How To Repair Cracked Leather Boots | Easy Step Guide

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leather shoe - repair cracked leather boots

Let’s assume that your leather boots have cracked and you are wondering how to repair cracked leather boots.

If that is the case, you are recommended to read this article as it has got you covered with all the things related to fixing cracked leather. 

Leather boots are the favorite of every fashionable individual, but like any other product, they wear out over time.

Although leather is one of the most popular materials used to make clothes and shoes, it can be very temperamental and cracked if you ignore it.

 

Whether you are repairing cracks in old boots or your own boots, knowing how to restore cracked leather shoes to their luster and beauty is essential. Even if your boots are broken, it doesn’t mean you have to throw them away. With a little care and some simple tools, you can learn how to repair cracked leather boots.

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WHAT CAUSES CRACKED LEATHER BOOTS

  • As it is animal skin, after all leather will naturally tear and lose moisture over time.
  • Three harmful factors being exposure to sunlight, drought, and dirt cause them to crack.
  • If leather care products are not used frequently, the leather fibers will harden, rub against each other and leave unsightly stains on the leather surface.
  • Another factor that makes leather easy to crack is its natural porosity. The skin has a porous structure that can trap dust or dirt particles, which can then break the leather thread and cause cracks.
  • Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight can also damage leather shoes. To avoid this, you can use UV-resistant leather care products or leather sprays. But if you haven’t, here is how to fix it.

THINGS YOU’LL NEED TO REPAIR CRACKED LEATHER BOOTS

Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to remove those unsightly stains on leather shoes; however, the method may vary depending on the severity of the damage.


With a little time and the equipment indicated below, you can learn fixing cracked leather and restore your boots to their former splendor.


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HOW TO FIX LIGHT CRACKS IN LEATHER BOOTS

If the leather boots have small scratches, these simple steps will help you in fixing cracked leather. All you need is a leather conditioner, shoe polish, and a soft cloth.

light crack - repair cracked leather boots
  • Clean the surface of leather shoes with mild soap and soft cloth and further remove dirt with a brush.
  • Moisten the scratched area with a high-quality leather conditioner, but first patch test to make sure it will not harm them.
  • Press and smooth out scratches, then wipe off the excess material and let it dry overnight.
  • If the product is completely absorbed by the shoes, without repeating this process, a magical effect can be obtained. However, remove excess oil every time because too much oil can damage your boots.
  • Cracks can be cured by using leather filler for boots. It’s a PVC glue that sticks to leather material and heals all kinds of cracks. You can also restore cracked leather couch with this adhesive.

HOW TO FIX DEEP CRACKING LEATHER SHOES

When it comes to treating deep cracks, you must replace them with more potent alternatives such as mink oil, leather fillers for boots, saddle soap, and sandpaper.

deep crack - repair cracked leather boots

1. Using crack filler

  • Step 1: Clean with soap or leather cleaner, and then rinse off the dirt with a cloth or sponge
  • Step 2: Wait until the skin is completely dry. If there is moisture on the skin, wipe it off with a dry cloth to speed up drying.
  • Step 3: Use a piece of ultra-fine sandpaper to polish the cracks while applying light pressure. Stop when you have a smooth surface. Wipe off the dust with a dry cloth, do not use coarse sandpaper as it will scratch.
  • Step 4: Use a spatula and apply the leather filler for boots to fill the cracks. Until the crack is complete, apply more.
  • Step 5: Use a knife to remove excess paste. Keep doing this until you no longer see unnecessary paste.
  • Step 6: Let it dry for at least six hours. This is necessary for hardening the leather. A well-ventilated room or outdoors will help your skin dry faster. However, please avoid direct sunlight. By direct heating, these factors will dry out the material and cause further cracks.

So when you follow these steps, you can do the boot leather repair successfully all by yourself. 

2. Using shoe cream & mink oil

clean leather shoe
  • You can restore cracked leather by using this method.
  • The first step, as with the previous method, is to clean your shoes, and if your shoes are very dry, the best way to clean them is with saddle soap.
  • Saddle soap contains emollient properties and thus aids in the softening of the leather. It also contains preservatives that protect your leather.
  • Put newspaper, rags, or sock balls in your shoes. This keeps the shoes in place and allows you to see the cracks in your leather in their most stretched state.
  • To restore the moisture in the shoe, apply mink oil all over the surface. Then rub it until the cracks are no longer visible. Allow it to dry.
  • Spread some shoe cream over the boots and push it inside the cracks in a circular motion with a shoe dauber. 
  • This will fill in the cracks and make the color of your shoes more consistent.
  • Finally, use a clean cloth to buff your shoes, and you’re ready to go. Congratulations, you have learned how to repair cracked leather shoes.

HOW TO PROTECT LEATHER BOOTS FROM CRACKING

Now that you have learned everything about how to repair cracked leather boots, you definitely want to know how to keep leather boots from cracking.

After polishing, they must be maintained regularly. As we know, prevention is better than cure, so you need to remember these steps. They are as simple as protecting your shoes from direct sunlight. Now, this may not be possible outdoors, but when storing shoes, make sure the area is dry and sun-proof.

The storage of shoes is also very important! If not handled properly, scratches and cracks may appear on the surface. The boots will even lose their beautiful shape. When storing, be sure to wrap the top of the boot with newspaper and wrap a piece of cardboard around the ankle.

Use a foam sponge or soft-bristled brush dipped in water and detergent to clean, then wash the shoes with warm water, dry them, and finally treat them with colorless leather skin cream.

All these steps will help you keep leather boots from cracking in the long run as well. You will be happy and so will your shoes!

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CONCLUSION

That’s a wrap for how to repair cracked leather boots. Leather boots are an essential part of every person’s wardrobe. Nothing is more disheartening than seeing cracked leather boots, especially when you consider how much a new pair would cost.


At least, for someone who wants to look their best all the time! So, why not take a few minutes out of your week to provide them with the attention they require? Use a high-quality conditioner and follow our instructions to restore cracked leather shoes to their former glory. If you find this leather cracking repair article useful, show some love by giving thumbs up.

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