Well, I just came back from my backyard after a hard and glorious afternoon with my Ariat Workhog Boots. They look so dirty, but not as dirty as my bird boots when I wore them a month ago for yard work too.
I can say, it’s good work of Ariat, Ariat Workhog boots can provide good protection and comfort for my feet while I’m working hard.
But, they still need a little care. So, I think I will write this article to share how I care for a pair of cowboy work boots for everyone.
Let’s take a look!
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How To Care for Ariat Workhog Boots?
For those who do not know what Ariat Workhog Boots are, they are a style of cowboy boots or you can also call them cowboy work boots. Because they are a hybrid between cowboy boots and boots for work.
You may be familiar with cowboy boots used for fashion or for work that are not too heavy (construction site). But, Ariat Workhog Boots are not the same, they can have fully waterproofing, solid upper construction and steel toes to deal with any harsh environmental work.
That’s why I call Ariat Workhog boots cowboy work boots!
In case you want to know some quick reviews about this type of boots, I can say they are good cowboy boots for work! They have good protection, are comfortable and more durable than my other normal work boots.
So, how should I care for them? It’s actually not a big deal!
Here are 5 basic steps:
Step 1: Clean their upper, outside, stitching and inside
The first thing you need to do when you come back from the dusty construction site is clean your cowboy boots (or here are Ariat Workhog Boots). Of course!
Okay, first, we will come to clean the outside of the boots.
Clean the outside of Ariat Workhog Boots
Generally, there are 2 types of Ariat Workhog Boots you need to pay attention to before cleaning them: waterproof and non-waterproof.
- Waterproof Ariat Workhog Boots
For waterproof cowboy boots, you won’t need to spend too much time and effort to clean them, because waterproof boots are very easy to clean.
Just use your water tap and spray directly on them, and all the mud, grass, dust, etc. will go away to the water.
If your boots are stuck with stubborn mud, use a clean cloth to deal with them. Rub the entire surface of the boots while spraying water on them. Trust me, it’ll work!
- Non-waterproof Ariat Workhog Boots
Non-waterproof boots always take more time to clean than waterproof ones. Because the dirt often gets stuck in the leather deeper.
So, how to clean it effectively? Use a leather cleaner! It will be the best option!
Just make sure you preliminarily clean your boots and make them wet. Then apply the leather cleaner to your horsehair brush (or a clean cloth), and rub the entire surface of Ariat Workhog Boots.
Leather Cleaner and Conditioner | Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned | Click image for more info
And after they are clean, spray the water to remove all the excess residue! I believe it’s a great strategy to clean the upper! 😉
Clean the stitching of Ariat Workhog Boots
Cleaning the stitching is always the hardest part of caring for any boots, not only cowboy boots.
But to make your Workhog Boots have the best look, you still need to do it! You will have to prepare some colored paint, a small brush and soap.
And the last step is to read this article to know the detailed instructions!
Clean the inside of Ariat Workhog Boots
Cleaning the inside of cowboy boots will determine the smell of your boots, it will come up with lining and insoles of the boots.
Never forget to clean your insoles, that’s where the stink of cowboy boots will kill you!
Most cowboy boots have leather insoles, so you can use leather cleaner to clean them, but it’s Ariat Workhog Boots, it’s cowboy work boots, so their insoles are made from synthetic materials and fabric.
I usually use laundry detergent along with a brush to clean them.
And the same with lining, most Ariat Workhog Boots have fabric linings, not leather (or maybe most of the Ariat Workhog Boots I have use fabric linings and insoles).
So, I just come with the laundry detergent and fabric brush to clean them.
But, I will not tell you the step-by-step guide in this article, because my girl has a gift for you, here are detailed instructions on how to clean the inside of cowboy boots!
In case your Workhog boots have the inside made from different materials such as leather linings or leather insoles, the link above will give you a great solution!
Anyway, don’t miss it!
Step 2: Clean the outsole
Why do I separate the sole and the upper? Because with a type of boots like Ariat Workhog, your boot soles almost always face harsh terrain like a muddy field, just like my backyard.
