Quick answer
Remove liners and straps first, brush off dried mud, then hand-wash in lukewarm water with a mild detergent and rinse until the water runs clear. Air-dry away from direct heat, and check hook-and-loop and stitching before every refit. Wash after heavy sweat or muddy sessions, not on a fixed weekly schedule.
What you need before you start
Gather a soft brush, a bucket of lukewarm water, a mild detergent or saddle soap, and a clean towel. Avoid hot water, bleach and harsh solvents, which can break down liners and hook-and-loop. If your boots have removable liners or straps, take them off before cleaning so grit does not get trapped between layers.
How to dry and store boots between washes
Hang boots or lay them open in a shaded, airy spot. Direct sun and radiators can warp liners and stiffen straps, so keep them out of both. Once dry, store boots loosely in a clean tack box rather than squashed in a bag, and leave hook-and-loop fastened so it does not collect hay or hair. For competition boots, pack them with the liners separate so you can spot wear before the next use.
Step-by-step cleaning routine
- Remove liners and straps: Unfasten hook-and-loop and take off any removable liners or straps. Keep small parts in a bucket so they do not get lost. Checkpoint: if a strap is cracked or hook-and-loop no longer grips, set it aside for replacement rather than washing it.
- Brush off dried mud: Use a soft brush to remove dried mud and grit from both the liner and the outer shell before adding water. Common mistake: soaking muddy boots first pushes grit deeper into the liner.
- Hand-wash in lukewarm water: Use a mild detergent or saddle soap in lukewarm water. Gently agitate liners and straps with your hands, not a stiff brush. Avoid hot water, bleach and harsh solvents; they can damage liners and hook-and-loop.
- Rinse until water runs clear: Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water until no soap suds remain. Soap residue can irritate skin and attract dirt. Checkpoint: if the water still feels slippery, keep rinsing.
- Air-dry away from heat: Lay or hang boots and liners in a shaded, airy spot. Do not use a tumble dryer, radiator or direct sun. Common mistake: drying near heat can warp liners and stiffen straps.
- Reassemble and check fastenings: Once fully dry, refit liners and straps. Test hook-and-loop grip and check stitching and the anti-spin heel button on over reach boots. If hook-and-loop has lost its hold, replace the strap before riding.
Product facts
- Tri-Zone Tendon Boots: The Equilibrium Tri-Zone Tendon Boots are designed to be easy to keep clean and can be worn every day and for competitions. Regular cleaning is realistic because the boots are made for frequent use, not occasional outings.
- Tri-Zone Over Reach Boots: The Tri-Zone Over Reach Boots are hard-wearing and include an anti-spin heel button. The heel button is a fixed part, so clean around it carefully and check it is still secure after washing.
