Leather boot care

[RjCorazza]

I rarely post a new topic, but since boot care is likely of interest to many TBN folks, here we go...
I've always worn boots pretty much 365 days a year, and the hands down best waterproofing and maintenance product I've used is Obenauf's LP Heavy Duty. It's a combination of beeswax and leather oil, which keeps my feet dry in very challenging conditions.
I've tried most everything over the years, including leather oil, silicone, mink oil, and straight beeswax. If you struggle to keep your boots waterproof, give it a try. If what you use works, what type and brand is it?

 

[gstrom99]

Sno Seal has been my choice, for like 45 years.

 

[Duds13]

I like sno-seal as well, use it a lot on Kinco gloves. Ballistol is also great on leather

 

[Jstpssng]

Huberd's Shoe Grea | Leather | Huberd Shoe Grease Company

Explore and purchase Huberd Shoe Grease Company leather care products. Determine which Huberds products are best for your leather boots, shoes, and other outdoor gear.

www.huberds.com

Unlike wax based products, this actually treats the leather.

 

[anomad]

I like White's oil for day to day use. And their wax/preservative for wet conditions. I've also used Drew's versions of those. Wouldn't be surprised if it is the same stuff.

 

[walhondingMF]

Sno-seal and Harness Honey are both products I use...

 

[ponytug]

@Jstpssng I've used wax based products that contained neatsfoot oil that did treat the leather.

I used Sno-seal for many years, but I've come around to "whatever works for your boots in your conditions". I think that there are effects from the leather itself, how it was tanned and treated originally, and the boot construction (welt, seams, and tongue design) that all interact to make some products better than others for certain boots and conditions.

All the best, Peter

 

[Paddy]

I rarely post a new topic, but since boot care is likely of interest to many TBN folks, here we go...
I've always worn boots pretty much 365 days a year, and the hands down best waterproofing and maintenance product I've used is Obenauf's LP Heavy Duty. It's a combination of beeswax and leather oil, which keeps my feet dry in very challenging conditions.
I've tried most everything over the years, including leather oil, silicone, mink oil, and straight beeswax. If you struggle to keep your boots waterproof, give it a try. If what you use works, what type and brand is it?

If you find yourself with boots on that needed a refresh to waterproofing but get soaked, stuff the toe with newspaper so they don't lose their shape.

once they dry all wanky, it's hard to get the shape back.

 

[Engineer42]

I used this for years and works as it says on the tin. Very hard to find now (may be out of production). I'm down to my last can.

 

[scootr]

Leather new with lanolin. Spray on wipe in.

 

[Cycledude]

Never heard of Obenauf's LP Heavy Duty before but since you mentioned it I will probably buy some to try.
Have used a bunch of the other brands mentioned some do work better than others

 

[duffer]

Believe it or not....WD-40
(for those that don't know: "WD" stands for water displacement)

 

[RobertN]

hands down best waterproofing and maintenance product I've used is Obenauf's LP Heavy Duty. It's a combination of beeswax and leather oil, which keeps my feet dry in very challenging conditions.

I started using it 26 years ago when I got in to fire dept volunteer. All the paid and volunteer folks used it. Has worked great for me back in the fire station days and still to now.

Our departments stations always had cans of Obenauf's for boots and Technu for poison oak!

 

[paulsharvey]

I use Mink Oil, the liquid type, and rub it in good, and as it looks dry, add more, until it doesn't absorb anymore. Actually probably needs a reclean and re apply. With that, I have never had boots last more than maybe 18-24 months. I pretty much have a pair of slip on boots, a pair of crocs, and a pair of off brand "muck" boots for swamp hunting. So, I wear the slip ons all day, every day.

 

[civilian]

I have been wearing red wing boots for years. I don't even remember much else. Started with their Irish Setter boots, then other Red Wing boots. Mostly leather non insulated boots. They suggested their Red Wing oil for treating their boots. I have had good luck with them. Jon

 

[BackRoad]

Another vote for Obenauf's...have used it for years.

 

[Ortimber]

I also use Obenauf's. I got a free can of it when I ordered my first pair of Nick's boots. The stuff works great. I usually treat my boots 2 or 3 times a year.

 

[redman135]

I just use neatsfoot oil. It is hard to get any leather protection products for boots here (New Zealand). Leather protection = horses tack(saddles bridles etc).
Just saying that "I oil my boots: gets strange looks. My boots last about 3 years. Cow crap is hard on leather. Unoiled boots last about a year.

 

[RjCorazza]

In my younger years I wore Redwing legacy boots (Pecos) and didn't really have much need for additional waterproofing. The leather thickness and welt type was adequate, so I just used Neatsfoot oil on them. I never had much luck with the non legacy Redwing boots, particularly any with a glued welt / sole. I was lucky to get one season out of them before they fell apart.

In later years I'm trudging around in wet grass all day, and need to pay more attention to waterproofing in order to keep my feet dry.

 

[masscity]

I use Fluid Film and it works great for me.