Question: Leather Conditioner for Shoes

[rebos]

Hello Haberdashery,


I have a pair of black boots which I prefer to keep unpolished. I think this particular pair looks
nicer matte. I polish my other shoes; don't fret.


However, because I don't polish these ones I think the leather is more prone to getting dry and tough.
They do seem a bit too tough/dry at the moment.


Should I put some leather conditioner on them?

Is there a certain brand I might want to consider?


Here are said boots (one of them anyway):




Thanks for any words.

 

[Crixus]

Lexol Leather Conditioner. You don't need anything else unless you want a shoe dressing (protectant) also.

Be careful not to use any product that is both a cleaner and conditioner. If your leather needs cleaning, use leather cleaner, then use leather conditioner. Two separate products. The Lexol line is top notch.

 

[rebos]

Brilliant. Thanks Crixus. I have dedicated cleaners here, it's just the conditioner that I don't have.

 

[Doc4]

Obenauf's LP.

 

[rebos]

Thanks Doc4. Looks like both Lexol and Obenauf's come highly regarded. I'll see what I can find locally.

 

[Isaac]

I personally like Saphir Renovator. If you are going for a waterproofing, I would suggest Obernauf's. Just all IMHO

 

[rebos]

Hmm . . . Waterproofing isn't imperative. Mainly I just need a good conditioner to keep the leather supple.

I suspect I won't be able to find Saphir Renovateur in my area, but I'll check in at the Cobbler. It looks like
a good product. It's the only one I wasn't able to find on Amazon.

Is it French?

Off to read the reviews . . .

 

[rebos]

Yup. Looks like great stuff.

 

[Isaac]

yeah..good stuff, and its suppose to have bone marrow in it as well to help with the conditioning.

 

[Crixus]

If you are going for a waterproofing, I would suggest Obernauf's.

That is also what I have been led to believe about the Obernauf's; that it's strongest suit is more of a dressing/protectant than just a straight conditioner. And that you can "over-apply" if not careful. That said, I have never used it, so have zero personal experience with that product.

 

[Prince]

I've used Obernaufs's and really don't think you can over apply it. Wipe on, let it soak in and then wipe with a soft cloth.

 

[Crixus]

I've used Obernaufs's and really don't think you can over apply it. Wipe on, let it soak in and then wipe with a soft cloth.

I actually meant a build-up over repeated applications. But that's hearsay. I'd defer to you folks on here that are using it satisfactorily. The key is to replenish the tanning oils that get lost through use, evaporation and cleaning. Leather needs love too.

 

[Acmemfg]

Dayton's OK Oil. Made in Vancouver BC by the Dayton Boot Company. This is without a doubt the best leather conditioner I have ever used. Not cheap ($15.00/4 oz. plus shipping) but well worth it. Have used Lexol..so so. Never tried Obernauf but probably never will as OK Oil works wonders on boots, leather jackets, belts, rifle slings, baseball gloves...just about any piece of quality leather will benefit.

 

[little Big feather]

I just use 100% pure NEATSFOOT OIL. Right now I'm using Fiebing's brand.

 

[mark the shoeshine boy]

pecards is another good one to consider as well.....

 

[watchiekong]

Neatsfoot oil.
+1

 

[Doc4]

I ought to try some of that Dayton stuff ...

I personally like Saphir Renovator. If you are going for a waterproofing, I would suggest Obernauf's. Just all IMHO

Normally I would have recommended the Sahpir too, but OP said he wanted an "unpolished" look, and the Renovateur can buff up pretty "polished" pretty easily. (Not a full shine like the Saphir polish, but still a decent shine.)

That is also what I have been led to believe about the Obernauf's; that it's strongest suit is more of a dressing/protectant than just a straight conditioner. And that you can "over-apply" if not careful. That said, I have never used it, so have zero personal experience with that product.

Try some, you'll like it. Whoever told you that was not really correct.

 

[showcattle]

Bick 4 is a really good cleaner that I use on all of my boots from cowhide to exotic ymmv of course

 

[Brian S]

+2 fiebings neatsfoot oil.

 

[rebos]

First Rate.

Options aplenty.

Thanks fellas. I'll see what I can find.