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.