Polished black boot with a cloth and brush on marble

Polishing leather boots

Polish is for smooth leather. Clean first, then cream, then shine if you want it.

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Smooth leather only

Polish is for smooth leather. Do not use it on suede, nubuck, or roughout.

Cream

One boot maker says a colored boot cream can cover scuffs on leather of the same color, and a neutral cream can be used on any smooth-finished leather.

Wax polish

Wax polish can be buffed to a shine. Use thin layers, and follow its label.

How to apply

Clean and dry the boots.
Apply a small amount with a cloth, in small circles.
Let it dry as the label says.
Buff with a soft brush or cloth.

Match the color

Test a new color on a hidden spot.

Sources: Red Wing, Smooth-Finished Leather Care. Brand names belong to their owners. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by them.

FAQ

Cream or wax?

Cream for color and scuffs, wax for shine. Some people use both.

Can I polish oil-tanned boots?

Follow your boot maker's guidance for that leather.

General information only. Follow the boot maker's care instructions and the directions on any care product. Test a product on a hidden spot first, because some products can darken leather.

Brown leather boot with an open tin of cream and a cloth

Conditioning leather boots

A light coat, then wait.

Close view of soft creases across a boot toe

Creases in leather boots

Why they form.

Leather boots beside a brush and cloth on a walnut bench

How to clean leather boots

Brush, wipe, and dry.

Caught in the rain?