Question about boot care.

M

mithril

Joined
Nov 7, 2001
Messages
133
I recently purchased a set of Caterpillar boots for work. They have a dull dark brown finish(perhaps flat brown ?), instead of a semi shiny exterior. What do I use to polish and protect the exterior of these. I emailed "Cat" 2 weeks ago, but no response. I have both mink oil and saddle soap on hand, but I'm not sure if I should use these products. Any suggestions on cleaning/polishing/waterproofing are appreciated.


As always thanks;
Mith.:confused:
 
Hey, Mithril-- If they are suede, use a silicon waterproofing spray-- should be able to find it at a shoe store or maybe even at wal-mart. If it is smooth leather, I highly recommend a product called sno-seal. It's beeswax-based. You heat the leather with a hair dryer or set it next to your stove for a bit, then rub the sno-seal on. It pretty much disappears right into the leather. Works like a charm.
--Josh
 
Chelsea Leather Food is the best leather conditioner that I have ever used period. The stuff has been around since 1890 and is made in England.

Here is what I do to maintain a pair of smooth, oiled leather Justin's. If they just need a good cleaning and not conditioning, I will just use saddlesoap to clean them. When they start getting that dry feeling, I will clean them with saddlesoap and let dry. Then apply the Chelsea, and let the boots sit overnight. After they sit overnight, I polish them with some KIWI neutral shoe polish. I buff them out with a horse hair shoe brush. After I get all this done, they look brand new. Note: Chelsea will darken the leather just a tad. Big D1
 
If its leather i always use a product called Dubbin(spelling?) i apply it every 3-4 months and its keep my boots looking good. BTW i also have a pair of CAT's i use for work and it works great on them, although now they are so beat to hell i really dont see the point in trying to make them look any better.
 
I've had different people put their hands on their heart and swear that I should use one of these products and not the other.

Dubbin fanatics say that the leather will last forever and stay supple. They also say that the heating required with to absorb snow seal will shorten the life of the boot.

Snow Seal (Waxed Based)people will say that the manufacturer just spent the whole tanning process taking out the animal fats, so why put them back with something like dubbin and that Snow Seal is better.

I'm so confused - anybody with some experience on this ? Is there a Cliff Stamp of the boot world on this forum?
 
I would use a product called Meltonian shoe and boot cream. It conditions the leather and covers up scuffs. Be careful when waterproofing, anything that uses silicone will clog the pores of the leather, which stops water from coming in, but does not allow moisture to escape causing the boots to become very hot.
 
Even though you're not referring to Danner boots, mithril, it couldn't hurt to have a look <a href="http://www.danner.com/bootmakers_bootcare.asp">here</a>.
 
Use Danner boot dressing and get yourself a boot dryer! This will get the moisture out of the inside and gently dry the leather on the outside. Just get in the habit of putting them on the dryer every night and you won't be sorry.
 
Careful with Sno Seal. It may "disolve" any glue used to attach the outer sole to the rest of your boot. I switched to Biwell after such an experience. You may find that mineral oil works as well.

I agree wholeheartedly about the benefits of a boot dryer.
 
I went the whole route on a pair of custom boots Angie bought me. This summer I tried extra virgin olive oil right off of the grocery store shelf. So far I am absolutely satisfied. My feet have stayed dryer this winter than ever before. The tip came from my saddel maker.
 
http://www.mtpitchblend.com/

I have tried just about every product on the market for leather and the two products sold by
this company I am most satisfied with. If I
couldn't get these my second choice would be
Sno Seal. Read through their website. Lots of good info.

Just a satisfied customer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top