leather protectors/conditioners?

LaPed

I'll be honest, I haven't owned a whole lot of leather shoes in my life (was vegan and poor for a long time!), and most of the ones I have owned have been boots that need to hold up to wet, muddy, icy, salty/sandy environments. So I've only ever used Nikwax waterproofing conditioner, but I recognize that any leather treatment that waterproofs leather also reduces its natural breathability. I have a couple pairs of new leather shoes I'd like to keep looking nice for a good long time, but which I'd also like to be able to wear out in the world once in a while . I'm realizing that I don't actually know the best way to take care of "good" shoes. Wondering what others in rainy/snowy/muddy climates do to protect their footwear from the elements. What products you prefer for cleaning and conditioning, and how often you use them, etc.

6 years ago

General

6 replies

Latest reply was from Coffeegirl28

Diana

Veteran

I like the Doc Martens wonder balsam for conditioning and polishing shoes (also works on handbags!); it makes things water resistant (but not waterproof) and also reduces the appearance of scratches, scuffs, etc.

I also use Kiwi protect-all spray from the drugstore to waterproof my boots. It's stinky so do it outside or in a well ventilated area if possible. Which reminds me, I really need to do it to these boots I'm wearing today in the rain - I have wet toes, which is no fun!

ETA: I really only do these things once a season because I am lazy. Usually when I put them away for the summer.

6 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

Diana -- I used to use Kiwi on my hiking boots years ago, but I hated the fumes, even outside! That's when I switched to Nikwax. Then I switched to hiking in trail runners, and didn't need to treat any leather for years. I actually have some of the DM Wonder Balsam lying around from a few years ago, when Mr LP replaced his Docs. Maybe I should just use that up first before I go shopping.

6 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Well at least Kiwi brand has a good inspo of our national bird

6 years ago

Sal

Veteran

For leather boots or shoes I nugget them and occasionally use a conditioner. I get them re- heeled occasionally. I wipe off mud with a damp cloth. I don't tend to wear them out- only shoes like sneakers. I am just doing some leather care this morning and was thinking how old some of my footwear is. I do tend to do serious walking in gear rather than leather though.

6 years ago

Nomad

Active Member

I use Leather Honey (bought on Amazon)... it's a goopey, slightly sticky liquid. I use an old paintbrush to apply. I should use it more often than I do (which is sporadically, when I happen to remember), but it seems to work well at keeping leather shoes/boots hydrated and water-resistant. It can darken the color of the leather (at least temporarily), so be warned.

6 years ago

Coffeegirl28

Active Member

I try to keep my leather shoes clean of mud, stains, and salt as it happens. I also condition the leather a few times a year. The one I use is similar but I couldn't find it online...this one is well reviewed though:

https://www.amazon.com/Otter-W.....+treatment

Apply it, let it sit, and then buff it off! Doesn't take too long at all. I usually do this once or twice a year in addition to an annual tune up before they get put away for the season.

6 years ago

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