How to care for old fashioned leather walking boots?

[Tad]

As ever, a question to the knowledgeable masses on Retrobike.

I've managed to get myself an awesome pair of French Foreign Legion surplus Ranger boots in un-dyed natural leather. They're unworn, the soles are factory fresh but they have been sat in a warehouse somewhere for years. The leather is as thick as anything and a bit stiff. What's the right stuff to wax/oil them with to keep them going for years to come? They're my new walking boots not just something to strut about town in. They're suprisingly comfortable straight off though somewhat heavy.

 

[TheGreenRabbit]

Some sort of Nikwax ?

 

[cyfa2809]

think my gran used to use soap?
i.e softwash with soap i think :?

or something like that

 

[orange71]

Some sort of Nikwax ?

my thoughts, but are they a bit 'suedey'? If so nikwax prob not the best idea.

 

[taffy]

Nikwax leather care is a good regular treatment (and will help condition and soften the leather without damaging it) cant tell if its sued or roughout leather from the pics.

http://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/products/pr ... oductid=77


And

http://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/products/pr ... abricid=-1


Then waterproof with Grangers or Nikwax proofers(I like nikwax as its water soluble and pretty darn eco friendly and can be applied to your gear wet)

You could use dubbin but only once (IMHO) as it will rot the stitching and stretch the leather with regular use (i.e once a month as some people do as opposed to the other care method of never....)


leather treat them and then proof them and wear them to soften and mould the leather. use the conditioner as needed (once a year if your a low user - every 4 - 6 weeks in the winter if you use them weekly/regularly)

When drying them out avoid direct heat and stuff them with newspaper - changing it when the newspaper is saturated (this dries them slowly and avoids the leather drying out completely and going stiff then cracking) or splash out on some dampires.

 

[porkypaw]

If they are smooth leather mink oil is great for waterproofing and making the leather supple.
Found it my accident when working in America, use it all the time now.
Good for cycling shoes as well.

 

[REKIBorter]

Brooks (as in the saddles) proofhide treatment.

 

[legrandefromage]

for the smaller foot:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-French-Fo ... _603wt_905

 

[Neil]

Dubbin?

 

[Tazio]

I used to have Doc Martens with a similar finish and a friend who works with theatre costumes gave me some Neats Foot Oil. Great stuff and makes them super comfy. It will make them a little bit darker but any kind of oil will.