Boot Care.....? - YouLookFab Forum

Now that my boot collection is growing, I want to make sure I care for them as I should. I found some threads here on boot care and now need to make sure I do the right thing for my little boot family.

From what I've read, I should weatherproof my boots once a boot season (something I've never done before). Would the Frye spray do the trick on any type of leather (from stiff to slouchy)? http://www.zappos.com/frye-fry.....ay-neutral

Then I read to apply a conditioner 2 or 3 times a boot season. Leather conditioner cream: http://www.zappos.com/frye-lea.....-cream-n-a

And would this Saddle Soap clean and take the place of the above mentioned conditioner: http://www.amazon.com/Fiebings.....038;sr=8-1

I am not stuck on the Frye brand, but figured Frye knows leather boots so it is what I chose. If there's anything better or just as good you like to use, please let me know the brand because I get totally confused when faced with too many options.

I also read about Mink Oil.... Would that take the place of the conditioner cream? And does it too work on all types of leather?

There has been a lot of mention here about boots, so maybe this can help others too.

Thanks!

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

12 years ago

Kate

Veteran

I’m not sure about weatherproofing. My LaCanadiennes were made waterproof, and I read not to use any other water/weather proofing on them. So be sure to check if any of your boots came pretreated. I don’t wear my Eric Michaels when I know it’s going to be wet out, so I assume that the mink oil I use provides enough weather protection.

I walk a lot, so I’ve found that every 50-70 wears I need to take them in to get new heels. When I do this I also get them polished. It costs me $20 for 1 pair of boots and 1 pair of booties to be re-heeled and polished. The re-heel is completely worth it, and not something I would attempt on my own! I could polish them myself, but I would have to buy a polish that matched each pair, plus I don’t mind supporting my local cobbler. So long story short, I don’t own shoe polish. (I realize you didn’t ask about polish.)

The only thing I keep at home is mink oil. I love that it will work on anything, no matter the color. I use it whenever I notice my boots (or sandals) aren’t looking that great, probably every 30 wears or so. For my boots this means that I oil them once between visits to cobbler.

I should also mention that I live in a rather dry, snow-free climate with very mild winters (Arizona), so I think a lot of this would be different if I were back in Seattle or Ohio. I hope that this is helpful!

Makrame

My big problem was removing salt stains from my boots (I am шт Upstate NY so plenty of snow and salt here). I found out last winter that mixing a bit of vinegar with water and using this mixture on a soft cloth helps remove salt stains. I also bought Sno Seal and used it on those boots I wear in winter.

Kafe

Active Member

Thanks for the replies.

So.... if I got some saddle soap and some mink oil, would my boots be good to go? Weatherproofed and conditioned?

I'm most concerned about my lighter Frye Veronica boots because the leather seems like it would be more picky to treatments.

ironkurtin

I believe saddle soap moisturizes and protects, as does mink oil, but mink oil also protects againstwater damage. If you're concerned about changing the color, do a test on the inside where it won't show. I personally think a slightly darker color that protects the leather (and which only you are likely to notice) is not a bad trade.

You should never use either of the above with anything with a nap, though, like suede, or something with a textured finish.

Category