First, know what material your boots are made of.
There is the traditional leather which is the usually the popular type of boot. They are weather-proofed, durable and sturdy for working outside on a farm, on a dance floor, or riding horses. You can even print on it or have it stenciled.
There is the more exotic skin of the ostrich leather, which is thinner, and more agile than the traditional leather. It is durable like the traditional leather, but softer with more patterns already designed in the leather depending if it is made from the quills or from the leather of the leg on an ostrich.
Then there is goatskin leather, which is between the traditional leather and the ostrich leather, and is cheaper than those. It is very porous and soft, making it more breathable, and can come in many different colors.
Snakeskin is an exotic leather and not as durable as your other boots. But each one made is unique and has it's on pattern due to the different skins of the snake. Snakeskin is definitely for show and inside only wear. If not taken care of properly, they can become flaky.
Finally you have elephant, lizard and alligator skin. Although elephant skin is tough, it is desired for its unique designs. There is more maintenance than the traditional leather, but because they are so tough, make a good wear for working outside. The lizard and alligator skins are more for wearing, again, as show boots inside; they have a glossy shine and therefore require more care than the other boots to make sure the hinges on them do not crack.
Boots need to be cleaned, conditioned, and polished and protected on a regular basis.
Before setting out on your first event, apply a waterproofing solution or wax to your boots. Here's where it's important to know what your boots are made of. Oil-tanned leather should be treated with oil ' neat's-foot is cheapest, mink oil is good but more expensive ' or an oil-based commercial coating. Chrome-tanned leather, on the other hand, doesn't like oil, which clogs the pores.
For new boots, an oil-based paste is probably best for oil-tanned leather, as it won't soak in readily nor will it saturate the threads. Chrome-tanned leather should be sprayed with silicone spray, or waxed with a good shoe wax.
Care for your cowboy boots, and other natural western wear in much the same way as you treat your skin. The leather in your cowboy boots requires nutrients to keep them supple and strong.
Dirt and dust are a boot's worst enemies. Wiping down often with a damp cloth can prevent dirt and dust from cutting away at the microscopic fibers that make cowboy boots strong and durable.
Care for your cowboy boots with a non-silicone water and stain protector.
Condition cowboy boots only when they are clean and dry so conditioner can penetrate through the pores to keep the leather soft and pliable. Lanolin-based conditioners are the best. Too much oil or wax can clog the pores, which dry out the boots. Also, oils and waxes will attract dust.
Rejuvenate your cowboy boots by applying a cream-based polish. This will cover scratches and bring a glossy finish. Only cowboy boots that have a finish, can be polished.