Boot Care

[puffer]

In a previous thread, the ?? of "boot care" arouse. Here are some of my thoughts.

NOTE - if this is not the proper place for this thread , please move..

I live in the Pacific North West. I wear several styles of Moccasin "Boots". & the conditions are varied. ( Water (lots of rain), Chemicals (oil, etc. on the streets), Snow ( when hunting & "treking") These suggestion are based on my own experience & suggestions from others ( muzzle loading buddies)

NOTE these suggestions are NOT for "suede" type leathers.

I. Cleaning - IMPORTANT.
Remove all surface dirt. ( use warm water & a sponge to take off the surface dirt.
Scrub with a GOOD saddle soap or a GOOD leather cleaner. ( NOTE - DO NOT simply buy off the "shelf". Check with a GOOD boot dealer ( like Red Wing, Whites etc.) or a Saddle shop. Many "cleaners contain Chem.s etc. 0r can seal the leather & not allow the preservative to penetrate)) I use a product that is used for saddles ( my daughters introduced me to the product)

II DRY - Let throughly dry ( DO NOT try to "hurry" the process by placing close to a heater ( you can use a hair dryer on LOW HEAT, but best to let them dry "Naturally)

III. Water proofing & preserving - NOTE- I do Not like any product that contains SILICONE or Mink oil (for boots)I use a product made by Whites Boots". " Whites Boots Preservative"( they have several products, but this is the best IMHO. This company is one of the finest maker of work boots in the country ( logging, hunting, etc.) http://www.whitesoutdoor.com/store/s...eases+%26+Oils Another source to check would be you Red Wing store.
A. Warm the boot with a hair dryer (low heat)
B. Massage in the preservative completely (use the dryer to keep the boot warm & product "liquid". Let the boot cool & then reapply. ( keep doing this untill the boot will take no more )

I hope this helps

Puffer

[Bugbear]

That's interesting, thanks for the information.

[Clockwork John]

Thanks for that. As I wear boots almost exclusively, I'm pretty good about caring for them, but I'm definitely gonna have to try the hair dryer trick next time I clean my boots.

If you don't mind me asking, why don't you like mink oil?

[BoldHighlander]

Thanks!

[Jack Daw]

Thanks, Puffer. What are the preserving agents used in Whites (if you don't mind sharing that)?

[puffer]

Thanks, Puffer. What are the preserving agents used in Whites (if you don't mind sharing that)?

Here is what the label says
"Protects against water = chemicals = cracking = dry rot = scuffing
A unique blend natural oils, waxes, and resins (what are they ?? All I Know is that a few years ago I was @ Whites to have the do an over haul on the 15 year old "logging boots ( Whites )I use for hunting. I had always use "Hubbard's boot grease & it worked. But I got to talking to them & they gave some of the preserve to try. When I asked about the ingredients, they just "smiled", but one of them said"would you believe BEAR oil?? ) The Label goes on to say " Anti-bacterial resins to resist mildew & bacterial damage Contains no harmful petroleum substitutes, silicones or mink oil."
So there you have what little I know. The bottom line is IMHO, it works.
PUFFER