Boot creams vs. good ol’ mink oil?

[JjamesIII]

Up until now my sop for boot care has been- remove caked on mud, HEAVY application of mink oil, then put them up on a boot dryer to let that oil soak into the leather. I don’t thinks my program is necessarily bad, but I’m curious if those of you have found the special boot creams to be superior to mink oil. Have you made the switch and been happier, or have you gone back to more traditional leather treatments like mink oils/waxes? I’m always looking for the better mousetrap, that’s why I asked before I soak these new zamberlans I just got in mink oil.

 

[hiker270]

I have used Mink Oil on boots. For a while now I've been using Sno-Seal Bees Wax. I really don't see any difference. I believe just keeping them clean, dry and treated is the key to keeping them in good shape.

 

[swavescatter]

I use Crispi Cream on my Crispis because that's what they called for and I didn't have anything on hand already. Seems to work great, little more waxy than oil I'd bet. For under $20 (I think), it should last a few years so pretty cheap...

 

[ppwack02]

I use Crispi Cream on my Crispis because that's what they called for and I didn't have anything on hand already. Seems to work great, little more waxy than oil I'd bet. For under $20 (I think), it should last a few years so pretty cheap...

I do the same thing with the same results. Usually do it once or twice a year and my feet stay dry. Except on Afognak...

 

[SDHNTR]

Some boot manufacturers will actually claim mink oil is bad for leather.

 

[rideold]

My understanding is Mink Oil softens leather. Might be what you want and it might not be. Depends on the use. Either way it preserves leather pretty darn good.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Clean with water and soft brush. Let dry. Apply manufacturer recommended conditioner. Done. Zero issues.

 

[packer58]

Definitely don't want to use something that will penetrate under and lift the rand if your boots have them. Manufacturers recommendations are best, especially if a warranty issue comes up ....

 

[fishslap]

For boots with a gortex liner, I use grangers boot paste and clean them first with their boot cleaner.

 

[Geewhiz]

Seams like I've tried about everything I could find and for waterproofing and conditioning of the leather I have found snoseal to work the best. Not a fan of mink oil and my least favorite of all was the kenetrek brand. Almost seamed to dry out the leather and make it crack.

 

[LoggerDan]

Nikwax. Mink oil eats thread. Lots of loggers like Hubbard.

 

[BigNate]

This best I've used. Threw away snoseal, mink oil, and a couple others.

 

[JjamesIII]

I did notice that the rand on my last pair of boots did separate from the boot partially. That may be a result of the mink oil. The leather always stayed soft, but creases still had some light cracks in the toe joint area. I will give the cream a try, sounds like it can’t hurt. I’ll keep using up the mink oil supply on my redwing work boots.

 

[MountainZ]

I use Wesco Bee Oil on all of my leather boots. Has worked well for me for years. My work boots take a beating and it keeps them conditioned well.

 

[Jermh]

Work boots, hunting boots they all get Obenaufs. I really like that stuff. Got my Crispis on the boot dryer right now prepping for a post season treatment now that bow season is wrapped up.

 

[Irish Miner]

My understanding is Mink Oil softens leather. Might be what you want and it might not be. Depends on the use. Either way it preserves leather pretty darn good.

As does Neatsfoot oil. Have used it on my work boots for years. Might not be the best water proofer product, but sure seems to help make that leather last.

 

[cornfedkiller]

my least favorite of all was the kenetrek brand.

Crazy.. the Kenetrek stuff has been my favorite.

 

[Ron.C]

I use Obenauf's LP leather conditioner on my hanwags and other leather boots. Never had a reason to use anything else

 

[jtivat]

Mink Oil and Snoseal for years tried many many others.

 

[Middleofnowhere]

Redwing used to have a pine pitch/mink oil combination that I really liked on my work boots. That said, I’ve been using Obenauf’s for about 8-years on work and hunting boots. I really like the product feel it’s the best.