How to Store Cowboy Boots Properly

Whether you are new to this Western lifestyle and just got your first pair of cowboy boots or you got your fifteenth pair to add to your collection, you’ll need to know the best way to store cowboy boots. While some may think that they just get tossed in the closet, we know you know better, which is why you’re here. Even if you don’t use yours on the farm every day, you know how important it is to take care of your Western boots. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with our cowboy boot storage tips to help you get the most out of your boots and the space you have to house them.

There are several ways to store cowboy boots—we don’t prefer one way over the other, it really depends on the space that you have to work with. There are a few things that no matter what, you need to be cognizant of in order to keep your boots in good condition, and we’ll cover that information as well in our cowboy boot storage tips.

Prevent Creases in the Boot Leather

No matter where you store your cowboy boots, whether on display in your room or hidden away in your closet, make sure they don’t fold over. For certain styles like women’s booties, this isn’t a big concern—but for styles with shafts that cover your calves, creases may form if they fold over while in storage. There are several ways to ensure that they don’t fold over:

• Use a boot tree to keep the leather shaft straight.
• Use plastic boot shapers that will slip into boots to keep them standing up straight.
• If you’re more of a DIY person, use swimming pool noodles: Buy one (or two, depending on how tall your boots are), and cut them down fit the length of your boots to keep the calves standing straight.

Store Leather Boots in a Dry Place

Moisture can damage the boot leather and make them musty or moldy. That means don’t store them in moist areas like your garage, barn closet, or bathroom—even if that’s where you normally stash your boots after a long day of work. Leather boots need to breathe to prevent moisture build-up, so always let them dry fully before putting them away, and store them in an area without any excess moisture. You can put them in a plastic storage container so long as it’s not airtight so the excess moisture can escape. A canvas boot bag is another breathable storage option for keeping boots in a closet.

Allow your cowboy boots to dry naturally. It can be frustrating if you’re trying to clean up around the house and need to get your boots put away, give them time to dry to prevent leather damage. Using heat or trying to wipe them dry may cause the leather to dry and crack.

Always Clean Boots Before Putting Them Away

At the very least, you should brush away any dirt or debris before storing your boots. The ensures they’re clean and ready to go the next time you wear them. Regular cleaning and conditioning is part of cowboy boot care—always clean and condition your boots before tucking them away for storage, and give them a once-over each time you wear them to address any concerns with dry, cracked, or damaged leather.

Best Places to Store Cowboy Boots

• Standing upright on the floor of a closet. Storing cowboy boots in the closet is by far the best option, as this keeps them out of direct sunlight, away from humidity, and safe from anything that could cause damage (like pets who chew shoes). By using the pool noodle trick or boot shapers to hold your boots up straight, you’ll have picture-perfect boots every time!
• On a special boot rack. That’s right, there are special racks you can purchase for your bedroom or mudroom where you hang your boots upside down. Just make sure it’s in a temperature-controlled area, otherwise, you may potentially face issues with mold and mildew.
• A hanging rack in your closet. Another option if you lack extra floor space, specialized closet hangers that go in your closet are designed to hold several pairs of boots with just a bit more room than that of a hanger.
• A bookcase. This is another way to store your boots and put them on display. Again, just make sure they are out of direct sunlight and are not folding over on themselves. This can be a really nice way to organize your shoes so you can easily see what boots you want to wear for the evening.

Proper cleaning and storage can help extend the life of your favorite Western boots. Follow these storage tips to keep your boots in top shape, and explore our blog for more Western wear tips.