How should I protect these new workboots?
October 18, 2018 6:14 AM Subscribe
I have some new work boots for winter, and I'd like to take care of the leather so that they stay waterproof and last as long as possible.
So I just got these sweet Merrells for my winter work boots, and I like 'em. They're comfy, insulated, waterproof, and have a good sole for winter conditions. They're also full leather, which is good because I need the abrasion resistance, but which isn't always super happy about getting wet over and over again.
What should I use to renew the leather, help it stay waterproof, and keep it from getting cracked and damaged? Ideally I'd like to just have some oil that I could occasionally rub into them and call it good. I've used Sno Seal for this in the past but it's a bit of a production to really get it applied well so I usually end up doing it once and then never bothering again. I'd like something quick and liquid. Not sure what to use, though.
I don't care how the boots look; they're work boots and are going to get trashed pretty fast no matter what. I just want to keep them functional.
So I just got these sweet Merrells for my winter work boots, and I like 'em. They're comfy, insulated, waterproof, and have a good sole for winter conditions. They're also full leather, which is good because I need the abrasion resistance, but which isn't always super happy about getting wet over and over again.
What should I use to renew the leather, help it stay waterproof, and keep it from getting cracked and damaged? Ideally I'd like to just have some oil that I could occasionally rub into them and call it good. I've used Sno Seal for this in the past but it's a bit of a production to really get it applied well so I usually end up doing it once and then never bothering again. I'd like something quick and liquid. Not sure what to use, though.
I don't care how the boots look; they're work boots and are going to get trashed pretty fast no matter what. I just want to keep them functional.
Saphir Dubbin Graisse is made with mink oil and seal oil. Great for nourishing and waterproofing boots, etc. Leather stays breathable.
posted by slkinsey at 6:37 AM on October 18, 2018
posted by slkinsey at 6:37 AM on October 18, 2018
Sno-seal is a classic.
These will all cut down on the breathability of the leather though, and might leave you wearing two portable swamps. I have sweaty feet and made the mistake of heavily sno-sealing a new pair of boots. I have to be very careful about making sure they dry between wears now, as the leather is getting damaged from the inside.
posted by jellywerker at 6:38 AM on October 18, 2018
These will all cut down on the breathability of the leather though, and might leave you wearing two portable swamps. I have sweaty feet and made the mistake of heavily sno-sealing a new pair of boots. I have to be very careful about making sure they dry between wears now, as the leather is getting damaged from the inside.
posted by jellywerker at 6:38 AM on October 18, 2018
Response by poster: Is there any reason not to get just straight-up lanolin oil?
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 7:04 AM on October 18, 2018
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 7:04 AM on October 18, 2018
Lanolin is for conditioning the leather, the mink oil is for protecting it. (Also lanolin by itself is incredibly greasy.) I spent a few years in the construction industry, and my stepfather spent his entire career there: he and all the other old timers I met all swear by dubbins that include mink oil. I've also had good luck with it.
posted by Fish Sauce at 9:42 AM on October 18, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Fish Sauce at 9:42 AM on October 18, 2018 [2 favorites]
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