How do you treat your leather boots

[cgrutt]

Well not necessarily prepping or survival but somewhat related...

I've been using Fiebings mink oil. Remove laces and just rub it in. Extra on stitches and edges. Sit overnight and brush with horsehair brush on am. Seems to work ok but leather seems a bit "greasy" and not sure its 100% waterproof (boots seem damp on really wet days but could just be cold). Probably do this once a month but don't really keep track. One things for sure leather is very soft and well formed after a few months. So what do you guys do?

 

[Acer-m14]

when i wore them .. mink oil ..

 

[Podmonkey]

Neatsfoot oil. Mink oil rots the stitching.

 

[masterswimmer]

Nothing more than 3M Waterproofing. Does the job perfectly and I've gotten many years of great results. Normally my soles wear out causing me to replace.

FYI, I'm a devout Red Wing wearer.

 

[BDinPutnam]

Neatsfoot oil. Mink oil roots the stitching.

Didn't know that, will have to try it. I usually mink oil a couple times a year.

 

[Robin]

Most mink oils for leather have silicones and other things in it which probably does rot organic compounds. Pure mink oil works great.
Trapper's MINK OIL TALLOW, patch grease, for match shooting & cold weather hunting, one 8 oz. tin - Track of the Wolf

sno-seal for leather
This stuff was the standard for when i was growing up and probably is still a good product.
Robin

 

[@thewheels]

I clean my boots with Saddle soap first. Work it into a froth with an old toothbrush and scrub it well. Let it dry overnight and then wipe down with a clean rag.
Then I take mink oil and apply it liberally so the boots look greasy. Done with that, I get out my heat gun and with the gun on low, I warm the leather which opens the cracks/pores and the oil seeps right in.
I let them sit overnight and then hit them with a horsehair brush just to give a little buff.
These are really old boots though.
For my modern hikers, I just use a water proofing spray as mink oil softens the support of the leather which IMO is a no go on a hiker. I don't want soft, supple boots when I'm heading up and down trails, ridges and ravines.

 

[@thewheels]

Most mink oils for leather have silicones and other things in it which probably does rot organic compounds. Pure mink oil works great.
Trapper's MINK OIL TALLOW, patch grease, for match shooting & cold weather hunting, one 8 oz. tin - Track of the Wolf

sno-seal for leather
This stuff was the standard for when i was growing up and probably is still a good product.
Robin

I've heard good stuff about sno seal but never tried it. Maybe I'll give it a go.

 

[Curmudgeon]

Obenauf's.

 

[S&W Fan]

+1 on sno seal. Been using it on all of my leather boots for more than 30 years.

 

[Podmonkey]

Mostly I buy boots with a waterproof membrane of some sort so I just need to condition and maintain the leather, neatsfoot oil works well for this and it's cheap. However if you are also needing to weather proof the leather itself then Sno Seal does indeed work well. It's kind of a mess to apply though. At least for an all thumbs kinda guy like me.

 

[Curmudgeon]

I've heard good stuff about sno seal but never tried it. Maybe I'll give it a go.

I like Obenauf's better because it conditions and waterproofs, but sno-seal is good stuff.

 

[Doc8404]

Any of the water proofing sprays.
I’m lazy.
I polished boots and shoes too many times.

 

[Eddie Gunks]

Poorly.

I force smelly feet inside.

Forced marches. Forced water forgings.

Dirt and mud. Damp surroundings.

Cold, ice and snow. Forced marches in winter on frozen pavement, dirt, snow, and ice.

 

[Wraith]

Son-Seal each season. Also, quality leather of the boot makes a big difference too.

 

[Mk44]

I use to use mink oil. But I've been using Snow-seal on my leather upland boots. Works well.

 

[Rondo223]

Basically the same as Eddie's Junk

Or whatever hyd or engine oil spills on them

 

[Justincase]

Multiple coats of Sno seal with a hair drier.

 

[meketrefe]

pure lanolin and then when it is nourished and drier I use honda's motorcycle and marine multipurpose spray wax.

 

[livingston]

snow proof
Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Snow Proof Weatherproofing Leather Conditioner 3oz

 

[Rondo223]

Actually this stuff works really well on leather as it is mainly lanolin with a carrier. It also works well on protecting most stuff including metals.
Hmmmm........might work nicely on gun parts and for lubing brass too

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Fluid-Film-1-oz-Lanolin-Based-Petroleum-Oil/50335157

 

[Phauxtoe]

Leather, who still uses leather?

 

[meketrefe]

Leather, who still uses leather?

I think many things are still made of leather. But I know what you mean.

 

[Uninformed and Compliant]

pure lanolin and then when it is nourished

OO! That means reloaders can use Dillon case lube!

 

[meketrefe]

OO! That means reloaders can use Dillon case lube!

As soon as it doesn't have the additives and it is pure ..... it worked for sheep for millions of years.
Any petroleum aditive screws up the leather and even rubber, that is ironic.

Pure lanolin is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, waterproof, lubricant, etc...
It is impossible to replicate this form mother nature. It is even good for your
hands when you rub it in.

 

[Edwardteach72]

"How do you treat your leather boots"


Not very well

 

[meketrefe]

"How do you treat your leather boots"


Not very well

Boot abuser!

Black Boots Matter!!!!

..you should e ashamed! lol

 

[Uninformed and Compliant]

Truth be told?

I treat my boots by simply stopping by the airport. Costs about five bucks, the parking is free if under 30 minutes, and the guy gives them the works.

 

[cgrutt]

Obenauf's.

I just ordered the oil and HD paste. I've been using Fiebings mink oil (which I think is mostly petroleum jelly lol) almost exclusively. So do I need to remove the Fiebings before using the obenaufs? If so, how? Lacquer thinner?

 

[Wraith]

I just ordered the oil and HD paste. I've been using Fiebings mink oil (which I think is mostly petroleum jelly lol) almost exclusively. So do I need to remove the Fiebings before using the obenaufs? If so, how? Lacquer thinner?

Saddle soap.