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Post by jeffrx on Oct 11, 2014 20:50:01 GMT -6
I am currently conditioning a pair of 1K boots with Saphir Renovateur. The bottle says to put it on lightly (after cleaning the leather of course), leave it on for 3 minutes, and then buff off. I love the stuff and I think it smells great too. Instead of the recommended 3 minutes, I apply a thin coat over the entire boot with my bare finger and let it sit overnight. This allows for the maximum penetration into the leather to help you get the full effect of the product. The following day, I use a horsehair brush for a few minutes to buff the excess product off and get a little shine, if desired. For shoes, I will polish at this point with Saphir cream, which is available in various colors. For boots, I just condition - no polish unless it's a dress boot.
The Renovateur is a great conditioner. A bit on the expensive side, but you really don't need a lot and you eliminate waste by applying with your finger (wash hands immediately after in case it might be toxic).
There are many other methods I'm sure. I also have a bunch of the Allen Edmonds Conditioner/Cleaner, but I just feel like the Renovateur does a superior job. Maybe it's in my head, who knows...
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Post by matt on Oct 11, 2014 22:12:23 GMT -6
Thanks for sharing this Jeff. I have been researching this of late and you've given me a little more insight.
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Post by brentkuz on Oct 15, 2014 14:22:38 GMT -6
Saddle soap to clean mink oil after that.
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Post by Old26 on Oct 15, 2014 14:27:28 GMT -6
Mink oil is crap for anything with stitching, etc. It will rot it over time. There are petro-based options that are much better.
Pecards, Sno*Seal, and even some guys use Vaseline. Unless there's something on there like a stain, etc. I only use damp washcloths that I buy in cheap bulk.
Put the boots/shoes in the sun to warm up. Same with the product.
Put on warm for the best results - opens the pores and it penetrates well. Don't overdo it. People ruin great footwear and jackets all the time by soaking them with unneeded goo.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2014 14:51:30 GMT -6
coconut oil and olive oil are fairly common as well. i've been trying out 'leather honey' over the last year on a variety of boots. i was pretty happy with it through our miserable winter last year.
i like to apply cleaners or conditioners with my (sometimes gloved) fingers. very light coat, full dry, brush. sometimes a 2nd light coat depending on the shoe/leather.
a dallas cobbler steered me away from mink oil several years ago. said it could go rancid over time and that it could chew up stitching.
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Post by brentkuz on Oct 15, 2014 15:09:22 GMT -6
Non-synthetic mink oil has worked well for me for years. Never had a problem with stitching or leather being ruined. Great for snow and water. I never kept one tin for a long time for it to go rancid and I store in a cool dark dry place
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Post by stinky on Oct 15, 2014 15:42:24 GMT -6
Like a lot of you, I steer clear of most major brand products as they contain petroleum based and lab based products which may or may not have the effect of deteriorating the leather prematurely. Most shoes these days are disposable, so the long term effect of these products on shoes is never really tested IMO.
For deep conditioning, I use a home made concoction containing emu oil, beeswax, and other natural ingredients.
For light conditioning, I use Blackrock Leather N Rich, which is the go-to product for people who are in to collecting/trading/selling high-end handbags. It has a high caranuba content, and makes my shoes smell like leathery Swedish Fish.
Just don't overdo it on the conditioner. Too much conditioner is just as bad as not conditioning them at all.
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Post by julian on Oct 16, 2014 7:47:14 GMT -6
Conditioner - either Collonil 1909 Leather Cream or Saphir Renovateur, depending on the leather in question and what needs doing to it.
It's something I rarely do with the 1k boots as I tend to find a proper brushing brings them up well without the need for additional product most of the time.
