Alternative to neatsfoot oil

[Desk Jockey]

I tend to use paste wax on hunting boots but it is pricey. So for casual and work boots I had used a gallon of neatsfoot oil. Dabbed it on with a brush and wiped off the excess. Used it on danner and Chippewa boots, some casual shoes,etc. I usually conditioned then during a break in and then when they would get dried out. Used neatsfoot on work gloves, base ball mits, sheaths and a few other leather goods.

Had never had an issue until recently where both soles separated on a nice pair of rarely worn filson boots. A little reading says neatsfoot oil can dissolve some types of glue.

So I am looking for some input. Am I worried about nothing or should I switch? What is a good, fairly cheap option for oiling leather foot gear?

 

[Old Bear]

I don't know about cheap but I switched from neatsfoot oil for my boots and saddles a long time ago. I use lexol leather conditioner.

 

[Sharp Things]

Were you using actual neatsfoot oil or a neatsfoot oil "compound" There is a differance as the "compound" is a lesser cost oil that may have caused the dissolving of the glue.

There are a lot of leather conditioners available. I get all my leather stuff from Tandy leather. Here are 3 pages of things to condition and protect leather

Cleaners-Conditioners | Tandy Leather

 

[Desk Jockey]

Current bottle is 100% neatsfoot oil. Fire rings I think. Can’t recall what the last one was.

 

[Sharp Things]

The link will show you mink oil and several other options that may solve your problem.

 

[cowboy300]

14 oz. Saddle Butter(R) – Ray Holes Leather Care Products, Inc. I switched to this stuff on all my leather goods and cant say enough good about it. I use it on tack, saddles, boots, belts, holsters, etc... Ive used them all and this is the only stuff that soaks into your hands like lotion and doesnt leave that greasy sticky feeling you have to try and wash off multiple times, so its got to be easy on glue, rubber rands. etc. For pure waterproofing on leather boots its hard to beat snowseal but it will kill any breathability of the boot.

 

[rayporter]

the soles separating are probably not from the oil. I took a pair that separated into a shoe repair place and they said it was pretty common. we laughed that the darn glue has a shelf life and all of them are falling apart in x number of years.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Current bottle is 100% neatsfoot oil. Fire rings I think. Can’t recall what the last one was.

I stopped using neats on my saddles and just went with olive oil, no issues.