Wear Your Boots In.... Not Out

In my opinion leather footwear looks and feels at its best when naturally worn in, but all too often people mistake worn in for uncared for. Whether it be a jacket, boot, shoe or studded hot pant, leather needs to be looked after in the right way for it to last long enough to achieve the desired look. Leather is a skin, and from time to time skin needs to be protected and moisturized to stop damage from the elements.

The first worry for many people is that having spent months living in their boots and wearing off that fresh out of a box look, applying any form of spray, oil or cream will reset the clock on them. True, if you slather on a tin of polish and buff away like a frantic fiddler. But knowing what products are available and how to use them will not only extend the life of your boots, but also help preserve the wear and tear that tells the story of their travels. This is what will make them unique to you.

Of course the best time to apply any shoe product if when you buy them and before you wear them. Although, any time is better than never! I’ve tried a few products out there, but I’ve always found the best results with Mink oil. Relatively cheap to buy, £4 - £20 depending on the brand/size and can be bought in oil or paste form. I was shown a great way to apply it buy a saddle maker in Ireland, he used this method for equestrian goods but can be used to great effect with any leather product. Simply warm up the oil or paste until in liquid form and apply to warm leather. The boots can be warmed in the sun, by a radiator or even in a very low oven. Only a very short time is needed, you are looking for just warm and certainly not hot. If using the oven, preheat to the lowest temperature and keep a constant eye on. The leather will then drink up the oil in a matter a seconds. I’ve subsequently found this clip on youtube that shows the process.

I’ve also come across this blog on the same subject by Texan bag makers, Satchel and Page. Various other interesting stuff on their blog also.  

Rockers And Their Leather Jackets

Some pretty impressive jacket studding at the anual Towester Ton Up. In 1950's-60's Britain, "Rockers" or coffee shop cowboys as they were also know could be found in every roadside cafe from Land's End to John o' Groats. Their goal? "The magic Ton"  

Often found riding a British made Norton or Triumph motorcycle, rockers would test their machines to the limit trying to reach 100mph (ton) on the motoways up and down the country. 

With pomade in their hair and turn up jeans, individualism was expressed on their leather jackets.

Line up

Badges, studs and paint

Tricker's Wedge Sole Brogue Boots

British custom cobblery at it's best. Trickers brogue boots with Vibram wedge soul, mustard and brown laces and red contrast pull loops. Me like.....me want.....me can't afford.

Iro Ochi = Faded Beauty

Kawatako Leather Goods

Japanese artisan craftmanship doesn't come cheap, or small for that matter. Translated as leather octopus "Kawatako" produces a superb line a leather and hardware accessories. The wallets are as oversized as they are expensive, setting you back $300 - $500 in any store your lucky enough to find them in. But at those prices I'd almost insist on it half hanging out of my pocket.

Other smaller,but no less well made items such as the 100% pure brass key hooks can be picked up for around $40 to $60. I've yet to find anywhere in the UK or Europe that stocks this brand but if anyone knows somewhere that does, feel free to let me know.

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