Leather boot care

RjCorazza · 2025-10-14T09:51:10-0400

I rarely post a new topic, but since boot care is likely of interest to many TBN folks, here we go...
I've always worn boots pretty much 365 days a year, and the hands down best waterproofing and maintenance product I've used is Obenauf's LP Heavy Duty. It's a combination of beeswax and leather oil, which keeps my feet dry in very challenging conditions.
I've tried most everything over the years, including leather oil, silicone, mink oil, and straight beeswax. If you struggle to keep your boots waterproof, give it a try. If what you use works, what type and brand is it?

gstrom99 · 2025-10-14T10:47:28-0400

Sno Seal has been my choice, for like 45 years.

Duds13 · 2025-10-14T11:08:49-0400

I like sno-seal as well, use it a lot on Kinco gloves. Ballistol is also great on leather

Jstpssng · 2025-10-14T11:12:48-0400

Huberd's Shoe Grea | Leather | Huberd Shoe Grease Company

Explore and purchase Huberd Shoe Grease Company leather care products. Determine which Huberds products are best for your leather boots, shoes, and other outdoor gear.

www.huberds.com

Unlike wax based products, this actually treats the leather.

anomad · 2025-10-14T11:20:25-0400

I like White's oil for day to day use. And their wax/preservative for wet conditions. I've also used Drew's versions of those. Wouldn't be surprised if it is the same stuff.

walhondingMF · 2025-10-14T11:31:04-0400

Sno-seal and Harness Honey are both products I use...

ponytug · 2025-10-14T12:11:25-0400

@Jstpssng I've used wax based products that contained neatsfoot oil that did treat the leather.

I used Sno-seal for many years, but I've come around to "whatever works for your boots in your conditions". I think that there are effects from the leather itself, how it was tanned and treated originally, and the boot construction (welt, seams, and tongue design) that all interact to make some products better than others for certain boots and conditions.

All the best, Peter

Paddy · 2025-10-14T12:17:57-0400

RjCorazza said:
I rarely post a new topic, but since boot care is likely of interest to many TBN folks, here we go...
I've always worn boots pretty much 365 days a year, and the hands down best waterproofing and maintenance product I've used is Obenauf's LP Heavy Duty. It's a combination of beeswax and leather oil, which keeps my feet dry in very challenging conditions.
I've tried most everything over the years, including leather oil, silicone, mink oil, and straight beeswax. If you struggle to keep your boots waterproof, give it a try. If what you use works, what type and brand is it?

If you find yourself with boots on that needed a refresh to waterproofing but get soaked, stuff the toe with newspaper so they don't lose their shape.

once they dry all wanky, it's hard to get the shape back.