What is the best way wash leather boots? What cleaner, if any, and how?

And what should be put on afterwards to restore the leather?

I've searched the web, and found conflicting advice on whether leather boots should ever be washed at all, what with, and what treatments are best. The only thing that all sites agree on is that the boots shouldn't be force-dried with heat. Most sites are trying to sell their own expensive leather care products.

OK, some details about the leather, in case it makes a difference. The boots are 'Redbacks' (UACH), quality of about $120 AUS, one year old, (haven't been looked after at all).
The original finish was not smooth and shiny, but wasn't suede either - something inbetween. (Nubuck? Crazy Horse? I don't know) But now it has worn smooth and shiny in most places, and gone darker. It has formed permanent creases, but hasn't started to crack yet. They have no lining - the inside is just the raw back of the leather. So, what should I put on this kind of leather? Is it possible to get the original finish back, or should I just try to maintain the current shiny finish?

Sounds like nubuck; if so, I don't think much can be done. However, you could try saddle soap (you can get it at any tack shop). This is what they use on riding boots and saddles, which get dirty and marked up just like that. Catty(whose granddaughter teaches dressage)

I've had alot of leather boots over the years, and always used Saddle Soap to clean them. With these, you might want to clean several times over a period of days.

After cleaning, you could try applying a leather conditioner, available at boot stores, leather stores, etc. to help restore the leather and protect it between cleanings.

Good Luck!