Nocona Boot Care

Boot Care

By NOCONA BOOTS

PROPER BOOT FITTING GUIDELINES:

If you are a first time buyer there are three things you need to consider when purchasing western boots; instep, ball, and heel.

Instep

INSTEP

Unlike shoes with laces, a boot has only the instep to hold it securely to the foot. Consequently, proper fit in the instep is of utmost importance. Check the fit by running your thumb and forefinger down the front of the instep. If you can pinch up leather at the highest point of the instep the boot has not been fitted correctly.

The fit should be snug, not tight or loose. The snugness is governed by the instep fit and the width of the throat or shaft. If the instep is too loose, the boot will slip excessively in the heel. To remedy this, you need a narrower width to shorten the circumference of the throat. This will reduce slippage without cutting down on the length of the boot. Or you may need to go to a smaller size.

Ball

BALL

When you walk or run you bend your foot at its widest part. This is called the ball. Same with boots. It is important that the ball seats on the widest part of the boot. If the boot is too short, the ball of the foot will sit too far forward and force the toes into the toe box. Ample toe space is necessary because toes tend to settle forward after the boot is worn for a time.

Heel

HEEL

A new pair of boots will slip slightly in the heel because there is nothing to prevent the heel of the foot from riding up slightly. When the boot is new, the sole is stiff. As you wear the boot the sole is "flexed". With time most of the slippage will disappear.

SLIGHT SLIPPAGE IS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN A PROPER FIT.

  • COWHIDE / POLISHED LEATHERS
  • NAKED FINISH LEATHERS
  • OIL IMPREGNATED LEATHERS
  • SUEDE'S / SNUFFED FINISH LEATHERS
  • EXOTICS


These leathers generally can be cared for in the same way. It is important to note however, that some are lighter weight than others and therefore need some extra care.

CARE:

  1. Remove loose dirt or dust with brush or rag.
  2. Clean thoroughly with leather conditioner or leather balm.
  3. Apply a thin coat of neutral shoe cream, then brush or rub with a soft cloth until luster is obtained.
  4. For a high luster, apply a thin coat of wax polish, neutral paste on light colors, matching polish on dark colors. Brush or rub again.

The natural top grain of the leather, including the scars and blemishes, is totally visible. These leathers have their own special needs.

CARE:

  1. Remove loose dirt or dust with soft brush or rag.
  2. Clean with soft brush.
  3. Do not use conditioners as the leather may become darkened.
  4. Protect these leathers in the same way as suede. New boots should be treated with 2 coats of Water & Stain Protector. Allow to dry between coats for maximum protection.
  5. Keep free of mud and drying elements.

These leathers are tanned using oils to protect and lubricate the fiber. They are generally thicker leathers and are considered work leathers although often used for casual wear.

CARE:

  1. Remove loose dirt or dust with brush or rag.
  2. Replenish oils with an all-purpose conditioner.

Suedes have a nap finish achieved with a medium abrasive paper. Snuffed finish preserves the natural grain by lightly removing the elevated surfaces.

Napa and Sueded Shrunken Shoulder

CARE:

  1. New boots should be treated with 2 coats of Water & Stain Protector. Allow to dry between coats for maximum protection.
  2. Keep free of mud and drying elements.
  3. Clean with nylon brush.
  4. On snuffed grain, use a fine abrasive paper lightly on the areas that are already snuffed.

These leathers are all unique with their own properties and needs. Some are tough and some need pampering. Although some can be cared for much like other leathers, be sure to check the recommended care for each kind.

CARE: Alligator, Caiman

  1. Remove loose dirt or dust with brush or rag.
  2. Apply Reptile Conditioner with a soft cloth.
  3. Let dry then buff with a soft cloth.
  4. Apply thin coats of conditioner often.

CARE: Kangaroo

  1. Remove loose dirt or dust with brush or rag.
  2. Clean thoroughly with leather conditioner or leather balm.
  3. Apply a thin coat of neutral shoe cream, then brush or rub with a soft cloth until luster is obtained.
  4. For a high luster, apply a thin coat of wax polish, neutral paste on light colors, matching polish on dark colors. Brush or rub again.

CARE: Ostrich

  1. Remove loose dirt or dust with brush or rag.
  2. Apply Leather Conditioner with a soft cloth.
  3. Let dry then buff with a soft cloth.
  4. Apply thin coats of conditioner often.

CARE: Snakeskins

Snakeskins are hard and dry with irregular surfaces. They do not absorb conditioner well, so frequently apply thin coats of conditioners to keep them from splitting. They are vulnerable to dust settling increases and causing damage. They depend on good care...even if they are just sitting in the closet.

  1. Remove loose dirt or dust with a brush or rag. Wipe against the scales in order to remove the dust and dirt, then wipe with the grain of the scales.
  2. Apply Reptile Conditioner with a soft cloth with the grain of the scales.
  3. Rub or buff with a soft cloth until luster is obtained.
  4. Apply thin coats of conditioner often.
  5. Since rattlesnake is tanned differently, no cream or polish is required to preserve its natural beauty. Simply brush clean.