Care and Construction [Printable Version]

Every Bowman's Wilson Boot is handmade, from start to finish, by skilled bootmakers. Each hand-finished, a one-of-a-kind, and bears the workmanship of each craftsman's individual attention. Inspect closely the signs of a handmade boot.

Look for stitching lines that are slightly irregular boot to boot. Some variation denotes that boot was hand stitched, not by computer. Look for the marks of hand-trimming and finishing on the heels. Handmade heels, like fingerprints, will vary slightly one to the next; no two set at precisely the same point in relation to the side seam, because they are handmade boots.

Turn the boot over and look at the wood pegs of the instep. Each is set separately, by hand, with an awl and hammer. No two boots will have them in exactly the same spots. Look for these little signs of imperfection that mean perfection in a handmade Wilson Boot.

Every Bowman's Wilson Boot is handmade with the best materials money can buy. We start with the best prime leather. Work boots are 5.5 ounce prime cowhide. Calfskin lining, at 3.5 ounce, is equal thickness to most outer leathers. Every part of a Wilson Boot that should be leather is leather. No manmade products, no plastics or paper products, are substituted for prime leather in any Wilson Boot.

Only all leather boots are strong and comfortable; none are stronger nor more comfortable than Wilson Boots.

For strength, all Wilson Boot heels are set ahead of the side seam. This strengthens support for the arch, and so the boot properly fits a stirrup. Every arch is hand-pegged with wood pegs and is supported inside by an extra long, extra wide indestructible steel shank.

For durability and proper spur fit, every Wilson workboot (Solid, Two/Tone and Bullhide) has a high tongue, high heel counter and prominent spur shelf.

Our standard Wilson Boots use pull-holes instead of pull-straps. Pull-straps can break. Pull-holes never break and look smoother under pants.

Finally and most importantly, every Wilson Boot is hand-lasted. Hand lasting assures the best shaped and best fitting boot for your comfort.

Caring for your Wilson Boot

Your Wilson Boots are the finest you can buy. With proper care, they will last for years. Protect your investment.

First, your Wilson Boots should fit correctly. Improper fit can seriously degrade long boot life, especially a boot that is, while standing, excessively tight across the metatarsal (the widest part just behind your toes). Too tight boots will stress the leather to eventually split or the stitching separate at the welt.

Remember that leather was originally skin, very much like your own. Leather, no longer alive needs more care than skin. It should be kept clean and dry; natural oils must be replenished; avoid excess heat and avoid cuts and abrasions.

Leather is naturally porous. Dirt and dust particles in the leather's pores are abrasive from the inside, eventually degrading the leather. Noticed how much longer boot tops last than boot bottoms. The boot shaft is usually covered by pants, protected from dirt and continually dusted within the pant leg.

Clean Your Boots Often. A stiff brush, sponge and plain water will reasonably clean your boots. Remove the worst of dirt or mud using the brush first, then sponge and water to remove the remaining dirt. Water in moderate amounts will not hurt leather.

Occasionally use saddle soap and water for a better cleaning. Rinse away all of the saddle soap. It contains caustic alkaloids, just like hand soap; residual saddle soap will burn leather, just as dry soap will to your skin.

While the leather is still slightly moist after a good cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to replace the leather's natural oils. We recommend Lexol conditioner or any good quality conditioner containing lanolin. Set your clean and treated boots aside for 24 hours to dry. Later apply boot polish or wax, and buff to a shine.

The frequency and interval of cleaning and reconditioning your boots is dependent upon their use. Bowman's Wilson Boots recommends the practice of wearing alternate pairs every other day so 24-hours drying between each wearing will extend the life of all your boots.

Sweat is hard on leather. Boots that are never allowed to dry completely, the salty perspiration will eventually rot the leather and the boot will fall apart.

Avoid constant wading in water. Wear rubber over-boots if possible. Let your soaked boots dry naturally on their own; do not artificially heat-dry them.

Replace the soles and heels regularly to avoid wearing into the boot foundation. With these precautions, your Wilson boots should last for years. One pair of Wilson's were known to have been resoled sixteen times before they were retired. Remember, a boot repairman must have a good foundation to satisfactorily replace worn soles and heals.

Boot repair is like maintenance on your car or truck. Regular care, frequent tune-ups, oil changes and lubes will guarantee lots of extra mileage for your truck and your boots.