Boot Protection

[BigBoy99]

I'm going to be getting a new pair of boots and I'd like to get some ideas/opinions on "stuff" to keep them looking nice. They are a light color and I can envision them getting stained and looking "tacky" very quickly by walking in wet, slushy snow. I'd like to get some ideas of the products which have been used succesfully by you all. Thanks.

The boots I'm considering:
Men's 6-Inch Premium Waterproof Boots | Timberland US Store

 

[Salty RI]

If the boots are oil tanned you must use oil, if they are dry tanned you use silicone.

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[Ivan the Butcher]

Years ago I tried Sno-Seal, and was very disappointed! Then I tried a Bee's Wax waterproofing. It lasts about 5 weeks and takes two days or so to cure. It also remoisturizes the boots, if they are already soaked!

I think Bart's Bees is the current maker, but that seems to change every few years and a tube last me 4 or 5 years.

Ivan

 

[tnmandpshooter]

Bees wax does work well. Otherwise silicone spray from kiwi works okay. On brown and black leather boots I use mink oil for softening the leather to break it in as well as water proof it.

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[chief38]

Water-proofing does help a little to keep them from prematurely aging but it all depends where you go with them, weather conditions and mostly how you care for them on a daily basis.

A one shot treatment will do little to keep them looking good.

I've given up on light tan colored boots! Now I only buy dark brown for hiking, hunting, etc and black for riding a motorcycle. No matter how trashed they get I can always bring them back by brushing them to get mud and sand off - and a good polishing with Lincoln Polish and a Horse Hair brush completes the maintenance.

 

[tnmandpshooter]

The polish will also help waterproof even more as will mink oil on brown or black and it also the mink oil also prevents salt stains etc as does the kiwi silicone spray. But no matter what you use on tan colored boots it will have the potential to darken them.

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[Marshwheeling]

No matter what you do to them, if the slush has salt in it, your boots (and probably your pant cuffs) are going to stain.

 

[wood714]

I bought this pair of Red Wings in 1999, and have used bee's wax on them. Had to get new soles put on a few times, but it's hard to beat a good old pair of boots.

Only time I really wear them is when I'm riding. Had them fixed up last summer.

This is what I'm using now, but I'm pretty use it's just bee's wax.

Before picture.

 

[Beauetienne]

I used mink oil and plain old polish for years on work type Red Wings and currently on tac boots. I've gone through two re-soles on the Red Wings with out the top leather showing any bad wear. I never worry about what they look like for work and woods, but they looked just fine to me.

 

[Texas Star]

The famous Russell Moccasin boot company has sold and recommended Pecard leather paste.

Courtney boot company in Zimbabwe just recommends polishing. I use Kiwi polish on my Courtney boots. But they are meant mainly for hunting in fairly dry African savannah and bush country. A boot for Alaska or the Rockies will be quite different.

Timberland recommended a silicone lotion for a pair of their boots. I have a pair by L.L. Bean that seems to be their version of the Herman Survivor.

I've used both polish and Pecard paste on mine. Same for Danner and Rocky boots.

Your boot maker will probably have suggestions.

I was disappointed with how my Russell Bird Shooters dried and cracked, despite use of the Pecard paste. Considering the high cost and this experience, I will probably not buy Russell boots again. I think they're over-hyped. Does anyone else here have experience with them?

 

[max]

it will be hard to keep them that light. Most everything will darken them. What does the mfr recommend?

 

[Onomea]

The famous Russell Moccasin boot company has sold and recommended Pecard leather paste...

...I was disappointed with how my Russell Bird Shooters dried and cracked, despite use of the Pecard paste. Considering the high cost and this experience, I will probably not buy Russell boots again. I think they're over-hyped. Does anyone else here have experience with them?

That’s good info to know, T-Star, as I have thought for some years about getting some Russell shoes.

Have you tried contacting them about your boots? I would think with their reputation (and their prices!) that it would behoove them to make it right.

 

[Texas Star]

That’s good info to know, T-Star, as I have thought for some years about getting some Russell shoes.

Have you tried contacting them about your boots? I would think with their reputation (and their prices!) that it would behoove them to make it right.

I may, about an old pair of chukka boots. I threw out the Birdshooters decades ago.

 

[wetdog1911]

Montana Pitch-Blend Leather Dressing

A blend of Pine Pitch, Mink Oil and Beeswax. Water repellent
For rugged leather goods, including shoes & boots, Saddles & tack, Jackets & apparel, motorcycle leathers, briefcases & satchels and more.
Handcrafted in the USA since 1985, No silicone, No Petroleum, No artificials.
Inhibits Bacteria/Fungus/Mold/Mildew

Yeah, I know I just typed the claims off the jar, but after getting turned on to it in 2000 by a custom sheath builder, I've used it on all my leather goods and have yet to see it not live up to a claim, especially shoes & boots.

Very little is needed and the small jar/tub will last for years. Apply with your fingertips.

Rob

 

[S42N8]

Chamberlain’s Leather Milk #6 for daily cleaning, #3 for waterproofing. Their Healing Balm is excellent for dry or worn leather. Available on Amazon, or direct at | Chamberlains Leather Milk | Fort Worth, TX

 

[BigBoy99]

Thanks for all of the great input. Based on the comments made, I'm seriously rethinking my intended choice of boot color. The wheat color looks nice but it would get dirty and look crappy in a very short period of time. Brown or black will probably be the color picked in tyhe end.

 

[Salty RI]

Back in 1964 I bought a pair of Hermans for hunting they were good boots, I wore them for many years,today they are not as good as they used to be, now I like Carolina Comfort, loggers soft toe.

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[bagga]

Pecard Leather Care. this is all I use on boots and motor cycle leather. made in Green Bay, Wisconsin USA

 

[delcrossv]

Pecard Leather Care. this is all I use on boots and motor cycle leather. made in Green Bay, Wisconsin USA

Plus 1 for the duck.

 

[wetdog1911]

I may, about an old pair of chukka boots. I threw out the Birdshooters decades ago.

I'm really considering a pair of chukkas from Russell, especially after surgery on my right leg and the chukkas being sized to your individual feet. Boots just may be a bit much in the weight dept and I don't feel that moccasins would be enough support, thus the chukkas.

Have some old catalogs, but a quick call to Russell got a couple of the foot outline & measurements sent to me.

 

[carpriver]

All but one style are nubuck, the black boots all leather. So mink oil bear oil silicone spray will work well. I use to warm the books on the open oven door, when they were nice and warm apply the mink oil and work it in. warm again work the leather again ( don't add and more oil). the next day buff well you don't want the boots felling oily, in the winter clean the boot work in some mink oil around the sole and stiches.