However, it can be challenging to say how long we can expect leather boots to last. So, what’s the average life expectancy of a pair of leather boots?
Keep scrolling to learn how long our work boots can last. Find out what we can do to stretch their life to the maximum!
So, How Long Can You Expect Leather Boots to Last?
Many people believe that leather boots can last a lifetime. However, every leather artisan knows that’s too long to expect a single pair of shoes to last.
Sure, leather is exceptionally durable and comfortable. You can’t expect your leather boots to withstand everything. Consider the harsh weather to consistent wear. It is too much to expect from any pair of shoes, no matter how good they might be.
So, how long do our leather boots have before they go with the trash?
Well, it does depend on the use of the said shoes. Leather boots can last around two years, if we are talking about consistent use everyday for hours. Boots made with high-quality, premium leather can last longer, even six to seven years.
On the other hand, low-quality leather won’t last that long:
The lack of quality generally makes the boots degrade much faster, so they’ll last much shorter – usually up to a year.
Factors That Affect How Long Leather Boots Last
It is safe to conclude that longevity depends on a few factors. We’ve established that leather quality determines their lifespan, and so does how often we wear the boots.
However, it’s important to note that boot maintenance and repair play a significant role here.
How the boots are used is still the principal factor for the lifespan of our shoes. A light walk to our workplace where we mostly sit or stand results in our boots lasting longer. Our boots will need replaced sooner if we work construction type jobs.
Environmental factors play a role here, as well:
Damp and moist areas will cause our boots to degrade faster as opposed to dry places. So, know that the moisture content of the areas where we wear our boot affects the life of the boot.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Leather Boots?
To ensure we are getting the most out of our work boots, we must care for them properly and regularly. By caring for genuine leather, it can extend the lifespan of our boots by at least a year.
On that note, adequate care also saves us money in the long run since we won’t need to buy new boots as often.
The essential step is to clean our boots weekly, using a damp cloth to keep any dust and debris away.
It’s vital to use the right products, including a suitable conditioner that nourishes the leather and keeps it as good as new. Conditioners moisturize the leather – and they are a must-have for proper pull up leather care.
If we wear our boots in moist environments, it is best to invest in a water-resistant product that can help repel water and keep the shoes in good condition despite the not-so-great environment.
The general rule of thumb is:
Use leather-specific products for boot care, as household products can be too rough on delicate leather.
When it comes to stains, it’s always better to clean them right away than wait for the stain to dry. Snow and salt stains can make our leather boots look old and worn out, so clean them as soon as you get home. As for mud and dirt stains, just use a good brush once the stains are dry.
Another thing we can do is use thicker insoles; they are generally better to use in leather boots. Whether we go with a leather or rubber insoles, make sure to replace them once they’ve started to degrade.
Proper insoles ensure that the boots are in good condition and help our posture – which could become a bit “off” with poor insoles.
It’s also imperative to repair our leather boots as soon as some kind of damage, such as a ripped seam, occurs. If we continue wearing damaged boots we will have only weeks before we have to replace them.
So take them to the repair shop as soon as you notice damage. Don’t wear them like that.
Bottom Line
A little bit of TLC can make a pair of leather boots last much longer than average. Remember to clean them regularly and use leather-appropriate products to clean and protect the leather.
Last reminder, take your boots to a shoe repair shop as soon as you notice damage.
Bick 5 Complete Leather Care, 16 oz.
All-in-one product conditions, cleans, polishes and preserves
Oakwood Leather Conditioner 4.2 oz.
Expertly formulated to preserve, soften and protect leather while repelling water
Smith’s Leather Balm
Restores old leather and protects new leather goods