the 1st lot going on. Buff over with decent soft duster after and store in zipped bag.
1 set of favourite black Bromonts are 2010 vintage, but have only used them for riding in summer the last 3 yrs as have worn v thin on inside leg, 1 pair brown insulated Bromonts 2015 vintage used most of the time and in near perfect condition.
I try not to do yard jobs in my decent riding boots.

The winter Grasmeres get treated every weekend when I do my tack.

Can validate that TFF has the shiniest/cleanest boots of anyone I know

 

[teapot]

Parade Gloss is Kiwi, but a shiny version.

Spit, polish, and an occasional lighter over here to get the shine

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Can validate that TFF has the shiniest/cleanest boots of anyone I know

I thank you! ?

On random times of the year B Fuzzy can shine as much as my boots! ?

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Ooh looks like Parade Gloss it is then!

The new boots haven't had their first outing yet as been wearing them in around the house, but they will be strictly riding only boots and then I have the other yard boots for everything else. Might use the Renapur on those and the PG on the riding boots.

Hadn't considered a bag for them but that might be sensible to help keep them in good condition.

 

[Red-1]

Ooh looks like Parade Gloss it is then!

The new boots haven't had their first outing yet as been wearing them in around the house, but they will be strictly riding only boots and then I have the other yard boots for everything else. Might use the Renapur on those and the PG on the riding boots.

Hadn't considered a bag for them but that might be sensible to help keep them in good condition.

I never use a shoe brush on posh boots. Little circles with water and Parade Gloss, then little circles with clean damp cloth, as in poke your finger through and just one finger doing the little circles inside the cloth. Do several layers until the gloss builds up. Less on the inside unless you want to slide off the horse LOL.

Finish with a clean duster, but not the seam, just make a pad with the middle part.

Then insert the boots into a pair of tights to keep them pristine, with cloths inside the box.

I only use a lighter if there is a 'fault' in the polish, it melts it so you can once again one-finger-in-a-cloth to perfection.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Excellent tips there Red, thank you

I will have to find somewhere special to wear my extra shiny boots!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Always put the trees in when they are resting, and yes, a designated boot bag is definitely worth it. They usually have an additional zipped pocket to keep spare socks, pop socks or gloves in.

 

[Kunoichi73]

This is a very helpful thread. I'm planning on investing in a good pair of long boots soon and these tips for keeping them looking nice are great! Thanks folks! ??

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Yep got a pair of trees with them which is handy as not sure I would have thought to buy some. The bag will be a nice upgrade from the big blue Ikea bag I use for my riding kit. Does the job (ish) but often full of dust, hay etc.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

This is a very helpful thread. I'm planning on investing in a good pair of long boots soon and these tips for keeping them looking nice are great! Thanks folks! ??

Not sure where you are in the country but if it's anywhere near you I'd recommend Wadswick Country Store. I had a fabulous shopping/boot fitting experience there; tried just about everything they had in my size on, the service was excellent!

 

[Kunoichi73]

Not sure where you are in the country but if it's anywhere near you I'd recommend Wadswick Country Store. I had a fabulous shopping/boot fitting experience there; tried just about everything they had in my size on, the service was excellent!

Darn it, too far to travel. I'm Merseyside based. However, I did try on a load of boots at Edgemere a couple of months back and the DeNiro ones fitted me the best. I've just not had a chance to go back to confirm this and order a pair. I had to get my head round the idea that they drop a bit and need a little breaking in. The lady who served me was fantastically patient as I dithered over the decision. I did buy a body protector from them though, so it wasn't a wasted trip!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Yes mine are a little 'firm' and slightly high but have been assured that they will soften and drop a little. Other than that they are very comfortable and I can't wait to get riding in them.

 

[Kunoichi73]

Good luck! I'll report on mine when I managed to get them sorted.

 

[ThreeFurs]

Yes to the Kiwi parade gloss. I have the Ariat Performer lace-up short boots and Close contact gaiters for training and the polish keeps them going for years.

I've also got a pair of De Niro Raffaello top boots, for dressage comps. They came with a little jar of their own cream but its not that great. Btw, I keep them stored with boot trees in, but with their rounded high top, I needed an extra tall boot bag, the Noble Outfitters one is good, with lots of padding and pockets for things, and I have the matching hat bag, bridle bag {which is brilliant! huge! ] and uhm, grooming bag. [bought ten years ago, when I had money!]

So my advice would be if your going to buy a bag for yours, measure their height and check it with the boot bag you want.

 

[sbloom]

Yep got a pair of trees with them which is handy as not sure I would have thought to buy some. The bag will be a nice upgrade from the big blue Ikea bag I use for my riding kit. Does the job (ish) but often full of dust, hay etc.

IKEA do a beige version with a zipper to close it completely.

Yes mine are a little 'firm' and slightly high but have been assured that they will soften and drop a little. Other than that they are very comfortable and I can't wait to get riding in them.

Heel risers are the way to go for any new boots that are cutting in on the backs of knees.

Don't use boor polish on the "window" of the inner calf, just a very light balm now and again. You want a little grip, and no colour rubbing off.

 

[ecb89]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...FH-culture-sees-trainers-footwear-choice.html
Just seen this regarding kiwi polish

 

[The Xmas Furry]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...FH-culture-sees-trainers-footwear-choice.html
Just seen this regarding kiwi polish

Noooooo!
<runs off to create a bulk order >

 

[spotty_pony]

Sorry to jump on post but my three year old Ariats are currently cracking slightly on the outside! Is there anything I can use on them to prevent this and keep them supple?

 

[Red-1]

Noooooo!
<runs off to create a bulk order >

2 ordered today!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

2 ordered today!

4 brown and 2 black ordered here ✔

 

[Barton Bounty]

I use stubben saddle soap ? Works perfectly for me ?

 

[sbloom]

Sorry to jump on post but my three year old Ariats are currently cracking slightly on the outside! Is there anything I can use on them to prevent this and keep them supple?

Once they start cracking then it's a bit late sadly. Something like @cremedemonthe's saddler's blend conditioner is a good idea for any leathers that are slightly waxy or don't need to be glossy/shiny.

 

[HollyWoozle]

I also use Renapur on my Ariat boots (terrain types) and chaps, but I am going for good condition rather than clean/shiny as I am a trail rider essentially. I don’t ride regularly but ride abroad several times a year and cram in a lot of hours in different environments (hot, dusty deserts to wet, cold places too) and my boots and chaps have never cracked and stay lovely and supple.