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Post by Derek G on Oct 16, 2014 19:24:50 GMT -6
A friend of mine gave me a pair of air force issue wellco's. They're suede and I was wondering if I can use the products mentioned, or, if because they're suede, I need to care for them differently. I would think that leather is leather...but I'm not sure. So I'm hoping that you guys could give me ideas on what to use to clean/condition them. Thanks in advance  |
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Post by stinky on Oct 16, 2014 19:29:25 GMT -6
A friend of mine gave me a pair of air force issue wellco's. They're suede and I was wondering if I can use the products mentioned, or, if because they're suede, I need to care for them differently. I would think that leather is leather...but I'm not sure No way. Regular leather conditioner will trash the suede. There are special products/brushes for suede. |
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Post by Winterland on Oct 16, 2014 21:21:31 GMT -6
Great reading the different methods from everyone. I use a horse hair brush for general cleaning and sometimes a damp cloth when real dusty. I use a few different things for conditioning depending on the leather and use. All of these will darken the leather some. Which has always looked great to me. My leather hunting boots and moccasins I use Nor-V-Gen oil www.norvgen.com/It is made here in Minnesota. My grandfather and other relatives have used it forever with no issues. Not sure what all is in it but it says no animal byproducts or silcone. I warm the leather and apply a coat before every season. I let it soak in and then buff with a soft cloth. Make sure to get the seams well. Haven't had any leaks and leather seems to stay in great shape.  For my leather shoes and Red Wing, White's boot etc, I use Whites conditioner Whites Obernaufs LPwhich is Obernauf's LP. It helps protect from the salt and snow that I need to deal with in our long winters. Same application as above, warm leather a little and apply. Let soak in and buff with a soft cloth. Will sometimes use Kiwi polish for scuffs when needed. Will apply polish first.  My wife has Steger Mukluks www.mukluks.com/ and they are suede moosehide. I use Snow-Proof shop.mukluks.com/Snow-Proof/ which is silicone based but says it does not block the pores to allow leather to breathe.   |
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Post by davelewis on Oct 16, 2014 22:13:17 GMT -6
I use White's, or Orbenaufs, which is essentially the same. Not for suede, but for everything else. I'll usually use White's boot oil once a year in the Spring, and then use Obernaufs LP in the Winter months. Like Old26 mentioned, don't over use these. Well tanned leather doesn't need condition at all when new, and should only be treated when it looks like it could use a little TLC. Leather jackets should be worn for years before they should ever need treating.
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Post by univibe88 on Oct 26, 2014 10:31:18 GMT -6
Electric shocks
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2014 5:25:20 GMT -6
I was in the Army for 6yrs... I treat EVERY pair of leather footwear I buy... from the cheapest to the most expensive (Including shell)
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2014 6:07:01 GMT -6
Oops, didn't include my methods...
Nothing fancy. Smooth leathers get washed off with warm water, then oiled with Obenaufs boot oil, then a layer of Obenaufs Heavy Duty LP. Rough leathers get brushed and then Camp Dry, usually 2-3 coats.
Sneakers get Camp Dry also
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Post by brentkuz on Oct 31, 2014 15:19:45 GMT -6
How do y'all clean suede. I have some allen edmonds Mojave chukkas that need some cleaning.
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Post by jeffrx on Oct 31, 2014 15:45:20 GMT -6
How do y'all clean suede. I have some allen edmonds Mojave chukkas that need some cleaning. I use a hard bristle suede brush to get dirt off. To this point, that's really all I've had to do. Some companies do make suede cleaning products. I know Saphir has one that's up there on the list of the best ones. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2014 16:20:39 GMT -6
How do y'all clean suede. I have some allen edmonds Mojave chukkas that need some cleaning. I use a hard bristle suede brush to get dirt off. To this point, that's really all I've had to do. Some companies do make suede cleaning products. I know Saphir has one that's up there on the list of the best ones. A hard bristle brush by itself does a great job, but for a couple beaten up pairs of Timbs, Timberland Renewbuck did wonders. |
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Post by Griffin on Nov 1, 2014 4:38:21 GMT -6
Pecards antique. Darkens the leather minimally. I mainly got this for leather jackets, but it works on everything leather so this is the only product I use. (other then ocasionally waxing edges of a wallet or the likes.) www.pecard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Pecard&Product_Code=PLD16-A&Category_Code=antique-dressThis has held for many years on a coupple of boots and several layers on entire leather jackets. 1. Put on. 2. Wait and see, if its absorbed hella quick (or on certain spots) apply more. 3. Give it 1 sleep. 4. Wipe of excess. 5. Wait. 6. Shine. |
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Post by bugula on Nov 1, 2014 6:37:11 GMT -6
late to the party here but am getting ready to give some love to a pair of boots. is there a site anyone would recommend that sells a wide range of shoe care products (ie. one stop shop for all materials)?
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Post by bugula on Nov 1, 2014 7:52:34 GMT -6
found this site for all things Saphir. sounds like that might be the brand to go with anyway: www.hangerproject.com/ |
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Post by jbreitenbucher on Dec 29, 2014 23:20:52 GMT -6
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Post by marauder on Dec 30, 2014 11:44:08 GMT -6
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Post by jeffrx on Dec 30, 2014 11:47:37 GMT -6
I've heard that Lexol conditioner is good stuff for boots.
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Post by colerussell on Jan 2, 2015 14:20:20 GMT -6
How do you guys care for your boots?
Shoe tree/no tree/ do these things really make a difference?
Boot wax/polish/none of the above?
Moderation.
Moved this post and a few others to a thread already existing.
Thanks Winterland
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