Therefore, you need to know how to clean the soles of these cowboy boots!
Well, it will depend on how dirty your boot outsole is.
If your boot outsoles are full of mud, then I think you should leave them until they dry, then use something hard such as a small hammer to knock on them. Trust me, the mud will fall off instantly. It’s easier than trying to remove mud when it is still wet.
But, if the outsoles don’t stick too much mud, then use the toothbrush with a tap of water to clean them, it’s very easy to remove this little mud.
It’s just some advice, if you want to know how to remove mud from cowboy boots, I have another gift for you, and here’s the link! I will tell you how to clean muddy boots, not only normal mud but also red, clay mud.
How about the grass? How to remove it quickly and effectively?
I use Boot Scrubber to deal with it, very quickly and simply to handle light dirt.
Step 3: Condition your Workhog boots
All leather needs conditioning, and so do these boots. Waterproof Workhog boots may not need conditioning at the beginning, but you still need to pay attention to something, I’ll tell you below!
For Ariat Workhog Boots that are not waterproof, you will need to condition them for 4 main reasons:
- Keep them in good shape
- Make their color sharper
- Renew them
- Make them waterproof and dirt-proof
- Keep them well-moisturized
These 4 things are the most outstanding properties that conditioners can bring to cowboy boots and of course Ariat Workhog Boots.
I have written a hundred articles about cowboy boots, so I will not tell you a step-by-step guide on how to condition Ariat Workhog boots, but my old article can help you!
And come back with the question, will waterproof Workhog Boots need conditioning? Yes, when they get old and lose their waterproof ability.
Time will destroy everything, even the waterproof ability of your Ariat Workhog Boots.
To regain their waterproofness, conditioners like mink oil or beeswax will be a great choice to recover them.
In case you want to know more about how to waterproof cowboy boots, here is for your knowledge!
Step 4: Polish your boots (Optional)
In fact, not many people like to polish a pair of work boots, but I think it’s necessary!
I have many cowboy work boots in my house but do not often use all of them. For some boots that I’m not constantly using, I always clean, condition and POLISH them before putting them on the shoe shelf.
The polish coat will make your boots always new, retain well-moisturized status and prevent the dust from sticking to them too much.
And every time I need to use them to go out to work, I always feel I have a new pair of boots to wear. That puts me in a better mood to work than when wearing old and ugly boots.
And I believe there are many people out there who like to polish their leather work boots.
How to polish Ariat Workhog Boots? I have an instruction for you here (my girl’s article)! If your Workhog Boots have stitching, don’t worry, she covered everything there.
Step 5: Store your Ariat Workhog Boots properly
This is the last step: store your boots. As I always said, keep them dry and straight, and store them in a dry and breathable place, that’s the point!
I often use a boot dryer or hair dryer to dry my boots every time I come back from my backyard. Because my backyard is so wet and nasty even when the afternoon sky is so stunning.
You may not need a boot dryer if you have one pair of boots, but if you have 3 or 4 boots and are in the rainy or snowy season, you will need to have one. Because a boots dryer can dry many pairs of boots in a short time effectively.
Don’t make your leather boots get wet for too long, it’s not good at all. You can insert boot shapers or boot trees into your cowboy boots to absorb moisture and keep them in shape while storing them.
Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned | Click image for more info
And how do I keep them straight? I used a boot rack or boot stand. That’s it, not much!
Well, I think it’s everything you need to know about how to care for Ariat Workhog Boots!
Before you leave
In fact, just like how to care for every other cowboy boot, there are 4 basic steps to follow: Clean – Condition – Polish – Store.
While following these steps, pay attention to how to care for waterproof boots or how to clean the soles and the stitches.
That’s it! Good luck!
Howdy y’all, and welcome to From The Guest Room, your ultimate guide to all things Western! I’m Jay Gatz, a lifelong cowboy boot enthusiast with over 5 years of experience in the Western style world. I’m excited to share my knowledge with you and help you discover the perfect cowboy boots and western gear to elevate your style. Let’s explore the rich history and timeless appeal of Western fashion together!