Leather boot care

[Shawn T. W.]

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

I tried to like them, went back a couple of times for adjustments ... They eventually gave me my money back, I really wanted to buy and support a USA company ... But I did buy and still use there leather conditioner, I slather it one, then set my Double H boots in the sun until it's all absorbed!

 

[JJT]

First choice - Balistoil, second - wd40. Used to rub in minkoil many, many years ago. With Balistoil or wd40, 60 seconds and you're done.

 

[Jstpssng]

I had to revisit this, to pass on something I found helpful. The last time that I applied SnowSeal to a pair of boots I first put the container on my truck defroster and left it there until the wax turned to liquid. I then applied it with a paintbrush. It's the most effective way I've ever found.

 

[CalG]

WD-40? really?, may as well douse your boots with lighter fluid.

WD-40's main ingredients as supplied in aerosol cans, according to the US material safety data sheet information,[19] and with the CAS numbers interpreted:[20]

• 45–50% low vapor pressure aliphatic hydrocarbon (isoparaffin)
• <35% petroleum base oil (non-hazardous heavy paraffins)
• <25% aliphatic hydrocarbons (same CAS number as the first item, but flammable)
• 2–3% carbon dioxide (propellant)

The European formulation[21] is stated according to the REACH regulations:

• 60–80% hydrocarbons C9 – C11 n-alkanes, iso-alkanes, cyclics <2% aromatics
• 1–5% carbon dioxide

The Australian formulation[22] is stated:

• 50–60% naphtha (petroleum), hydrotreated heavy
• <25% petroleum base oils
• <10% naphtha (petroleum), hydrodesulfurized heavy (contains: 1,2,4-trimethyl benzene, 1,3,5-trimethyl benzene, xylene, mixed isomers)
• 2–4% carbon dioxide

 

[ponytug]

I had to revisit this, to pass on something I found helpful. The last time that I applied SnowSeal to a pair of boots I first put the container on my truck defroster and left it there until the wax turned to liquid. I then applied it with a paintbrush. It's the most effective way I've ever found.

That's how I used to do it as well, though I wiped it on with a small rag piece. A paintbrush sounds like a better tool. I also used to do it to warm boots to help it soak in.

All the best, Peter

 

[RayIN]

About 8 years ago I bought a pair of slip-on work boots that were advertised as "waterproof"; they actually are waterproof. I wore them while carrying firewood across the creek one winter, they never got wet/damp inside. The only thing I do to them is wash with a wet rag when they are dirty.
The brand is worn off, and the liner is nearly gone; wondering how I'll find replacements.